William Wilson

ENGL 2116-090

How to Install an Aftermarket Car Stereo\

The first step to any major car audio modification is to determine what kind of car audio
system you want to implement. Although this document primarily focuses on how to install
an aftermarket receiver, determining your desired car audio system will help determine
which aftermarket receiver will work best for your needs.

Comment [LE1]: Needs intro elements, like

title page, contents, parts glossary, for
example.
Comment [LE2]: Why make an audio mod?
Appeal to reader, convincing to actually start
this process in the first place.
Comment [LE3]: This would be a transition
paragraph between the intro and first section.
Definitely an outline of stages/parts is
necessary.

Figure 1: Aftermarket Receiver

(2010). [Personal hotograph], Retrieved February 16, 2015, from: URL (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/attachments/w210e-class/288691d1265060819-need-help-finding-aftermarket-stereo-2002-156g6yc.jpg)

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

1 Choose Aftermarket Receiver and Other Equipment

Before purchasing a new stereo receiver, ensure that it meets or exceeds the requirements for
your desired system and that it is compatible with all of the components. For example, if you
plan to include a subwoofer in your new system, ensure that the head unit has the proper
outputs to interface with the amplifier that will drive the subwoofer.
1.1 Choosing a Receiver

Comment [LE4]: Illustration (above) is too

largeconsider 2/3 of page at most.

Comment [LE5]: Jargon used. Need to

define or illustration parts and briefly explain
purpose for them

1.1.1 System Requirements

Before deciding on any product, take a few moments to figure out exactly what
you want out of your new car receiver. Different brands and models of
aftermarket receivers offer a wide variety of auxiliary features including:

Bluetooth connectivity (make phone calls/stream music/etc.)

Satellite or HD Radio
Built in GPS/navigation
Steering wheel controls
Ability to control iPod or other portable audio devices
Better sound stage control (ability to tweak audio playback parameters)
Ability to play MP3 files directly from USB or CD
Ability to play audio loudly without distortion (depends on the entire
audio system)
Many more features

1.1.2 Choosing the Right Size Receiver

There are two standard slot sizes for car stereos: single-DIN and double-DIN.
o Single-DIN
This is what most (especially older) cars use.
2-1/8 (50 mm) height by 7-1/8 (180 mm width) (Writer,
"HEAD UNIT DIN SIZES")

Figure 2: Example of a Single-DIN slot size

(2013). [Personal photograph], Retrieved Frebruary 16, 2015,
from:http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/256/3961/38139480030_large.jpg

Comment [LE6]: This section numbering

system is too complex, and is only useful with
a numbered table of contents to go with it.
Comment [LE7]: Overly complex bullet
point system. Consider only one layer of
bullet points.

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

o Double-DIN
Twice as tall as Single-DIN but the same width.
4-1/2 (100 mm) height by 7-1/8 (180 mm width) ) (Writer,
"HEAD UNIT DIN SIZES")

Figure 3: Example of a Doube-DIN slot size

(2012). 20012 [Stock promotional image], Retrieved Frebruary 16, 2015,
from:http://www.newcars.com/mazda/mazdaspeed3/2012

o Other (non-standard)
Some cars may use a 1.5 DIN slot size or a custom size.
(Writer, "HEAD UNIT DIN SIZES")

In this case, it is best to do research on your specific vehicle to

determine your options.

Figure 4: Example of a 1.5 DIN slot size

(2012). 20012 [Stock promotional image], Retrieved Frebruary 16, 2015,
from:http://www.newcars.com/mazda/mazdaspeed3/2012

Ensure that your stereo is the right size and will fit your car.
o Research your specific vehicle to confirm its stereo slot size.

Comment [LE8]: Confusing citations,

consider endnotes?

