How to Splice an Old Car Stereo to a New CD Player

Almost every car on the road has a CD player in it. CDs are durable and the sound quality is much better than cassettes. Many people only play CDs in their car. Knowing how to install a CD player will provide you with hours of enjoyment. It is also cost effective. You can spend more money on a better quality CD player instead of paying someone to install it.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters
• Screwdriver set
• Electrical tape
• Wire strippers
• New car stereo

Instructions

1. Inspect your car to determine what size and style CD player will fit. You can also decide which tools you will need and if you will need to remove the dashboard. Take measurements of the length and width of the current audio unit.

2. Purchase special tools that are available at your local hardware store to pop the old unit out of the dashboard. Place all the items you will need together and make sure you can reach them yourself before you contort your body to fit under the dashboard of your car.

3. Turn the power off in the car by disconnecting the battery cables. You can get an electrical shock from a car wire just like in your house. Also, you don't want to short out the electrical system in your car.

4. Take the dashboard apart by unscrewing the hidden screws under the dashboard. Once you remove the dashboard, the old audio unit should pop out easily. Be careful not to rip the wires out of the front of the car. You will need to splice the wires to the new CD player.

5. Create a label for each wire before you cut. This step will save you from a great deal of stress later on in the installation.

6. Cut each wire with a wire cutter. Make a clean cut that doesn't leave the end of the wire frayed. Once cut you place the CD player in the hole, keep the wires accessible to you for splicing. Attach the new CD player with the mounting brackets.

7. Establish a pattern between the new wires and the old ones. Take the wire cutter and make a clean cut on each wire. The wires will be color-coded, so match them up. Twist the ends of the wires together and cap them with wire connectors.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your owner's manual for the exact location of the screws attaching your dashboard.

• Get all your tools and equipment in one place near you inside the car. The more organized you are the easier the installation will be.

• There are male and female wire connectors. Put the same color wire into each gendered cap and then screw them together.

• Always cut away from you when cutting wire.

• If a wire connector is not used you can cause a fire or blow out the whole electric system of your car.