How to Hook Up a Stereo System in a Sunfire

Hooking up a stereo system in a Pontiac Sunfire can be a rewarding upgrade to the vehicle. Since the Sunfire's factory speakers are made from paper cones instead of high-grade silicone, a new stereo system will offer improved sound from the speakers as well as a powerful amplifier to drive those speakers. Once the old stereo system has been removed, you'll need to know how to hook up the new stereo system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver

1. Connect the antenna plug, which looks like a female A/V plug into the back of the new stereo head unit. On the back of the new stereo head unit is a jack marked for the antenna, this is where you plug the Sunfire's antenna into the stereo head unit.

2. Plug in the 6-pin connector that drives the unit. The factory 6-pin connector plugs into the 6-pin slot on the back of the new stereo head unit.

3. Slide the unit into the dash. The head unit for the Sunfire is secured by 4 screws, one in each corner. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

4. Replace the trim piece that covers the stereo and thread the screws that hold the trim piece in place (on the right side of the trim next to the glove box).

5. Connect each speaker. The speakers are "plug and play" meaning that there is one power wire (colored lead) and one ground wire (black lead) that are connected together with the speaker wire running off the factory wiring harness. Connect all four speakers.

6. Install the speakers. Slide the speakers into the speaker mounts and secure the speakers with the retaining screws. Make sure that you snap the speaker covers in place over the speakers.

7. Test the stereo system. Power the head unit on and verify that the speakers are all working normally.

References

• Chevrolet Cavalier & Pontiac Sunfire Repair Manual 1995-2004; Rob Maddox, Mike Stubblefield, John H. Haynes; 2005