How to Install an Aftermarket

Car Stereo
Instructions, Tips, & Advice

Billy Wilson
April 27th, 2015
ENGL 2116-090

Contents
1.

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 3

2.

Choose Aftermarket Receiver and Other Equipment ............................................................................ 4

A.

3.

Determining your Receiver Size ....................................................................................................... 4

Installation Equipment .......................................................................................................................... 5

A.

Installation Accessories..................................................................................................................... 5

B.

Tools Needed .................................................................................................................................... 7

4.

Removing your Factory Stereo ............................................................................................................. 7

A.

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................. 7

B.

Exposing the Factory Stereo ............................................................................................................. 8

C.

Removing the Stereo ......................................................................................................................... 8

5. Installing the Aftermarket Stereo ........................................................................................................... 10

5.

A.

Connecting the Wires ...................................................................................................................... 10

B.

Mounting the Stereo ........................................................................................................................ 12

C.

Reassembling the Dashboard .......................................................................................................... 12

Finishing Up........................................................................................................................................ 12

1. Introduction
The first step to any major car audio modification is to determine what kind of car audio
system you want to implement. This document covers how to choose the correct
aftermarket receiver, how to remove your old car stereo, and how to install an aftermarket
receiver.
Aftermarket receivers (or stereos), offer a wide variety of enhancements over the typical
stock, car stereo. Before deciding on any product, take a few moments to figure out
exactly what you want out of your new car receiver. Different brands and models of
aftermarket receivers offer a wide variety of auxiliary features including:

Bluetooth connectivity (make phone calls/stream music/etc.)

Satellite or HD Radio
Built in GPS/navigation
Steering wheel controls
Ability to control iPod or other portable audio devices
Better sound stage control (ability to tweak audio playback parameters)
Ability to play MP3 files directly from USB or CD
Ability to play audio loudly without distortion (depends on the entire audio system)
Many more features

Figure 1: Aftermarket Receiver

(2010). [Personal hotograph], Retrieved February 16, 2015, from: URL
(http://www.benzworld.org/forums/attachments/w210-e-class/288691d1265060819-need-help-finding-

2. Choose Aftermarket Receiver and Other Equipment

Before purchasing a new stereo receiver, ensure that it meets or exceeds the requirements
for your desired system and that it is compatible with all of the other components. If you
would like to add any peripherals to your stereo system, they must be compatible with
your new stereo. For example, if you plan to include a subwoofer in your new system,
ensure that the head unit has the proper output connections to interface with the amplifier
that will power the subwoofer.

A. Determining your Receiver Size

There are two standard slot sizes for car stereos: single-DIN and double-DIN.

Single-DIN
o This is what most (especially older) cars use.
o 2-1/8 (50 mm) height by 7-1/8 (180 mm width)

Figure 2: Example of a Single-DIN slot size

(2013). [Personal photograph], Retrieved Frebruary 16, 2015,
from:http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/256/3961/38139480030_large.jpg

Double-DIN
o Twice as tall as Single-DIN; same width.
o 4-1/2 (100 mm) height by 7-1/8 (180 mm width) )

Figure 3: Example of a Doube-DIN slot size

(2012). 20012 [Stock promotional image], Retrieved Frebruary 16, 2015,
from:http://www.newcars.com/mazda/mazdaspeed3/2012

Other (non-standard)
o Some cars may use a 1.5 DIN slot size or a custom size.
o In this case, it is best to do research on your specific vehicle to
determine your options.

Figure 4: Example of a 1.5 DIN slot size

(2012). 20012 [Stock promotional image], Retrieved Frebruary 16, 2015,
from:http://www.newcars.com/mazda/mazdaspeed3/2012

It is fairly common for users to install a Single-DIN sized aftermarket stereo in a

Double-DIN sized slot. To do this, a special mounting kit is required. Mounting kits,
along with other installation accessories, will be discussed in the section of this
document. Whichever size you choose, ensure that it will fit by researching your
specific vehicle. The internet is a great source of help as many people post details
about their personal car-audio modification projects.

3. Installation Equipment
A. Installation Accessories
Most reputable online retailers include installation accessories tailored to your vehicle
upon purchasing a car stereo. However, if installation gear is not provided for you, it
is important to have all the necessary installation accessories in order to properly
install an aftermarket stereo. Below are a few accessories that are commonly used
when installing aftermarket receivers:

Mounting Kit
A mounting kit is used to hold the stereo and allow it to fit seamlessly with your
dashboard. It is usually a plastic plate/bracket that holds the stereo in place. A
proper mounting kit will provide a means for a clean and professional looking
installation. See Figure 5 for a typical mounting kit assembly.

