Installation - Receivers/Head Units
Please be sure to read our Installation - Getting Started guide before continuing with this section. It contains helpful guidelines, safety tips, a list of common installation
tools and dos and don'ts to facilitate your installation. Before removing your old receiver, please consult our Installation Applications Guide to obtain the necessary wiring harness
and installation kit (if needed).
Head Unit Removal:
- Make sure you have all the tools and parts required to install your head unit before you begin installation.
- It is highly recommended that you obtain a Chilton's or Haynes auto repair manual from your local auto store or library. This is an invaluable tool when it comes to the assembly/disassembly of
your console, dash and door panels, and it contains helpful wiring diagrams.
- Disconnect your battery's ground (-) cable to prevent damage to your vehicle or receiver caused by an accidental short.
- Remove the console around your old receiver according to an auto manual corresponding to the make/model of your car. Many models have screws which are hidden, e.g. on the new Hyundai Elantras, there is a screw behind the dimmer
control module, which you must first pop out. Put screws in a safe place so they don't get lost.
- Remove the screws and/or brackets supporting your receiver, and carefully pull it out far enough to access the wire connectors in back of the unit.
- Disconnect all the wires from the rear of the unit, and remove the receiver.
- Remove the face plate of your new head unit to avoid scratching it during installation.
Head Unit Installation:
- A vehicle specific wire connector is generally used to connect the OEM connector to the aftermarket head unit. Make sure that the connector fits your vehicle's connector properly. Use our Installation Applications Guide to find the correct wire harness for your vehicle.
- Connect the wires from the aftermarket head unit to the wire harness. It is recommended that you use crimp-style "quick disconnect" connectors, in the event that you wish to replace the
head unit in the future. It is imperative that all colored wires match exactly. See our Color Code Reference Guide for a description of the various wires.
- NOTE: If you are connecting an amplifier or other accessory with a "remote turn-on lead", the blue/white wire will run to this lead. If there is no blue/white
wire, the plain blue (remote antenna) wire may be used. Don't forget to install the amplifier RCA cables before you assemble everything!
- Make sure all unused wires are taped with electrical tape to prevent an accidental short circuit.
- On many vehicles (especially Japanese), it may be easier to use the original mounting hardware to install your new head-unit. In this case, simply connect the wire harness to your vehicle's
harness and reverse the process of disassembly.
- On vehicles in which it is not possible to use the original mounting hardware, you may either 1) be able to use the sleeve/brace and mounting hardware that came with the head unit (follow
the instructions included with the unit) or 2) you may need an installation kit. If you believe you need an installation kit, look up your vehicle make and model on our Installation Applications Guide.
- Double check all connections, connect the wire harness to your vehicle's connector, re-connect the antenna wire, and then connect the negative battery terminal. Install the face plate
and verify the correct operation of the head unit, then reverse process of disassembly.
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