How to Hook Up a Car Audio System
Your factory stereo does not have the sound quality as a car audio system. Therefore, you may want to upgrade it to a car audio system with high-quality sound. The process is relatively easy, as long as you have a general idea of what you are doing.
Supply List
- Pliers or wrench
- New head unit
- Removal tools
- New wire harness
- Crimper
- Wire cutter
- Screwdriver
- Detach the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal with a wrench or a pair of pliers to unscrew the bolt connected to the lead post. This causes the cable to loosen, so you may remove it safely without the risk of shock or harm to the electrical system.
- Disassemble the current stereo installed. Accomplish this by first removing the components from your dash using special tools designed for your vehicle’s head unit. Remove the old device completely. Detach the wiring harness by carefully tugging until it releases.
- Remove the antenna cable, located behind the head unit. Usually, it unscrews, or it may require you to pull on it until it comes loose.
- Attach the new head unit to a new wiring harness specifically made for your car. You will need to connect the wires that run from your head unit to do this.
- Solder the wires in your unit. Place electrical tape on the ends that are exposed. You may crimp the wires and cover them with crimp caps, if the appearance of electrical tape doe not appeal to you.
- Connect the antenna cable to the unit. You removed this same cable lastly from the old device.
- Test the unit prior to placing into the dash. You will want to try a few features and make sure your AM/FM radio works correctly. Make sure you all of your speakers are hooked up properly, also.
- Place the head unit into the designated area. You may need to install the mounting kit, if it came with one.
- Use the bolts to hold the unit in place.
- Reconnect your negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal.