How to Install an Aftermarket Car Stereo
Part 1: Getting ready to install your Car Stereo The commonest customization that many people place in their car is often a new car stereo. Most can have their car stereo professionally installed spending up to hundreds more on top of the cost of the stereo. For a lot of, though, the added valuation on installation means that they can't get the stereo they will want at this time. Installing your car stereo can help you save a lot of money, and you can make it look just as nice to be a professional installation. All you need is a couple of tools, a number of parts, and a bit of time. Taking a little time to make ahead of time will save you lots of time during the installation.
Your New Car Stereo: When you choose on what car stereo you should install in your car, take the time to ensure that it will fit into your car. Some cars will undoubtedly accept a "Single DIN" car stereo, meaning it is going to only accept the normal rectangular size. Others encourage up to a 1.5 DIN, 2 DIN, 2.5 DIN, etc... But if your car will only accept up to 1.5 DIN, you will need to choose a single or 1.5 DIN stereo.
In-Dash Receiver Kit: This is the kit that will allow your dash to physically secure your brand-new Stereo. Many older cars use a universal kit, but any car that's A/C controls built into the stereo face, a trim piece that acts for the reason that face, or an opening that isn't square or rectangle, you might need a kit that is specifically customized on your car. A note of caution here, there are various manufacturers of kits out there. You can find kits for the same car that look the identical ranging in price from $10-$50.
In many cases the cheaper kits don't fit as securely allowing the stereo to maneuver around as you drive or don't allow the stereo to install all the way into the dash simply because it should. In either case you happen to be risking damage to the stereo, dash, or any other equipment behind the dash. This can cause more expense versus the Stereo originally cost in repair bills. I might suggest ordering a kit coming from a trusted source for example Crutchfield or JC Whitney or picking one up for a local reputable car stereo shop. Most out of discount stores make sure you stay away from. There are exceptions but if you don't know the difference, it is safer to stay away from them.
Wiring Harness Adapter: In the majority of cars there is a simple harness with 1-3 plugs the back of your stereo. This harness contains the many speaker, light dimming, power wires and frequently other accessory inputs you'll need for your stereo connections. The adapter is the proper connection on your new stereo to plug into this harness. When you opt out of purchasing this adapter, you should cut the connectors off all your car's harness and hard wire your stereo in to the wiring. In my opinion, the adapter is worth the price. It helps you return the car on the stock radio anytime if you ever wish to. Sometimes, this adapter will likely be included in the In-Dash Receiver Kit.
Car Stereo Installation Tool resource: You can buy these to be a kit or the components separately. One thing you will need is an interior trim tool resource. These kits enable you to remove the interior trim pieces without having to break them. They come in either metal or plastic tools. The metal are simpler to use, but the plastic is not going to scratch your pieces. The subsequent tool you will need is often a tool to remove that old Stereo. Most cars will need a DIN tool, find out what tool the car requires before purchasing. With no DIN tool, you are not going to be able to pull your original head unit out. After that you will need a basic electrical kit. This should include a multimeter, wire strippers and crimpers, splicing connectors, and electrical tape. Sometimes you will also need screwdrivers and pliers also. All of these tool kit pieces can also be used to install speakers, amplifiers, as well as other additional custom electronic accessories you wish to install in your car, so they are not a 1 time usage tool.
Parts Bins: By using a "Parts Bin" is a highly recommended step. One of the hardest things to keep with is each different fastener, bolt, and nut. Keeping every one of them in a bin is an easy way to ensure you don't lose any. Whenever possible I like to take this one step farther and each trim piece possesses his own bin with its own fasteners. Like this there is no question on what fastener goes with what part.
Time: Be sure to give yourself a few hours in order to complete your installation. Actual installation time can vary by each individual car, every individual stereo and the knowledge of the installer. Understand what give yourself enough time to complete not hard to install, you will find yourself rushed to end. This is where errors happen. Always allow yourself lots of time to "take it slow". In most cases you'll not need a few hours to fit, but you will want to make the effort once completed to try out your new stereo, setup time, EQ settings and other options that it has, doing this straight away will help enhance the listening experience later.
Installation Environment: This is the preparation step many overlook. Where will you do the installation at? When will you do the installation? What is the temperature? Bed not the culprit the lighting? These include all important preparation questions. A lot of people will not have access to a cooled/heated garage with a ton of lighting to perform their installation. They shall be performing it in your own home. If you live in an apartment, you need to additional concern. Oftentimes apartments have a "No taking care of cars" clause in the lease agreement.
This means you can be forced to stop after you've begun. Find out out of your apartment office prior to starting if you can work on the stereo. What time of day/time of year are you going to set it up? If it is in the summer where it is 100°F you will be very hot and sweaty. Eventually you will want to be done and commence to rush things. Understand what have access to a climate controlled garage, try to find a shady area that has a fan to blow air on you, or a portable heater to heat the location around you. Having a small drop light you can position in the car with you helps more than most expect, if you live out in the bright sunlight, there are tons of shaded areas into the car dash.
