How to Upgrade a Car Stereo

Car owners often seek to customize their car stereos with aftermarket stereo components. The first step in their upgrade is likely replacing the factory stereo unit with an aftermarket head unit. Choose a stereo deck that fits within the stereo mounting dock of your vehicle. Single-DIN stereos (2 inches by 7 inches) are common sizes for CD players and other standard decks. Vehicles equipped with DVD players or other navigation systems will have stereo mounts capable of fitting the twice-as-tall double-DIN stereo decks.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Trim panel removal tool
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Wiring harness adapter
• Installation cage
• Flat screwdriver

Instructions

1. Open the hood of the vehicle to access the battery. Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing or installing any component connected to the vehicle's electrical system. Loosen the bolt that holds the cable to the negative battery terminal with the adjustable wrench. Lift the cable from the terminal and set it aside until the new stereo has been installed.

2. Remove any dash panels to reveal the stereo mounting bracket. The procedure for removing the panels vary among vehicles. Common procedures included using a trim panel removal tool to pry the panels from the dashboard. Wrap a thin cloth around the blade of the trim tool to protect the finish of the dash panel.

3. Remove the screws or bolts around the stereo bracket. Use a screwdriver or socket and drive to remove the one or two screws on either side of the factory stereo.

4. Slide the stereo from the dashboard dock and disconnect the wiring connectors from the outlets on the rear panel of the unit. Unplug the antenna cable to completely free the deck from the vehicle.

5. Plug the vehicle's stereo wiring connectors into the leads of the wiring harness adapter. The adapter will bridge the compatibility gap between the stereo wiring of your vehicle and the wiring outlets of the new stereo.

6. Slide a faceplate adapter or installation cage into the stereo mounting dock. Fold the metal tabs at the front of the cage with a flat screwdriver to hold the sleeve into the dash. Pull the wiring harness adapter leads and antenna cable from the back of the dock to the front of the cage. Plug the wiring harness adapter leads and antenna cable into the corresponding outlets on the rear panel of the new stereo.

7. Slide the new deck into the installation cage until it snaps into place within the vehicle's dashboard stereo dock. Replace any dash panels that were removed to take out the factory stereo. Return to the vehicle's battery.

8. Place the negative battery cable clamp back onto the negative battery terminal lead post. Tighten the bolt on the cable's clamp with the adjustable wrench. Close the vehicle's hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your vehicle's repair manual for the exact procedures for accessing the stereo and replacing the dash panels.

References

• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide
• The Install Doctor