Figure 5: Single DIN Stereo Dash Kit

American International Installation Parts(Manufacturer). [Product image], Retrieved
February 17, 2015, from: http://www.carid.com/images/american-international/stereodash-kits/mazk843.jpg

Wiring Harness Adaptors

A wiring harness adaptor allows you to connect your new stereo directly to your
cars electrical system without having to remove the factory wiring harness.
Although it may sound unnecessary, this allows for an easier installation as well
as allowing you to easily revert back to the factory configuration. Reverting back
to the factory configuration is desirable when you want to sell your car but keep
your aftermarket stereo. Additionally, using a wiring harness makes the
installation look organized and professional. A wiring harness adaptor is vehicle
specific and used for a specific application (e.g. stereo unit, speakers, etc.). See
Figure 6 for a picture of a typical wiring harness.

Figure 6: Wiring Harness Adaptor

American International Installation Parts(Manufacturer). [Product image], Retrieved
February 17, 2015, from: http://www.carid.com/images/american-international/stereodash-kits/mazk843.jpg

Peripheral Devices/Adaptors
If you plan to install any auxiliary peripherals (i.e. satellite radio, Bluetooth
connectivity, steering wheel controls, etc.), ensure that you purchase the necessary
adaptors and/or devices. For example, many receivers have built-in Bluetooth
functionality but some may require an additional adaptor that you have to
purchase separately.

B. Tools Needed
The following is a list of tools that are typically needed when removing/installing car
stereos:

Panel tool/retaining clip remover (optional)

DIN stereo removal tools
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Wire stripper/crimping tool

4. Removing your Factory Stereo

A. Getting Started
After youve gathered your equipment, the first thing you should do before anything
else is disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery. This will prevent any
short circuits and protect your new audio equipment from accidental damage.
Disconnect the negative terminal by unscrewing the bolt that connects the cable to the
negative (-) terminal and disconnecting the cable; be sure to secure the cable away
from the battery terminals.

B. Exposing the Factory Stereo

Different vehicles have different methods of mounting its stereo. Typically, the
factory stereo is mounted by a metal sleeve and secured by spring clips, or it is bolted
to the dashboard. When the stereo is bolted to the dashboard, it is almost always
required to disassemble a portion of the dashboard by removing one or more
trimpanels. You may have to refer to your owners manual or do research to
determine how your factory stereo is mounted in your car.

If youre factory stereo is mounted by a metal sleeve secured by spring clips,

skip to step C below.

If the factory stereo is bolted to the dashboard, you will have to carefully
remove one or more trimpanels in order to expose the stereo.
Each vehicle may require a different procedure for removing the necessary
trimpanels in order to gain access to the stereo. Research and determine which
trimpanels need to be removed for your specific vehicle.
o Use caution and common sense while dissembling the dashboard;
removing plastic trimpanels should not require excess force and they are
easy to break.
o Use a panel tool to pull the trimpanels from the retaining clips (a flat head
screwdriver may also be used, but use extra caution to avoid damaging
any trimpanels).

C. Removing the Stereo

Once you have exposed the factory stereo by removing trimpanels (if necessary), you
are now ready to remove it. Depending on your specific vehicle, the factory stereo
may be mounted in one of two ways; an explanation is provided for each
configuration:

Metal mounting sleeve secured by spring clips

If your factory stereo is held in by a metal sleeve and spring clips, you will need
your DIN tools to remove the stereo. First, insert each of the DIN tools into each
side of the unit, as shown in Figure 7, until a click is heard; the click indicates that
the spring clips have released. Remove the stereo by slightly spreading the DIN
tools and pulling; you should not have to apply excess force to pull out the stereo.
(Ferency-Viars)

Figure 7: Removing factory stereo using DIN tools

Robert Ferency-Viars (Contributor). DIN tools are used to remove the factory stereo from a 2000
Ford Expedition. [instructional image], Retrieved February 17, 2015, From:
http://www.crutchfield.com/SLkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html

Bolted to dashboard bracket via screws

Removing the trimpanels should also expose two or more screws that hold the
stereo in place. Remove each of the screws and then pull out the unit; you should
not have to apply excess force.

Figure 8: Stereo secured by screws under trimpanel

Robert Ferency-Viars (Contributor). Four philips screws secure the factory stereo in a 1992-94 Geo Metro..
[instructional diagram], Retrieved February 17, 2015, From: http://www.crutchfield.com/SLkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html

Simply disconnect any wires connected and completely remove the stereo from its
housing. Make note of the wires you disconnect as these connections will have to be
remade when installing the new aftermarket stereo. Most wires should be attached to the
stock wiring harness.

