Car Audio Installation Guide -- Car Radios

All you need to know when installing your car radio...

This car audio installation guide is focused mainly on the steps for installing your car radio. So we might as well call this a car radio installation guide.

I have divided this installation guide into steps to make the process easier to grasp. Here we go with the first...

Car Audio Installation Guide - Step One

How to remove your existing radio...

Removing your In-Dash car radio is generally quick and easy. Removal and installation is best carried out from the front passenger seat if you are right handed. Some, but only a small number of cars will require the dash surrounding the radio to be removed as the radio may be held in with screws.

If you run into any difficulties with any part of the installation of your new radio your best option is to phone your local dealer, ask for the service department and ask to speak to a technician. They will be willing to advise you more often than not or pick up a copy of a Haynes Manual.

Your first step is to remove your original radio. Pay close attention to the steps involved, as refitting is simply a reverse of the removal.

There are various radio-mounting methods used amongst the different car manufacturers but the majority of factory fitted radios are secured either...

In a metal sleeve (also known as cage) by 2 or 4 securing clips that you push inwards towards the radio to release it, or using the same method without the sleeve.

For radios that have either 1 or 2 small round holes on either side of the radio you can use standard (DIN) radio removal Keys. They are found in all car accessory shops. You can get one here. You will also find radio keys for many other radios plus other installation tools HERE.

DIN radio tools release the majority of radios found in pre-2004 Fiat, Ford, Land Rover, MG, Peugeot, Rover models and many makes of radio.

Simply insert the keys into the holes until they lock into place (radios with only 2 holes, you can simply bend the keys).

Some radios will require you to remove 4 small Allen screws (with a 2mm or 5/64" Allen Key) before you can insert the removal keys. I believe these are simply a security measure.

Now, push the keys outwards slightly, away from the radio, this will push the securing spring clips inwards, and then pull on the removal keys removing the radio. Some radios are a little bit stubborn, but a little persistence should pay off.

Some factory fitted radios are held in place by securing screws located at the sides of the radio. This type of mounting concept is found primarily on Japanese cars and these radios are mounted behind the dash that surrounds the radio. Most radios have some type of rear support but this is more often than not, just a push fit.

Once you have removed the radio from its sleeve, disconnect the aerial and factory wiring harness connectors.

If you encounter problems when removing radios that are mounted behind the dash try ringing your local dealer, ask for the Service department and ask to speak to a technician as they are generally happy to advise or you could always consult a Haynes manual. Click here for an installer if you live in the UK or click any of the pages below to read more...

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