How to Install a Radio in a Altima 98

The 1998 Nissan Altima comes with a stereo unit that features an AM/FM radio and built-in CD player. Altima owners who elect to replace their vehicle's stock stereo deck can choose from a wide variety of aftermarket stereo units from a multitude of car stereo manufacturers. Once the new stereo unit is chosen, you can take your vehicle to a professional car audio technician for installation.To avoid the cost of labor, purchase the necessary adapters and install the new stereo yourself.

• 1

  Lift the Nissan's hood and disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Lift the cable from the battery and set it aside. Move to the Altima's passenger cabin.

• 2

  Pry the trim panel surrounding the gear selector lever away from the center console with a trim panel removal tool. Remove the two screws under the panel with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

• 3

  Pull the ashtray completely from the dashboard. Remove the two screws in the back of the ashtray compartment with the screwdriver.

• 4

  Grab the trim panel that surrounds the stereo and climate controls on the dashboard and pull it away from the dash by hand. Set the panel aside. Remove the four screws at the corners of the stereo bracket with the screwdriver. Slide the stereo from the Altima's stereo dock and disconnect the wiring and antenna cable from the back of the unit.

• 5

  Insert the faceplate adapter into the stereo dock while feeding the stereo wiring and antenna cable through the back of the adapter. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads.

• 6

  Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the outlets on the back of the stereo. Insert the antenna cable lead into the FM antenna input on the back of the aftermarket stereo. Slide the stereo into the faceplate adapter until it snaps into place.

• 7

  Place the main dashboard panel back over the stereo bracket and climate controls. Press the panel against the dashboard. Replace the two screws at the bottom edge of the panel. Replace the two screws in the ashtray compartment and replace the ashtray. Place the trim panel back around the gear selector lever and press firmly around it to snap it back into place. Move to the Nissan's engine compartment.

• 8

  Place the negative battery cable clamp back around the Altima's battery terminal. Use the wrench to tighten the cable's bolt. Close the Nissan's hood.