5. Installing the Aftermarket Stereo

Once the factory stereo has been removed, you are now ready to begin installing your
new aftermarket head unit.

A. Connecting the Wires

Before attempting to mount the aftermarket receiver, it is recommended to connect the
wires of the new receiver to the custom wiring harness that will plug into the factory
wiring harness.

1) Using a Custom Wiring Harness

If a custom wire harness is available for your vehicle, this is the best option as
it ensures your new stereo wires are connected to the right wires of the car.
Wires of the same color from the harness and receiver typically have the same
function; the meaning of each wire can usually be found in the owners
manual/packaging.
There are two methods of connecting wires: crimping and soldering. Crimping
is faster and easier but may come loose over time if not done correctly.
Soldering will create a clean and professional looking contact that will ensure
maximum current transfer. For either method, a heat shrinking tube is
recommended to insulate each connection. Each method is explained below.

Crimping
First, choose which crimp connector you would like to use. There are
many crimp connectors available including bullet connectors, button
connectors, or crimp caps. The tips of the two wires to be connected must
have their shielding removed with wire trimmers to expose the metal wire.
The two bare wires are then crimped together. The left graphic of Figure 9
shows the crimping method.

Soldering
Soldering creates a more permanent connection between the wires by
literally joining them using melted metal (solder). Use extra caution if this

is your first time soldering and the tips of the iron get very hot and will
burn if touched. The tips of the two wires to be connected must have their
shielding removed with wire trimmers to expose the metal wire. Twist the
wires together and apply heat (using the soldering iron) to the exposed
metal. Then, apply solder directly to the wires; do not apply solder to the
tip of the soldering iron. The solder should flow around the twisted wire
and solidify once the iron is removed.

Figure 9: Crimp & Solder connection method

Robert Ferency-Viars (Contributor). [instructional diagram], Retrieved February 17, 2015, From:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-LkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html

For either connection method, be sure to connect each wire from the
aftermarket stereo wire harness (plugs into new stereo) to the matching wire
of the wiring harness adaptor (plugs into vehicles electrical system). Each
wire should be color coded. Check your cars electrical schematic if you are
unsure of the functionality of each wire.

2) No Wiring Harness
If you are choosing not to use a wiring harness or if one is not available for
your vehicle, you must connect the wires of your new aftermarket stereo
directly to the corresponding wires in your vehicle. Be sure to research your
specific vehicle and determine the function of each wire.

B. Mounting the Stereo

If using a mounting kit, install it first by positioning it in the cavity where the
factory stereo was removed (you may have to follow additional instruction
depending on your mounting kit). Most aftermarket stereos include a metal
mounting sleeve. If the metal sleeve is included, insert it into the mounting kit and
use a screwdriver to the bend the metal tabs into place. It is recommended to
secure the new unit to the metal sleeve before placing the mounting kit; this will
allow you to see exactly how the stereo will fit in the sleeve and determine if any
modifications need to be made.
Before placing the stereo inside the mounting kit, plug the wiring adaptor to the
factory wire harness and make any other necessary connections (antenna, satellite
radio module, etc.). Reconnect your battery and test that all the functions of the
new radio are performing properly.
Once confirmed, mount your new stereo into place and screw it back to together.

C. Reassembling the Dashboard

Once the aftermarket stereo is mounted in place, you may begin to reassemble
your dashboard. Simply reinstall any trimpanels in the same way that you
removed them while removing the factory stereo. Take care not to break any
plastic trimpanels while reinstalling them.

5. Finishing Up
After you have installed your new aftermarket stereo, be sure that the installation looks
clean and professional. Additionally, ensure that the stereo is still functioning correctly
and no connections have been disturbed during the reassembly of the dashboard. To get
the best experience from your aftermarket stereo, adjust the audio settings (fade, balance,
bass, treble, etc.) to your liking.
Once the installation and configuration is complete, turn on your favorite tunes and enjoy
your new aftermarket receiver.

Sources
Ferency-Viars, R. (n.d.). Car Stereo Installation Guide. Retrieved February 17, 2015, from
http://www.crutchfield.com/SLkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html
Writer, Staff. (2010, April 8). HEAD UNIT DIN SIZES. Retrieved February 16, 2015. From
http://knowledge.sonicelectronix.com/car-audio-and-video/car-stereos/head-unit-din-sizes/