How to Replace the Radio in a 2003 Honda Accord EX

Accord EX owners who wish to upgrade their factory stereo unit can choose from a variety of aftermarket models. Once you have selected the new head unit, you can have it installed by a professional car audio mechanic, or do it yourself to save time and money.

• 1

  Loosen the bolt on the grounding cable of the battery with a wrench. Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal and place it to the side, away from the terminals.

• 2

  Pry the vent assembly above the stereo away from the dashboard with the trim panel tool. Remove the three screws at the top of the stereo assembly with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

• 3

  Pry the panel around the gear selector lever away from the center console with the trim tool. Remove the panel and the screws at the bottom of the stereo.

• 4

  Pull the ashtray from the dashboard and remove the two screws in the back of the ashtray's slot. Pull the entire ashtray compartment and cigarette lighter away from the dashboard.

• 5

  Remove the two screws below the center dashboard storage compartment. Pull the storage bin from the dashboard. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the stereo panel and slide the head unit assembly from the dashboard dock.

• 6

  Disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the stock unit. Remove the two screws on the sides of the stereo bracket and slide the radio from the bracket.

• 7

  Insert the installation sleeve provided with the aftermarket stereo into the stereo bracket. Replace the screws in the sides of the bracket to secure the sleeve into the bracket. Connect the stereo wiring to the wiring harness adapter, following the connection instructions found in the accompanying manual.

• 8

  Slide the aftermarket radio into the installation sleeve until it locks into place. Connect the stereo wiring harness adapter into the outlets on the back of the new radio. Plug the antenna cable lead into the antenna input on the back of the aftermarket head unit.

• 9

  Guide the stereo assembly, with the new radio installed, into the stereo mounting dock. Replace the three screws at the top of the stereo and two at the bottom.

• 10

  Reassemble everything in the reverse order you took it apart.