Upgrading your car’s radio is simpler than you think. Installing a new radio yourself is an easy cost-efficient way to spruce up your car without emptying your wallet.
Before you begin taking out the original radio set the parking brake and remove the negative cable off the battery. Doing these two things will ensure that the car will be stationary and that nothing will get short-circuited when you are removing the old radio and installing the new one.
Estimated Installation Time: Minimum 1 hr. 30 mins.
Tools Needed: (depending upon the vehicle)
Table of Contents
There are two ways factor radios are mounted into the center console of a car:
Begin by inserting the DIN tool directly into the wholes on the left and right sides of the stereo until a clicking sound is heard. The clicking sound is caused by the DIN tool releasing the clips allowing the stereo system to then be pulled directly out of the console.
Depending on the year and make of the car you might be required to remove trim panels off the dash. First, examine the area to see if there are any bolts that can be removed to disassemble the panels.
If not, carefully pry back the plastic trim from the dash. Once you’ve gained access to the factory radio to remove the radio simply unscrew the remaining screws bolting the radio to the frame.
To complete the removal process of the factory radio you will need to unplug the stereo from the wiring harness that electrically connects it to the car, as well as the antenna.
The easiest route to connecting the stereo to the car’s electrical system is to purchase a wire harness specifically designed for the model and make of the car the stereo is being installed in. If you do not purchase a wire harness you can connect the wires by crimping them or soldering them.
If you decide to take this route, in order for the new radio to work as seamlessly as the factory one did, you will need to be able to identify the function of the cords by color if a wiring harness is not available for your vehicle. You will need this information in order to connect the correct stereo wires to each other.
Generally, you will need a mounting kit to actually attach the radio to the center console but If the original factory stereo was bolted in you will need to first detach the mounting brackets and then attach them to the new stereo. If you are using a mounting kit attach the radio first attach the actual mounting kit and then slide the stereo into place.
TIP: Its easier to fix a problem while the radio is still exposed. Turn on the power and after you are sure everything is properly working secure the radio to the console and attach any of the trim panels or other things removed.
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