How to Replace a Car Stereo

The stereo in a car is one of the most common devices that do not need any introduction to readers. In this article, we will see the useful steps while you need to replace your car's stereo like buying new one, removing old stereo and installing new stereo.

• Evaluate current stereo: First, you need to evaluate your current stereo system. Most modern vehicles are having premium audio systems. These are not easily replaced. Check for the logos on the door panel or on stereo like Infinity, Harmon, JBL, BOSE etc. If you find anything like that, you probably have a premium stereo or audio system. If that system is factory made audio system, better do not open by yourself. Find a qualified professional to replace the system. If you do not find any premium audio system signs, follow this.

• Buying a stereo:  Before you buy a stereo, make sure that what will exactly fit for your car. If you have any doubts check with the retailer's websites, they will tell you what is the best suitable. For the older Nissan which are pre 1995 to 1996, some European vehicles and for GM vehicles you may need to buy an antenna adapter also.

• Removing old stereo: To install a new stereo, you need to remove the old stereo in your car. Before you start to remove the vehicle's stereo, remove the negative cable from the battery to prevent the accidental short-circuiting.

• Tools required: You need some tools to remove and install the stereo on your vehicle. Those are antenna adapter, vehicle wiring harness, dash kit, wire stripper, small metric socket set and some screwdrivers. Some European and Ford vehicles require special tools; you can find them in many auto supply stores.
• The factory stereo mounted in any one of the two ways - secured in a metal mounting sleeve by spring clips or bolted to the dash with brackets.
• Spring clip mounting: In this case, you need a pair of DIN tools. Until a click is heard, insert the DIN tools into either hole on either side. Once it clicked, spread the tools apart slightly and pull out the stereo.
• Bolted in place: Some vehicle stereos are covered with one or more trim panels and you need to carefully pry them away from the dash, hidden pressure clips may often secure them. Disassemble the other pieces of panel by locating and removing the bolts. Once you got the access to the stereo check for the screws at side brackets, front of the dash or any other place you shown them and remove it from dash.
• Unplugging the old stereo: Behind the stereo at least one plastic wiring harness will be appeared if the vehicle has a factory stereo or wired before with a stereo prep package. That plug or plugs connects stereo with vehicle's electrical system and speakers. Unplug the wiring harnesses and antenna to complete the stereo removal process.

• Installing: Connect the vehicle and stereo wiring harnesses color to color. If you have any doubts regarding to the colors check with the guide given in the kit. Insert carefully into the slot and mount it. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

If you do not have proper tools to change the stereo, you can buy in any auto supply stores, or give it to a qualified professional to replace but do not experiment with incompatible tools. It will damage both stereo and the car.

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