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

2 Installation Equipment
2.1 Installation Accessories
Most online retailers include installation accessories tailored to your vehicle upon
purchase of a car stereo. However, if that is not the case, it is important to have all the
necessary installation accessories in order to properly install an aftermarket stereo. Below
are a few items that are commonly used when installing car stereos:

Mounting Kit
A mounting kit is used to allow the car stereo to seamlessly fit in with the rest of your
car. It is usually a plastic plate/bracket that holds the stereo in place and provides a
means for a clean and professional looking installation.

Comment [LE9]: (see Figure 5)

Figure 5: Single DIN Stereo Dash Kit

American International Installation Parts(Manufacturer). [Product image], Retrieved
February 17, 2015, from: http://www.carid.com/images/american-international/stereo-dashkits/mazk843.jpg

Wiring Harness Adaptors

A wiring harness adaptor allows you to connect your new stereo directly to your cars
electrical system without having to remove the factory wiring harness. This allows for
an easier installation as well as allowing you to easily revert back to the factory
configuration. A wiring harness adaptor is vehicle specific and used for a specific
application (e.g. stereo unit, speakers, etc.).

Comment [LE10]: too much spacing

between sections

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

Figure 6: Wiring Harness Adaptor

American International Installation Parts(Manufacturer). [Product image], Retrieved
February 17, 2015, from: http://www.carid.com/images/american-international/stereodash-kits/mazk843.jpg

Peripheral Devices/Adaptors
If you plan to install any auxiliary peripherals (i.e. satellite radio, Bluetooth
connectivity, steering wheel controls, etc.), ensure that you purchase the necessary
adaptors and/or devices. For example, many receivers have built-in Bluetooth
functionality but some may require an additional adaptor that you have to purchase
separately.

2.1.1 Tools Needed

Panel tool/retaining clip remover (optional)

DIN stereo removal tools
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Wire stripper/crimping tool

3 Removing your Factory Stereo

3.1 Getting Started
After youve gathered your equipment, the first thing you should do is disconnect the
cable from the negative terminal of your car battery. This will prevent any accidental
short circuits and protect your new audio equipment. Also, be sure to secure the cable
away from the battery terminals and any metal that is attached to the chassis of the car
while you perform the installation. You may have to refer to your owners manual or do
research to determine how your factory stereo is mounted in your car.

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

3.2 Exposing the Factory Stereo

3.2.1 If youre factory stereo is mounted by a metal sleeve secured by spring clips,
skip to step 3.3.1.
3.2.2 If the factory stereo is bolted to the dashboard, you will have to carefully
remove one or more trimpanels in order to expose the stereo.

Each vehicle will require a different procedure for removing the necessary
trimpanels to gain access to the stereo.
Research your specific vehicle and determine which trimpanels need to be
removed.
Use caution and common sense while dissembling the dashboard; plastic
trimpanels should not require excess force to remove and are easy to break.

3.3 Removing the Stereo

Once you have exposed the factory stereo by removing trimpanels (if necessary), you are
now ready to remove it. Depending on your specific vehicle, the factory stereo may be
mounted in one of two ways; an explanation is provided for each configuration:
3.3.1 Metal mounting sleeve secured by spring clips
If your factory stereo is held in by a metal sleeve and spring clips, you will need
your DIN tools to remove the stereo. First, insert each of the DIN tools into each
side of the unit until a click is heard; the click indicates that the spring clips have
released. Remove the stereo by slightly spreading the DIN tools and pulling; you
should not have to apply excess force to pull out the stereo. (Ferency-Viars)

Figure 7: Removing factory stereo using DIN tools

Robert Ferency-Viars (Contributor). DIN tools are used to remove the factory stereo from a 2000 Ford
Expedition. [instructional image], Retrieved February 17, 2015, From: http://www.crutchfield.com/SLkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

3.3.2 Bolted to dashboard bracket via screws

Once the trimpanels have been removed and the stereo is exposed, there should be
two or more screws exposed that hold the stereo in place. Remove each of the
screws and then pull out the stereo; you should not have to apply excess force to
pull out the stereo.