Part 2: Installing your automobile Stereo The most common customization many people put in their car is often a new car stereo. Most can have their car stereo professionally installed spending up to hundreds more on top of the cost of the stereo. For a lot of, though, the added valuation on installation means that they can't get the stereo they will want at this time. Installing your car stereo can help you save a lot of money, and you can make it look just as nice to be a professional installation. All you need is a couple of tools, a number of parts, and a bit of time. Now that you have completed your preparations you are to begin the installation.
Disconnect battery: Disconnect your NEGATIVE battery cable. This task is necessary to ensure that you don't cause any injury to your new stereo or to the battery from surges if you are working.
Remove the Trim Pieces out of your Cars Dash: With your Trim tools, gently remove all required Trim Pieces out of your cars dash to reveal the original car stereo. Your In-Dash receiver kit quite often 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. By using a parts bin or any other dedicated storage location that isn't easily knocked over rather than in the way while you are working. It may look like an unnecessary step for most pieces but I have spent hours trying to find a lost clip or were forced to go to the dealership to order a damaged piece. No matter what, that extra minute been shown to be so valuable.
Remove your car Stereo: Using your DIN tool (or any other specific tool), take away the original car stereo. You'll find holes on the sides that you should insert the tools into. When you have them inserted, pull outwards (to the left and right) within the tool. Gently, but firmly set out to pull the original car stereo out. If the old stereo begins to slide out, grab the sides of the stereo and attempt to pull it all of the way out while supporting it. Do not simply yank it out. Dependable out slowly until it's totally free. Once you have it completely out, unplug the many connections and set your old stereo aside.
Install Your In-Dash Receiver Kit: See the instructions carefully and fully prior to starting. This step is very critical in maintaining a professional look for not hard to install. Use the trim removal tools to disassemble any additional trim pieces which can be required that have not yet been removed. Following your directions, install the In-Dash Receiver Kit. Your new pieces should align and snap in easily. When they do not, take the time to determine why they do not and correct the issue. For any kit that requires tightening nuts or bolts to mount, remember to do not over torque these because 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. Sometimes you will have one while using the stereo and one while using the kit. It is always advisable to compare the 2 and determine which one will fit the stereo probably the most securely and will fit the kit most securely. This sleeve is usually a metal cage the new stereo would really mount to. Install the sleeve on 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 of them are correct.
Install Wiring Harness Adapters: Because the Car is prepped with the new stereo, the time has come to begin the Stereo Preparation. Eliminate the Stereo from the packaging and locate the wire harness for it. Some stereos can have this permanently attached and some will have it an outside plug. In either case you must attach the wires from your Wiring Harness adapter on the wires from the stereo. Usually the wires use a standard color system thus it may be just as simple as matching the colors. Take time to double check each wire. This isn't 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 the best you can wish for is less than optimum audio quality, worst is that gardeners can start an electrical fire within your dash. Use the proper wire connectors as well as heat shrink (tubing that shrinks while you heat it) to seal the connections.
Install The new Stereo: Now you will be ready connect your new Stereo on the cars wire harness. Plug the Wiring harness adapter in to the harness you unplugged from your original stereo and in to the new stereo when not already attached. You'll have enough wire to get your stereo down somewhere nearby. Reconnect your Battery contact and tighten it down tight. Loose battery connections are probably the leading causes of electrical issues in cars.
Test The new Stereo: At this point everything really should be connected back together while using the radio connected although not in the dash. Start the radio and make sure all of the speakers work and any other supported items work, for example dimming the display in the event the lights are on. If the testing is complete, turn the main element off and slide the new stereo into the Mounting Sleeve inside dash. Be sure to tuck the wires in to the dash as you do this. The stereo should slide in easily without binding. In case you have any binding, pull it back out and check the reason for the binding. When fully seated, the stereo will lock on the mounting sleeve and be secure.
Reinstall your Cars dash trim pieces: Reversing the transaction that you removed the trim pieces, reinstall all of the pieces of your cars dash trim. But if your In-Dash Receiver Kit was included with any trim pieces, substitute the first trim piece while using the one from the kit.
Setup: Take time to setup the clock, display options, Equalizer levels, balance and fade settings, connect any Bluetooth or any other accessories and options. This it is much better to do this now than when driving. Take time to get used to the controls, seeing it inside manual seems very easy, but you have a new stereo with your car that can be a distraction while driving, be safe and learn it from your own home.
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Enjoy: Now it is time to enjoy your brand-new car stereo. You have carried out a lot of work road directions of every be proud of your efforts. You could have also saved large sums of money for a professional installation.