How to Install Sound Systems on a 1996 Grand Am
Installing a stereo sound system in a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am varies in complexity depending on the nature of the stereo the user wants. Simply upgrading the head unit is the simplest upgrade that can be performed. Most users, however, will likely want to add subwoofers to their stereo systems, which will also require the installation of an external amplifier. The scope, budget and limitations of the stereo are up to the individual. A new head unit, amplifier and subwoofers can be added for less than $500; but for high-end equipment, the price can go up significantly.
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Things You'll Need
- RCA cables
- Power wire
- Speaker wire
- Flathead screwdriver
- New in-dash unit
- Subwoofer with enclosure
- Amplifier
- Wiring harness
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the battery of the vehicle. This will prevent any electrical short.
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2
Remove the old head unit. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the dash trim panel and the radio. Gently pry off the dash around the radio until the dash pops off; use caution. Unscrew the existing factory radio from the dash, and pull it out from the dash. Disconnect any wires from the back of the head unit. Most of the wires should be bundled into clips that can easily be unhooked.
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3
Connect the new head unit to the wiring harness. Connect the wiring harness to the car's stereo wires. Plug in the antenna to the new head unit; the antenna cable will be the only separate cable. Wiring harnesses can be purchased for every head unit and model vehicle. They are readily available, inexpensive and significantly speed up the installation. The wiring harness is a set of wires with clips that connect a new in-dash stereo to the vehicle.
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4
Connect RCA cables to the "Preamp" or "Subwoofer" outputs on the new head unit. Route the RCA cables to the trunk of the car, or wherever the amplifier and subwoofer will be housed.
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Place the new head unit into the dash, and screw it in using the existing screws. Re-attach the dash panel; it will simply clip back onto the body of the car.
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Plug the RCA cables into the amplifier's "Audio In" ports.
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Connect a speaker wire to the amplifier's positive (+) speaker terminal, and connect the other end of that wire to the positive (+) terminal on the subwoofer. Connect a speaker wire to the amplifier's negative (-) speaker terminal, and connect the other end of that wire to the negative (-) terminal on the subwoofer. Repeat this process with each additional subwoofer. Use the gauge (size) of speaker wire recommended by the subwoofer's manufacturer.
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Connect a power wire to the amplifier's +12V power terminal. Connect another power wire to the amplifier's negative or ground terminal. Remember which cable is which, and run those cables to the car's battery. Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal on the battery. Connect the negative ground cable to the negative ground terminal on the battery. Reconnect the battery to the car. Turn on the car, and test the stereo system.
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References
- Photo Credit car music image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
