Instructions for Installing Auto Radios

Aftermarket automotive radios can enhance your experience behind the wheel. In addition to offering far more features and performance than factory radios, many aftermarket radios include extra accessories, adapters and fit kits, making their installation possible in most vehicles. In most cases, specialized tools are not required to install an aftermarket radio. After installation, the result is a radio that looks identical to one that is factory-installed and, in most instances, offers a better sonic end result.

• 1

  Consult your vehicle's dashboard schematic to determine the locations of the screws and clips securing the factory dashboard opening or radio in place. Remove these screws and clips with the appropriate screwdrivers. Make note of which hardware goes where, for replacement later. Pull out the factory radio, if present.

• 2

  Examine the label on the aftermarket radio that depicts the wire harness color-coding. Compare this with the aftermarket wire harness package to determine the relationship between the two wiring schemes.

• 3

  Strip ¼-inch of insulation from each wire in use on the radio and aftermarket harnesses. Crimp the two sets of wires together using 16-gauge insulated connectors and a crimp tool.

• 4

  Slide the cage off of the new radio and snap it into the aftermarket dash kit's radio opening. Use a flat head screwdriver to bend out a few tabs on each side of the cage to secure it.

• 5

  Slide the radio into the dash kit and cage until it snaps into position.

• 6

  Connect the vehicle's antenna lead into the aftermarket adapter. Insert the adapter into the radio. Clip the larger harness into the vehicle's harness and the smaller harness into the rear of the radio, as indicated.

• 7

  Screw the aftermarket dash kit into the radio opening, using the appropriate screws holding the factory unit. Snap the dash kit components back together in the reverse order that they came out.

• 8

  Secure all screws and clips, securing the dash trim as necessary.