Installation Guide for a 1997 Dodge Stratus Car Radio

The 1997 Dodge Stratus (and Chrysler Cirrus) are equipped with a standard AM/FM stereo with cassette deck. Optional factory-installed CD players were available for the '97 Stratus, and later models were available with CD changers. Stratus owners who want a more powerful and versatile stereo system will need to install an aftermarket stereo unit. There are scores of available models to choose from, and you can perform an installation without previous stereo installation experience.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench, 10 mm
• Trim panel removal tool (or flat screwdriver)
• 10 mm socket and ratchet or 10 mm nut driver
• Wiring harness adapter
• Wire splicer
• Crimping device
• Dodge faceplate adapter

Instructions

1. Lift the hood of the Dodge Stratus. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable by using an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the bolt holding the negative (black) cable's clamp to the terminal lead. Remove the cable and lay it away from the battery.

2. Pry the dash trim panel surrounding the Dodge Stratus' stereo away from the dashboard with a trim panel removal tool or flat screwdriver.

3. Remove the two bolts holding the stereo into the stereo mounting bracket (one on each side) with a 10 mm socket and ratchet.

4. Slide the factory stereo from the stereo dock and unplug the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the rear panel of the factory unit.

5. Connect the plastic wiring connectors on the Dodge stereo wiring to a wiring harness adapter.

6. Place the aftermarket stereo faceplate adapter around the new radio.

7. Match the color-coded wires of the wiring harness with the new stereo unit wires. Remove the enamel around the ends of the wires with a wire splicer and place plastic wire connectors over the wire ends. Crimp the connector with a wire crimper to secure the wires together.

8. Plug the car's antenna cable into the FM antenna outlet on the back of the new stereo.

9. Slide the aftermarket stereo, with faceplate adapter attached, into the stereo mounting dock of the Dodge Stratus' dashboard. Replace the bolts on the side of the stereo to secure the stereo into the dock.

10. Place the trim panel around the stereo and press it against the dashboard until it snaps back into place.

11. Replace the negative battery cable on the Dodge's battery. Tighten the cable's clamp to the lead with the wrench. Close the Stratus' hood.

References

• The Install Doctor: Dodge Stratus Stereo Replacement PDF
• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish