Part 1: Preparing to install your Car Stereo
The most common customization that many people put in their car is a
new car stereo. Most will have their car stereo professionally
installed spending up to hundreds more on top of the cost of the stereo.
For many, though, the added cost of installation means that they cannot
get the stereo that they want at this time. Installing your own car
stereo can save you a lot of money, and you can make it look just as
nice as a professional installation. All you need is a couple of tools, a
few parts, and a little time. Taking a little time to prepare ahead of
time will save you a lot of time during the installation.
Your New Car Stereo:
When you decide on what car stereo you want to install in your car,
take the time to ensure that it will fit into your car. Some cars will
only accept a “Single DIN” car stereo, meaning it will only accept the
standard rectangular size. Others will accept up to a 1.5 DIN, 2 DIN,
2.5 DIN, etc… If your car will only accept up to 1.5 DIN, you must
choose a single or 1.5 DIN stereo.
In-Dash Receiver Kit:
This is a kit that will allow your dash to physically secure your
new Stereo. Many older cars will use a universal kit, but any car that
has A/C controls built into the stereo face, a trim piece that acts as
the face, or an opening that is not square or rectangle, you will need a
kit that is specifically customized for your car. A note of caution
here, there are many manufacturers of kits out there. You can find kits
for the same car that look the same ranging in price from $10-$50.
In many cases the cheaper kits do not fit as securely allowing the stereo to move around as you drive or do not allow the stereo to fit all the way into the dash as it should. In either case you are risking damage to the stereo, dash, or other equipment behind the dash. This can cause more expense than the Stereo originally cost in repair bills. I suggest ordering a kit from a trusted source such as Crutchfield or JC Whitney or picking one up at a local reputable car stereo shop. Most from discount stores you should stay away from. There are exceptions but unless you know the difference, it is safer to stay away from them.
Wiring Harness Adapter:
In most cars there is a simple harness with 1-3 plugs that the back
of your stereo. This harness contains all of the speaker, light dimming,
power wires and sometimes other accessory inputs you need for your
stereo connections. The adapter contains the proper connection for your
new stereo to plug into this harness. If you opt out of purchasing this
adapter, you will have to cut the connectors off of your car’s harness
and hard wire your stereo into the wiring. In my opinion, the adapter is
well worth the price. It allows you to return the car to the stock
radio at any time if you ever wish to. In some cases, this adapter will
be included in the In-Dash Receiver Kit.
Car Stereo Installation Tool Kit:
You can buy these as a kit or the components separately. The first
thing you will need is an interior trim tool kit. These kits allow you
to remove the interior trim pieces without breaking them. They come in
either metal or plastic tools. The metal are easier to use, but the
plastic will not scratch your pieces. The next tool you will need is a
tool to remove the old Stereo. Most cars will require a DIN tool, check
to see what tool your car requires before purchasing. Without a DIN
tool, you aren’t going to be able to pull your original head unit out.
Next you will need a basic electrical kit. This should include a
multimeter, wire strippers and crimpers, splicing connectors, and
electrical tape. In some cases you will also need screwdrivers and
pliers as well. All of these tool kit pieces will also be used to
install speakers, amplifiers, or any other additional custom electronic
accessories you wish to install in your car, so they are not a 1 time
usage tool.
Parts Bins:
Using a “Parts Bin” is a highly recommended step. One of the hardest
things to keep track of is each different fastener, bolt, and nut.
Keeping them all in a bin is an easy way to ensure you do not lose any.
When possible I like to take this one step farther and each trim piece
has its own bin with its own fasteners. This way there is no question on
what fastener goes with what part.
Time:
Be sure to give yourself a few hours to complete your installation.
Actual installation time will vary by each individual car, each
individual stereo and the experience of the installer. If you do not
give yourself enough time to complete the installation, you will find
yourself rushed to finish. This is where errors happen. You should
always allow yourself enough time to “take it slow”. In most cases you
will not need a few hours to install, but you will want to take the time
once completed to test your new stereo, setup the clock, EQ settings
and other options that it has, doing this right away will help enhance
the listening experience later.
Installation Environment:
This is a preparation step that many overlook. Where are you going
to do the installation at? When are you going to do the installation?
What is the temperature? How is the lighting? These are all important
preparation questions. Most people will not have access to a
cooled/heated garage with tons of lighting to perform their
installation. They will be performing it at home. If you live in an
apartment, you have an additional concern. In many cases apartments have
a “No working on cars” clause in the lease agreement.
