Things You'll Need:
- Wiring butts(found at local hardware store, if you ask for them they know what you're talking about)
- Pair of wire crimps(looks like a pair of pliers, again if you ask for them they will know what you want)
- Wiring harness(I recommend going to Best Buy, they are usually cheapest. Just go to the car audio dept. and ask for the wiring harness for your make/model vehicle)
- Dash kit (this is the unit that houses your new Deck. Also found in car audio dept. You will have to ask for it, they don't keep them on the shelves)
- Flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers
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Step 1
Disconnect the battery!
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Step 2
Begin by gently removing the large plastic faceplate that generally surrounds the console. (this usually requires some convincing, I like to use a flat head screw driver to pry it off) There will be wires connected to this to control A/C and the like.
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Step 3
Disconnect all wires. They will be harnessed together so DO NOT pull on individual wires. Set this part of your dash aside.
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Step 4
Unscrew the factory installed Dash kit(this is the unit that is holding the Deck) and disconnect any of the wires connecting it to your vehicle. Take the entire unit out.
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Step 5
Now unwrap your new dash kit and slide the Deck in as displayed in the instructions provided with your unit. This is best done inside.
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Step 6
Now the most time consuming step, connecting the new Deck wires to the corresponding wires on the wiring harness you purchased. The crimping tool should also have a spot for stripping wires. Strip enough insulation off to ensure good conductivity but not too much so that the wiring butt can't cover up the exposed copper. In order to ensure that you are connecting the correct wires to each other closely follow the diagram provided with your Deck. If you don't have one they are usually color coordinated with the Black wire being your ground.
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Step 7
Once you know what wires are paired together begin connecting them with the wiring butts. Slide the stripped part of the wire into the end of the butt until no more copper is visible. Now using your crimping tool crimp the wire right behind the neck part of the butt. For the most secure hold crimp with a larger part of the tool first and then tighten it with the smaller one. Repeat for all of the wire pairs... there may be some unused wires but this is ok.
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Step 8
Now that all your wiring is finished take the completed dash kit with Deck and wiring installed out to your car. Connect the wiring harness to the one in the car(simple male/female connection).
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Step 9
Reconnect your battery and make sure the system works.
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Step 10
Screw in the dash kit to secure your new unit. The dash kit may not be a perfect fit so some trimming of the edges may be required.
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Step 11
Put the dash faceplate back on, reconnecting any wiring required for A/C and what not.
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Step 12
Crack a cold one(over 21) and enjoy!
