The radio connection may vary depending on the make and model of the car. As many experts note, manufacturers today seek to follow common standards in the development of electronic circuits and circuits. However, the differences still remain and will have to be taken into account.
Installing a new car stereo is simple enough to do it yourself, and this article will provide a general guide on how to go through all the steps of replacing a radio. It should be borne in mind that some cars and systems are more complex than others, and that each car and stereo device will be different, so some features may be present. Before installing or purchasing any audio system, you should first read the instructions for the car in order to choose the right model.
Dismantling the main system
The radio is connected in stages. The main thing is not to disturb the order and not to lose the removed parts. The first thing to do is put the car on the handbrake. Next, disconnect the negative cable (minus sign or black) from the vehicle battery. It is imperative to do this in order to avoid a short circuit of the electrical system during the installation of new audio equipment.
Dashboard Analysis
The radio must only be connected after a complete diagnosis of the head unit. If there is an on-board computer, malfunctions can occur. First of all, the screws that secure the finish around the base radio are loosened. Care must be taken to remove all screws before attempting to remove the plastic frame around the device, otherwise it may be broken.
The entire front trim is removed. On some car models, you may need to remove several plastic trim modules, usually located at the top and bottom of the entire dashboard. If you need to remove a finish that includes any handles or drawers, you must remove them before trying to dismantle the panel.
The panel can be disassembled and detached manually using a screwdriver to disconnect each part of the trim. There are special tools for disassembling dashboards that are designed for this purpose and do not damage the finish.
Removing the protective structure
Connecting the radio, as well as its dismantling, requires compliance with the rules for removing cables from the terminals. All the necessary components located under the skin are pulled. If you need to remove any components before accessing the stereo, you must first examine the case from the inside. Typically, wires and blocks are fixed with plaits.
The components that are connected to the car are disconnected. Before doing this, it is advised to remove to the camera which wires from which circuits were disconnected. This will allow you to accurately assemble the device without the risk of errors. Then the stereo screws are loosened. Different vehicles may have different elements for mounting on the dashboard.
Removing Clips
If the radio is held in place with screws or nuts, they are untwisted with the appropriate tool (screwdriver or wrench, respectively).
Otherwise, you must use the radio control key. This tool is usually included with new Ford car models. Keys for radio control (sometimes they are also called tools for removing radio emissions), as a rule, take the form of an oblong horseshoe or round at one end with a notched axis on the other. They are also available at most auto parts stores.
The key is inserted into two small slots under the stereo. After a slight pressure on the mechanism holding the radio in place, you will hear a click, then the device can be carefully removed. It is necessary to turn the radio control key in each slot again until it becomes noticeable that the device is completely disconnected from its body. After that, the head of the equipment can be carefully removed. When connecting the radio recorder "Pioneer" and its removal, there is a feature in the form of the presence of protective elements against theft. When removing the head, the head must be lifted up.
Removing wires and circuits
Connecting the head unit, as well as its dismantling, can be found in the help information that comes with the car. The system unit is completely pulled out of the panel. Elongated pliers can be used to grip the edge of the device. This will help pull it out. You should gently pull the tool toward you, and if the radio is not easily removed, it is worth checking to see if any components that could hold it in place have been missed.
Next, a picture is taken of how the stereo is connected to the dashboard. This is an important step, because the photo will serve as an assistant when installing a new radio model.
First, stereo connections are disconnected. A series of wires connected to the back of the head unit will be visible, and each will need to be disconnected.
First, the antenna wire is disconnected, which is usually the thickest and connected separately from the others. Once it is disconnected from the network, you can pull the device away from the panel more. When connecting the Pioneer radio, you should pay attention to the location of the radio cable. It is located on the other side of the terminals with the rest of the wires.
Then, each of the harness connectors is disconnected. There, as a rule, there will be several colored cores, and you can recognize them, because a series of wires will be fed into each of the bundles. The plastic part into which the wires are fed must have either a tab or a button to press. After that, the harnesses will open.
