Installing a new car stereo is often quite simple, so much so that you can proceed on your own. This article aims to provide you with a general guide, but remember that some cars and systems are more complicated than others, and that every car and stereo are different. For all these reasons, there are specifications that may differ from what is described in the tutorial. Remember to read the instructions that come with your new stereo before attempting to install it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Disassemble the Old Stereo
Step 1. Park the car by activating the parking brake and disconnect the negative cable from the battery
Remember that this step is very important to avoid a short circuit in the electrical system during installation.
If you want to have all the information you need to disconnect the battery, read this article
Step 2. Unscrew each screw holding the stereo bezel in its slot
Be very careful and check that you have loosened each screw before you pry the frame, to avoid breaking it.
Step 3. Remove the frame
In some cases it is made up of different plastic elements and you will have to detach them working from the bottom up.
- If you need to remove a frame that includes knobs or drawers, remember to remove these elements before prying.
- You can use your bare hands or a tool to disconnect the frame pieces.
Step 4. Extract all necessary components
If you need to disassemble some elements before accessing the stereo, do so now.
Disconnect the pieces that are connected to the car's electrical system. Take pictures to learn how to restore the wiring later
Step 5. Loosen the stereo
Each car has special elements that secure the radio in its housing.
- If yours is blocked with screws or bolts, loosen them with the appropriate tool (respectively screwdriver or wrench).
- If there are no screws and bolts, then a specific disassembly key may be required. This, most of the time, has a spherical or elongated horseshoe-shaped end, while on the other side it has a notched shaft. You can buy it in almost all auto parts stores.
- Insert the key into the two small slots on the front of the stereo. This unlocks the fastening mechanism. Repeat this procedure until you can feel that the radio is no longer locked in its cradle. At this point you shouldn't have any difficulty getting it out of the dashboard.
Step 6. Remove the radio from the cockpit panel
You may need fine-tipped pliers to get a good grip on the edges of the stereo and remove it. Pull gently, and if the stereo resists, check once again that you haven't forgotten any fasteners.
Step 7. Take a picture of the wiring
This step is essential, because you will need a reference image when you need to connect the new stereo.
Step 8. Disconnect the connections
You will notice a series of cables that connect the rear of the radio to the electrical system; you have to disconnect them.
- First, disconnect the antenna cable, which is usually the thickest and separated from the rest of the wires. Once you have removed it, you should be able to move the radio more easily.
- You can then detach each connector from the wired cables. There will be several, and you will be able to recognize them because each connector is attached to a series of cables. The piece of plastic that the cables plug into should have a squeeze tab or button that releases the connection.
Part 2 of 3: Install the New Stereo
Step 1. Match the cables
Make sure that the connectors coming out of the car connect to the corresponding connectors on the stereo. Since these harnesses are unique and of the "male-female" type, you can't go wrong in matching them.
- In any case, to be sure of the work, check the system diagram of both the car and the stereo.
- If your car does not use a connection system with wired connectors and cables, then you will need to pair the wires manually. The cables are color-coded, so you have to join each wire coming out of the car with that of the stereo of the same color.
- Connect the paired cables. In this case, you have two solutions to proceed: you can use crimping or soldering. The first solution is the fastest and easiest, but soldering provides a more secure and stable connection. Use the right size crimping pliers and do not tie the cables together with electrical tape, as it could dry out and lose its adhesive power: rely on the cable ties.
Step 2. Assemble the mounting kit
If your new stereo comes with a separate mounting kit, assemble it following the specific instructions for your model (most of the time you have to insert a metal box inside the dashboard, in the radio housing).
To fix the metal box to the edges of the dashboard, push the metal tabs along its perimeter with a screwdriver that allow it to lock
Step 3. Connect the stereo to the power supply
Usually, if you have a connector in which the various wired cables confer, you just need to connect the one that comes out of the car to that of the stereo.
If your model does not have a connector, you will need to manually connect it. First you need to figure out if your car has switched (typically a red lead) or continuous (yellow lead) power. You can do some research online for more information on the subject
Step 4. Connect the ground
If you are using a connector with the various cables, the connection to grounding occurs automatically.
- If you don't have the connector, then you need to find a nut, wire, or screw that makes contact with the bare metal of the car's chassis. Loosen the nut, cable, or screw and tuck the stereo ground wire under it, which is usually black. At this point you just have to screw the nut / screw.
- Remember that grounding is very important for the stereo to function properly. If the ground wire is not fixed to the bare metal, the connection does not take place; also, if the connection is loose, you will have bad radio sound quality.
Step 5. Join the remaining strands
Connect the antenna cable and the stereo wiring adapter to the machine connector. Also connect a converter, if necessary, to make the car stereo compatible with the car's audio system.
Step 6. Test the stereo
Turn it on, set the radio to AM and FM frequencies to make sure it works, and make sure the CD player works too. Also test the settings of the fade, the balance between the speakers to verify that they work properly. Finally turn off the stereo.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Job
Step 1. Push the stereo into its slot
Once it is fully embedded, you should hear a "click".
Step 2. Reassemble the various elements
Tighten all the screws you need to lock the stereo into its housing, reconnect all the wired components, and replace all the buttons and compartments you removed.
Step 3. Insert all the pieces that form the frame together to complete the assembly
Carefully check that all screws and bezels are secure.
Step 4. Test the stereo one more time
Turn on the car and try out different radio and CD player settings to make sure everything works perfectly.
Advice
- Remember to buy a stereo model that fits the make and model of your car. If you need help deciding what to buy, go to an electronics store or one that specializes in automotive electronics and ask the clerk for help. You can also do some research online to find some suggestions.
- In some cases, the electronics store also offers - included in the price of the stereo - installation (or for a minimum fee); it's worth asking.
- When you remove all the screws and nuts, place them in the cup holder inside the passenger compartment so as not to lose them.
- To make the connections between the cables easier, check if there is an adapter that will allow you to connect the old ISO cables to the new stereo.
Warnings
- Follow the instructions provided with your new stereo system carefully. In some cases there may be particular steps for installation.
- If you find that you no longer know how to continue working or you feel frustrated because you are unable to complete it, ask a professional auto electrician for help, otherwise you will damage the car or you could be injured.
