How to Install an Aftermarket Radio in a 2006 Chevrolet Express

The Chevrolet Express, a full-sized van, comes with a factory-installed radio featuring an AM/FM receiver and cassette player. If you want to upgrade to an aftermarket unit, you have to remove the dash panel and adapt the wiring.

• 1

  Disconnect the negative terminal from the car battery using an adjustable wrench. This protects against the risk of electric shock or a short circuit.

• 2

  Remove the trim panel underneath the steering wheel. Grip the backside of the panel and pull it away from the main dash. Grip the edges of the instrument trim panel around the radio and instrument panels. Pull it away from the dashboard until it is released from the holding clips. Disconnect any wiring attached to the panel such as the air conditioning controls. Push the two white plastic tabs on either side of the radio and pull the radio out of the dashboard housing. Unclip the wire harness by pushing the tab on the side and pulling the connections apart. Unplug the radio antenna cable. Place the old stereo to one side.

• 3

  Attach the faceplate adapter to the radio installation sleeve. Clip the radio installation sleeve into the slots on the rear of the faceplate adapter. Slide the new radio into the radio installation sleeve.

• 4

  Connect the wiring. Attach the wire harness of the new radio to the wire harness adapter. Push the connections together until they click into place. Repeat this process attaching the other end of the wire harness adapter to the wire harness from the Chevrolet Express. Connect the radio antenna adapter to the radio antenna cable. Plug the adapted cable into the radio antenna port on the rear of the new radio unit.

• 5

  Slide the radio and faceplate unit into the housing on the dashboard. Push the unit in until it clicks into place. Reconnect the wiring to the back of the instrument trim panel and reattach the panel to the dashboard. Reattach the trim panel underneath the steering wheel. Connect the negative terminal to the car battery with an adjustable wrench. Turn on the radio to test the installation.