There are four tips for car stereo installation: selecting the right stereo, removing the old stereo, wiring, and testing. These four tips will reduce the time required and improve your satisfaction with the results. A car stereo is installed in the console of the car and provides access to radio and other media. The sound is distributed through the auto speakers.
Selecting the right stereo is the most important part of any car stereo installation project. The size of the cut-out in the console varies by car make, year, and model. Each car stereo provides a list of the compatible vehicles. Double check this information before you begin the car stereo installation work.
There are a wide range of features and styles of car stereo available. Decide what type of media you will need in your car stereo and make sure that the model you select supports these options. Shop around and compare prices and features when selecting a car stereo. The most expensive models may not provide the greatest value.
Before removing the old stereo, turn off the car and disconnect the battery. Loosen the dash or housing surrounding the stereo. Many manufacturers have installed the dashboard on top of the stereo. This is to deter thieves, but it also makes it quite tricky to change the stereo.
Ask an assistant to hold the dashboard away from the stereo, and pull the unit out. Label all the cables before disconnecting them. Pull out the connection pins that provide power, speaker wiring and any other wiring with care. Put the old car stereo aside.
Use this opportunity to inspect the wiring for signs of wear, breakage or splitting. Repair the wiring as quickly as possible. Use a testing kit to ensure that all the wires still work properly. Attach the cables to the new car stereo and then begin testing before moving it back into the slot.
Once you have confirmed the connections are functioning, slide the car stereo back into its space. Carefully tuck the wires back in and test the unit again. Only after a successful test should you secure the dashboard. Most vehicles have cheap wiring connections and they can easily become undone.
If your new car stereo has an anti-theft code, make sure to write it down somewhere safe. These numbers are usually recorded on the back of the unit. If you do not write it down, you may have to redo the car stereo installation process to find the number any time the battery is disconnected.