How to Replace a Car Stereo

Car stereo systems are serious hobbies for some people. This post isn't for those people.

Some newer cars have complex stereos that double as navigation systems, computers and a host of other high-tech features. This post isn't for those people either.

But for those folks with older cars that have poorly functioning or non-functioning (i.e. mine) car stereos, upgrading is an inexpensive and easy way to bring music to your life.

If you're buying a new stereo, one of the best places to start is Crutchfield. They not only have a great selection of car stereos and a very knowledgeable staff, they also include installation instructions, mounting hardware and brackets that fit your car and the stereo you purchased. All cars are different and many stereos are different. It'll show you how to disassemble your dashboard, remove the old stereo, wire and install the new stereo and then put everything back together.

In this project, I'll be replacing a Sony CD head unit with a Sony tape deck. This may seem like a downgrade, but the CD player has stopped working completely and with a tape deck you can easily input your iPod. (Check out the adapter here- 57 cents!!) Plus I had an old but working tape deck so the change out would be free. Driving in silence is peaceful, but on long car trips it gets pretty boring!
Before beginning work, it's good practice to disconnect the car battery. This will ensure that there are no live wires which could short or electrocute you. To remove the old head unit on my Jeep, I needed to remove the plastic dashboard cover to gain access to the retaining bolts. On my Jeep, it snaps on around the climate controls and the stereo and with screws over the instrument cluster. This is where Crutchfield instructions can come in handy, as it's often not clear how to gain access to the stereo mounting points. Car makers don't usually like to leave a bunch of visible screws that can be an eye sore.
Once the trim is removed, it's time to remove the actual unit. Car stereos are mounted in different ways; some slide into a factory sleeve and attach via clips (which require a specialized knife-like grabbing tool to be inserted into each side of the unit). My unit is attached with brackets which screw onto the side of the unit and bend 90 degrees to match up with the mounting posts on the dashboard. Switching them over to the new unit was fast and easy.

With a rainbow of wires and strange clips, wiring can be a complex and confusing task. I can't speak for all stereos or cars, but my old Sony head unit attached straight to the factory wiring harness, as did my new Sony head unit. So it was as simple as pinching the side of the harness, removing the plug and installing it on the new head unit. This makes the connections for power, speakers, etc. The antenna is separate. It's a thick plug which pulls straight out of the unit.

To install the new unit, you may need to jimmy the wires in the back so the unit slides all the way in. In my Jeep, the unit is not only secured by the side screws, but there is also a receiving clip in the dash which slides into a notch on the top of the unit. Be sure to make this connection if it applies to your vehicle.
At this point it probably makes sense to test out the stereo to make sure it works. Assuming it does, simply snap the dash back in place and crank some tunes.