Sometimes installing a new radio in a car is so easy that you can do it, and this article will give you a general guide on how to do it. Keep in mind that some cars and systems are more complex than others and that each car and radio will be different, so some specifications may vary. Be sure to read the instructions that came with your new radio before attempting to install it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Uninstall the old radio
Step 1. Set the parking brake and disconnect the negative charge cable from the car battery
Make sure to do this to avoid any short circuits in the electrical system during installation.
Read the article on how to disconnect a car battery for instructions
Step 2. Unscrew all the screws that hold the trim frame in place
Be careful to remove all the screws before prying the frame off or you will break it.
Step 3. Remove the frame
On some cars, you will need to remove several pieces of plastic as part of the frame. They are usually removed from the bottom up.
- If you need to remove a frame that has knobs or compartments, do so before attempting to pry.
- Use your hands or a special tool to pry off each part of the frame
Step 4. Remove any necessary components
If you have to remove any components in order to access the radio, then do so.
Disconnect the components that are connected to the car. Take a photo to see how the cables were connected and have a reference later
Step 5. Release the radio
The items that hold the radio in place vary for different cars.
- If bolts and nuts are used to hold the radio, loosen them with the appropriate tool. Use a screwdriver and a spanner, respectively.
- If no nuts or bolts are used to hold the radio, you will need to use a special wrench to remove it. Spoke removal wrenches or spoke disassembly tools will generally be shaped like an elongated horseshoe or a circular end with a serrated shaft on the other. They are available at most auto parts stores.
- Tuck the keys into the two slots on the front of the radio. This will release the mechanism that holds the radio in place. Slide the special keys into each slot again until you feel the radio loosen from its place. You should be able to get the radio out with some ease by now.
Step 6. Take the radio out of the dash
You may want to use needle nose pliers to hold the edges of the radio to help you remove it. Pull it out carefully. If the radio doesn't come off easily, then double-check that you haven't forgotten to remove any component that is holding it down.
Step 7. Take a picture of how the radio is connected
This is an important step, as the photo will serve as a reference later when you connect the new radio.
Step 8. Disconnect the radio connections
You will see a set of cables connected to the back of the radio, which you will disconnect without missing one.
- First disconnect the antenna cable, which is usually the thick cable separated from the rest. Once disconnected, you can move the radio more freely.
- Then disconnect each of the harness connectors. It is normal that there are several of these and you can recognize them because a series of cables enters there. The plastic part where the cables enter should have a tab or button that is pushed in to release the harness.
Part 2 of 3: Install the New Radio
Step 1. Match the wires
Match the wires from the car to the harnesses from the new radio. Each harness connector is unique, so it should be easy to figure out which ones match each other.
- To be sure, check the connection diagrams for both your car and the new radio to make sure you made the connections correctly.
- If your car radio does not use wire harnesses, you will have to pair each wire manually. The wires are color coded, so you have to connect each wire in the car to its corresponding wire in the new radio.
- Connect the matching wires. There are two options for connecting the cables, curling them or soldering them. They are faster and easier to curl, but you will get a more stable and secure connection if you solder them. Make sure to use the correct size curling iron and don't try to tape the wires together as it will dry out over time and end up falling out. It is preferable that you use support bands.
Step 2. Assemble the mounting kit
If your new radio came with a separate mounting kit, assemble it according to its corresponding instructions. Typically it involves inserting the metal housing bearing into the mounting frame.
Press down on the tabs around the metal bearing with a screwdriver to secure it in place
Step 3. Connect the power source
Typically, if the wiring has harnesses, you will make this connection when you connect the harnesses from the new radio to the ones from the car.
If the wiring does not have harnesses, you will have to manually connect the power source. Determine if your car has an alternating current source, which uses a red wire, or a constant current source, using a yellow wire. Visit this site to learn more about the differences between AC and constant current power sources
Step 4. Ground the radio
If you use wiring with harnesses, you will make this connection when you connect them.
- If your wiring does not have harnesses, you will need to find the bolt, wire, or screw that connects to the metal chassis of the car. Loosen the corresponding one and pass the ground wire of the radio underneath. Usually that wire is black. Then tighten the bolt, cable, or screw.
- Please note that grounding is important for the proper functioning of the radio. The radio will not work if the ground wire is not connected to bare metal. Loose ground wire connection could cause poor audio output.
Step 5. Connect the remaining cables
Plug in the antenna cable and connect the radio connection adapter to the car harness. Connect the output converter if one is needed to make the radio compatible with the car's sound system.
Step 6. Test the radio
Reconnect the power, turn on the radio, and test frequency modulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM), and CD components. Test the balance and decay settings to make sure the speakers are working properly. Turn off the radio and cut the power.
Part 3 of 3: Finish the installation
Step 1. Push the radio into place
You will hear a click when the radio is fully in place.
Step 2. Reconnect the components
Tighten any screws that are needed to hold the radio in place, reconnect any wired components, and replace any knobs or compartments that you removed.
Step 3. Put the frame pieces back in place on the radio
Double check that all the screws and parts are secure in place.
Step 4. Test your new radio
Reconnect the power to your car and test the radio and its settings to make sure everything is working properly.
Advice
- Make sure you buy a radio that fits the make and model of your car. If you need help deciding which one to buy, go to an electronics store or a specialty auto electronics store and ask for help choosing a radio. Go to this site for more information.
- Some sellers may offer to install your radio for free or for a minimal cost if you buy it from them, so be sure to ask.
- When you remove the bolts or nuts, put them in your car's cup holder so you don't lose them.
- To make connecting the cables easier, see if there is an adapter that connects your old harnesses to the new radio.
Warnings
- Follow the specific instructions that come with the new radio. Some installation steps may be specific to your car and radio.
- If you feel lost or frustrated, get professional help. Otherwise, you may end up damaging the car or hurting yourself.