Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• specialty stereo removal tools
• new aftermarket stereo
• vehicle specific wiring harness
• wire strippers/cutters
• electrical tape
• heat shrink tube
• soldering iron
• rosin core solder
• antenna adapter (not applicable to all vehicles)
• dash installing kit (not applicable to all vehicles)

Procedure:

• ensure that you have your vehicle's factory stereo code if it is equipped with a security feature
• disconnect the battery in your vehicle
• some vehicles require specialty tools to remove the factory stereo, others do not
• remove the stereo accordingly to your vehicle's required procedure
• once removed, disconnect the electrical connectors on the rear, along with the antenna wire
• some vehicles require an installation kit, others do not
• I would recommend purchasing a vehicle specific wiring harness as it does make the installation process much easier as well as switching back to your original factory stereo
• soldering is best for connecting the wires than compared to crimp connectors
• connect the wires accordingly using the supplied wiring diagram from the vehicle specific wiring harness and the new stereo's wiring harness
• connect the new stereo to your vehicle
• install the antenna adapter if one is required for your vehicle
• some vehicles also require an antenna adapter wire with a power wire to supply the vehicle's booster, connect that to a remote wire on your stereo
• connect the battery and test the new stereo to ensure everything is working correctly
• once satisfied, disconnect the battery and remove the new stereo
• briefly slide the new stereo into the opening to ensure everything fits correctly
• separate outer casing on the new stereo which is done by using the supplied tools and instructions that came with your new stereo
• install that into your dashboard or into the installation kit, then there will be tangs which need to be bent out so the new stereo locks into the opening
• install the alignment dowel if your vehicle was equipped with one on the back of the factory stereo
• reconnect the new stereo and clip it back into the outer casing
• reconnect the battery and enjoy your new stereo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Where can I purchase the installation wiring harness?

The plug and play wiring harness can be purchased from a retailer who sells car audio equipment, audio specific dealer, auto parts suppliers, or online.

Why won't my new stereo turn off?

It is possible that your 12v constant and accessories wires are mixed up.

Why does my battery die so quickly after I installed the new stereo?

If your car is equipped with an amplifier, it is possible that it is not shutting down. It will need to be connected to a remote wire from the new stereo which will allow it to turn on and off with the radio.

My stereo turns on but there is no sound.

If your vehicle is equipped with an amplifier, this will need to be powered up. The amplifier normally connects to a remote wire from the new stereo which will allow it to turn on and off with the radio.

Why do I have bad radio reception with the new stereo?

Your vehicle is most likely equipped with an antenna amplifier. Therefore your antenna adapter cable should have an external power wire which either connects to your vehicle's harness or the new stereo's harness.

Why does the antenna adapter cable have an extra wire?

This extra wire is for the vehicle's stock antenna amplifier. This will need a power supply and if not hooked connected, you will have poor radio recepetion. Not all vehicles have a build in antenna amplifier.

Will I lose my steering wheel controls if I install an aftermarket stereo?

Unfortunately yes you will, but in most cases you can install a steering wheel control audio adapter which will allow you to use your steering wheel controls with the aftermarket stereo.