ENGL 2116-090
William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090
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")
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")
o Other (non-standard)
Some cars may use a 1.5 DIN slot size or a custom size.
(Writer, "HEAD UNIT DIN SIZES")
Ensure that your stereo is the right size and will fit your car.
o Research your specific vehicle to confirm its stereo slot size.
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.
William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090
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.
William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090
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.
William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090
Simply disconnect any wires connected and completely remove the stereo from its
housing. Most wires should be attached to the stock wiring harness.
William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090
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.
William Wilson
ENGL 2116-090
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/