This means you can actually be forced to stop after you have begun. Find out from your apartment office before you begin if you can work on the stereo. What time of day/time of year are you going to do the installation? If it is in the summer where it is 100°F you will be very hot and sweaty. After a while you will want to be done and begin to rush things. If you do not have access to a climate controlled garage, try to find a shady area with a fan to blow air on you, or a portable heater to heat the area around you. Having a small drop light that you can position in the car with you helps more than most expect, even if you are out in the bright sunlight, there are a lot of shaded areas inside the car dash.
Part 2: Installing your Car Stereo
The most common customization that many people put in their car is a
new car stereo. Most will have their car stereo professionally
installed spending up to hundreds more on top of the cost of the stereo.
For many, though, the added cost of installation means that they cannot
get the stereo that they want at this time. Installing your own car
stereo can save you a lot of money, and you can make it look just as
nice as a professional installation. All you need is a couple of tools, a
few parts, and a little time. Now that you have completed your
preparations you are ready to begin the installation.
Disconnect the Battery:
Disconnect your NEGATIVE battery cable. This step is necessary to
ensure that you do not cause any damage to your new stereo or to the
battery from surges while you are working.
Remove the Trim Pieces from your Cars Dash:
Using your Trim tools, gently remove all required Trim Pieces from
your cars dash to expose the original car stereo. Your In-Dash receiver
kit often times will have instructions on what pieces you need to
remove. Check these instructions for any guidance. Ensure you keep all
fasteners and trim pieces organized. Using a parts bin or other
dedicated storage location that is not easily knocked over and not in
the way while you are working. It may seem like an unnecessary step for
many pieces but I have spent hours looking for a lost clip or had to go
to the dealership to purchase a damaged piece. In either case, that
extra minute proved to be so valuable.
Remove the Car Stereo:
Using your DIN tool (or other specific tool), remove the original
car stereo. There are holes on the sides for you to insert the tools
into. Once you have them inserted, pull outwards (to the left and right)
on the tool. Gently, but firmly begin to pull the original car stereo
out. When the old stereo begins to slide out, grab the sides of the
stereo and continue to pull it all of the way out while supporting it.
Do not just yank it out. Bring it out slowly until it is completely
free. Once you have it completely out, unplug all of the connections and
set your old stereo to the side.
Install Your In-Dash Receiver Kit:
Read the instructions carefully and fully before you begin. This
step is very critical in maintaining a professional look for the
installation. Use the trim removal tools to disassemble any additional
trim pieces that are required that have not yet been removed. Following
the directions, install the In-Dash Receiver Kit. Your new pieces should
align and snap in easily. If they do not, take the time to find out why
they do not and correct the issue. For any kit that requires tightening
nuts or bolts to mount, be sure you do not over torque these as this
can cause damage to your pieces and cause alignment issues.
Install Mounting Sleeve:
The Mounting Sleeve is part of the In-Dash Receiver Kit or part of
the new Stereo. In some cases you will have one with the stereo and one
with the kit. It is always best to compare the 2 and decide which one
will fit the stereo the most securely and will fit the kit most
securely. This sleeve is generally a metal cage that the new stereo will
actually mount to. Install the sleeve to the kit. Ensure the kit and
the sleeve are secure to each other and to the cars dash. If either
piece is loose or not square, adjust each until both are correct.
Install Wiring Harness Adapters:
Now that the Car is prepped for the new stereo, now is the time to
begin the Stereo Preparation. Remove the Stereo from the packaging and
locate the wire harness for it. Some stereos will have this permanently
attached while others will have it a separate plug. In either case you
need to attach the wires from the Wiring Harness adapter to the wires
from the stereo. In most cases the wires will use a standard color
system so it may be just as easy as matching the colors. Take the time
to double check each wire. This is not a step to shortcut or to use the
wrong items. Use Wire connectors for each wire. Do not just twist
together and tape. If you do the best you can hope for is less than
optimum audio quality, worst is you can start an electrical fire under
your dash. Use the proper wire connectors and heat shrink (tubing that
shrinks when you heat it) to seal the connections.
Install Your New Stereo:
Now you are ready to connect your new Stereo to the cars wire
harness. Plug the Wiring harness adapter into the harness you unplugged
from the original stereo and into the new stereo if it is not already
attached. You should have enough wire to set your stereo down somewhere
nearby. Reconnect your Battery contact and tighten it down tight. Loose
battery connections are one of the leading causes of electrical issues
in cars.
Test Your New Stereo:
At this point everything should be connected back together with the
radio connected but not in the dash. Turn on the radio and make sure all
the speakers work and any other supported items work, such as dimming
the display when the lights are on. Once the testing is complete, turn
the key off and slide the new stereo into the Mounting Sleeve in the
dash. Be sure to tuck the wires into the dash as you do this. The stereo
should slide in easily without binding. If you have any binding, pull
it back out and check the reason for the binding. When fully seated, the
stereo will lock to the mounting sleeve and be secure.