Figure 8: Stereo secured by screws under trimpanel

Robert Ferency-Viars (Contributor). Four philips screws secure the factory stereo in a 1992-94 Geo Metro..
[instructional diagram], Retrieved February 17, 2015, From: http://www.crutchfield.com/SLkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html

Simply disconnect any wires connected and completely remove the stereo from its
housing. Most wires should be attached to the stock wiring harness.

Installing the Aftermarket Stereo

Once you have removed the factory stereo, you are now ready to begin installing your
new aftermarket head unit.
4.1 Connecting the Wires
4.1.1 Using a Custom Wiring Harness
If a custom wire harness is available for your vehicle, this is the best option as it
ensures your new stereo wires are connected to the right wires of the car.
There are two methods of connecting wires: crimping and soldering. Crimping is
faster and easier but may fall apart if not done correctly. Soldering will create a
clean and professional looking contact that will ensure maximum current transfer.

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

For either method, a heat shrinking tube is recommended to insulate each

connection. Each method is explained below.
4.1.1.1 Crimping
First, choose which crimp connector you would like to use. There are many
crimp connectors available including bullet connectors, button connectors, or
crimp caps.
4.1.1.2 Soldering
Ensure that you have a working soldering iron and are familiar with how to
solder.

Figure 9: Crimp & Solder connection method

Robert Ferency-Viars (Contributor). [instructional diagram], Retrieved February 17, 2015, From:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-LkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html

For either connection method, be sure to connect each wire from the aftermarket
stereo wire harness (plugs into new stereo) to the matching wire of the wiring harness
adaptor (plugs into vehicles electrical system). Each wire should be color coded.
Check your cars electrical schematic if you are unsure of the functionality of each
wire.

Comment [LE11]: This process needs to be

briefly explained. Dont rely on pics to do your
talking.

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

4.1.2 No Wiring Harness

If you are choosing not to use a wiring harness or if one is not available for your
vehicle, you must connect the wires of your new aftermarket stereo directly to the
corresponding wires in your vehicle. Be sure to research your specific vehicle and
determine the function of each wire.
4.2 Mounting the Stereo
If using a mounting kit, install it first by positioning it in the cavity where the
factory stereo was removed (you may have to follow additional instruction
depending on your mounting kit). Most aftermarket stereos include a metal
mounting sleeve. If the metal sleeve is included, insert it into the mounting kit and
use a screwdriver to the bend the metal tabs into place.
Before placing the stereo inside the metal sleeve, plug the wiring adaptor to the
factory wire harness and make any other necessary connections (antenna, satellite
radio module, etc.).
Reconnect your battery and test that all the functions of the new radio are
performing properly.
Once confirmed, mount your new stereo into place and screw it back to together.
4.3 Reassembling the Dashboard
Once the aftermarket stereo is mounted in place, you may begin to reassemble your
dashboard. Simply reinstall any trimpanels that you removed while removing the factory
stereo. Take care not to break any plastic trimpanels while reinstalling them.
5 Finishing Up
After you have installed your new aftermarket stereo, be sure that the installation looks clean
and professional. Additionally, ensure that the stereo is still functioning correctly and no
connections have been disturbed during the reassembly of the dashboard. To get the best
sound quality from your aftermarket stereo, adjust the audio settings (fade, balance, bass,
treble, etc.) to your liking.
Once the installation and configuration is complete, turn on your favorite tunes and enjoy
your new aftermarket receiver.

Comment [LE12]: Good appeal to reader

William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090

Sources
Ferency-Viars, R. (n.d.). Car Stereo Installation Guide. Retrieved February 17, 2015, from
http://www.crutchfield.com/SLkG9HU7gdqa/learn/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/installation_guide.html
Writer, Staff. (2010, April 8). HEAD UNIT DIN SIZES. Retrieved February 16, 2015. From
http://knowledge.sonicelectronix.com/car-audio-and-video/car-stereos/head-unit-din-sizes/

Comment [LE13]: Thanks for following

consistent APA style. Consider Chicago or
other endnotes style for other tech
documents.