Installing a new radio
The wires are connected first. The cables of the vehicle harnesses are connected to the blocks of the new stereo system. Each connector of the wire connector is unique, so it will be easy to determine which of them are suitable for each other. Connecting the radio via a voltmeter will be the most reliable solution.
To be safe, you should check the wiring diagrams for both the car and the new stereo to make sure everything is connected correctly. Otherwise, an incorrectly assembled circuit can completely damage the head and dashboard of a car.
Connect Connectors
If the car stereo does not use wire harnesses, each wire will need to be matched manually. They are color coded. However, third-party stereo cables may not match the color-coded wires in the vehicle. It is best to study and follow the wiring diagram that comes with the purchased radio.
Cable fixing methods
Matched wires are connected. There are two options for connecting cables: crimping and soldering. Crimping is faster and easier, but soldering will provide a more stable and reliable connection. Do not forget to use a suitable nut and do not try to tie the wires with tape: it will eventually dry and fall off.
Going to the installation kit on the radio. If the new system comes with a separate mounting kit, it is assembled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (this often means installing a metal housing sleeve in the mounting frame).
Panel Reassembly
Press the tabs around the metal sleeve with a screwdriver to lock all latches in place.
Next, connect the power source. Typically, if there is a wiring harness, this connection will be made when new stereo wires are connected to the cables in the car.
If you are not using connectors, you must manually connect the power. To do this, determine whether the vehicle has a switched power source (usually a red wire) or a constant (usually a yellow wire). Some vehicles even have both types of power. For more information on switching, refer to the vehicle manual of a specific model and make.
Next, the radio is grounded. If wire connectors are used, this connection will be made when connecting cable harness parts. If it is not used, you need to find a bolt, wire or screw that connects to the bare metal body of the car. It is required to loosen and remove the stereo ground cable (usually black) from below. After that, it is securely attached to the vehicle body.
Connect contacts
It is worth noting that the ground connection is important for the stereo system to work optimally. If the wire does not connect to the bare metal, it will not work. And if grounding is loosened, it can lead to poor sound quality. The fixing area on the housing must be well insulated with duct tape. Types of radio connections may vary by brand.
Next, the remaining wires are connected. The antenna cable is installed and the stereo wiring adapter is connected to the car connector. The output converter is connected if it is necessary that the new stereo sound is compatible with the car audio system.
Then you need to test the connected radio. The power turns on and the components AM, FM, and CD / MP3 / USB are tested. You should check the attenuation and balance settings to make sure the speakers are working correctly. After that, you must again turn off the power to the dashboard. If you need to connect 2 radio, the process will be identical. The only thing to consider is the voltage on the on-board device of the car. It is better to clarify the information and check the power lines at each site at the service station.
Installation complete
The new radio must be installed in place. When the stereo is fully inserted into the dashboard, it is important to hear a click of the latches. Connecting a Chinese radio is made according to the same principle. The Asian manufacturer decided to keep up with his European colleagues and began to produce devices with the same terminal arrangement.
In the reverse order, all components removed at the beginning are collected. All the screws that are needed to hold the stereo in place are fastened, all wired components are reconnected and all retractable and removable plastic elements are installed.
Next, all parts of the panels from the dashboard around the radio are installed. Make sure all screws and trim parts are securely fastened.
How to connect additional stereo modules
Connecting a subwoofer to the radio does not take much time. On the back of the device are linear outputs to all speakers. In order for a signal to arrive at a specific node, it is important to correctly connect the wire. To do this, each terminal location is signed. You need to find the inscription Sub or Center and install the cable from the subwoofer into it.
Connecting the camera to the radio is required if the vehicle has a chamber system. These are special sensors under the front and rear bumpers. Cameras are also located in these places. Wires with audio channels are soldered to the cables from the Stereo connector.
Connecting the amplifier to the radio may be external. It provides better sound and reduces the load on the head unit. Usually the connection is through the power cable of the radio itself. To do this, you need to purchase additional terminals in accordance with the number of connectors on the block.