Recommendations for connecting the radio in the car

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Connecting the radio depending on the brand and model of the car may vary. As many experts note, manufacturers today tend to follow uniform standards when developing electronic circuits and circuits. However, differences still remain and will have to be taken into account.

Installing a new car stereo is easy enough to do it yourself, and this article will provide a general guide on how to go through the steps of replacing a radio. Please be aware that some vehicles and systems are more complex than others and that each vehicle 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

Connecting the radio is carried out in stages. The main thing is not to disturb the order and not to lose the removed parts. The first thing to do is to put the car on the handbrake. Next, disconnect the negative cable (signnegative or black) from the vehicle battery. Be sure to do this to avoid short circuiting the electrical system when installing new audio equipment.

Dashboard parsing

Connecting the radio should be done only after a complete diagnosis of the head unit. If there is an on-board computer, failures may occur. First of all, the screws that secure the trim around the base radio are unscrewed. Be careful to remove all screws before trying to pull out the plastic bezel around the device, otherwise it could break.

Removing the entire front trim. In some car models, it may be necessary to remove several plastic trim modules, usually located at the top and bottom of the entire dashboard. If you need to remove trim that includes any handles or drawers, you must remove them before attempting to dismantle the panel.

The panel can be disassembled and detached manually using a screwdriver to detach 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 dismantling it, requires observing the rules for removing cables from the terminals. All the necessary components located under the skin are pulled out. If you need to remove any components before accessing the stereo, you must first inspect the inside of the case. Usually wires and blocks are fixed with bundles.

The components that are connected to the vehicle are disconnected. Before doing this, it is advised to film which wires were disconnected from which circuits. 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 parts that allow mounting on the dashboard.

Removing retainers

If the radio is held in place with screws or nuts, they are loosened with an appropriate tool (screwdriver or wrench respectively).

Otherwise, the radio key must be used. This tool is usually included with new Ford models. Radio control keys (sometimes also referred to as RF removal tools) are usually shaped like an oblong horseshoe or round at one end with a notched axle at the other. They are also available at most auto parts stores.

The key is inserted into two small slots under the stereo. After a little pressing on the mechanism that holds 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 housing. After that, the head of the equipment can be carefully removed. When connecting the Pioneer radio and removing it, there is a feature in the form of the presence of protective elements againsttheft. The head part must be lifted up when removing with a key.

Extraction of wires and circuits

Connecting the head unit, as well as dismantling it, can be found in the reference information that comes with the car. The system unit is completely pulled out of the panel. You can use extended pliers to grab the edge of the device. This will help pull it out. You should gently pull the tool towards you, and if the radio does not come off easily, it is worth checking if any components have been missed that can hold it in place.

The following is a snapshot 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.

Stereo connections are disabled first. You will see a series of wires connected to the back of the head unit and you will need to unplug each one.

First, the antenna wire is disconnected, which is usually the thickest and is connected separately from the rest. Once it is disconnected from the mains, 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, disconnect each of the wire harness connectors. There will usually be several colored strands there, and these can be recognized 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 an inlay or a button onto be pressed. After that, the harnesses will open.

Installing a new radio

First wires are connected. The car harness cables are connected to the units of the new stereo system. Each connector of the wire connector is unique, so it will be easy to determine which ones fit together. Connecting the radio through a voltmeter will be the most reliable solution.

To be on the safe side, you should check the wiring diagrams for both the car and the new stereo to make sure everything was connected properly. Otherwise, an incorrectly assembled circuit can completely disable the head and dashboard of the car.

Connecting connectors

If your car stereo does not use wire harnesses, you will need to match each wire manually. They are color coded. However, cables on a third party stereo may not match the color coded wires in the vehicle. It is best to study and follow the connection diagram that comes with the purchased radio.

Methods for fixing cables

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 secure connection. Don't forget to use the right nut and don't try to tie the wires with tape, it will eventually dry out and fall off.

The installation kit is being assembled on the radio. If the new system comes withas a separate mounting kit, it is assembled according to the manufacturer's instructions (this often means fitting the metal housing sleeve into the mounting frame).

Reassembly of the panel

Press the tabs around the metal sleeve with a screwdriver to lock all latches in place.

Next, the power supply is connected. Generally, if there is a wiring harness, this connection will be made when connecting new stereo wires to the cables in the car.

If connectors are not used, you must manually connect the power. To do this, you need to determine whether the car has a switched power supply (usually a red wire) or a constant one (usually a yellow wire). Some vehicles even have both types of power. For more information on shifting, please refer to the vehicle manual for the specific make and model.

Next, the radio is grounded. If wire connectors are used, this connection will be made when connecting the cable harness parts. If not in use, you need to find a bolt, wire, or screw that connects to the car's bare metal body. You need to loosen and remove the stereo ground cable (usually black) from the bottom. After that, it is securely attached to the body of the vehicle.

Connecting contacts

Note that the ground connection is important for optimal stereo performance. If the wire is not connected to bare metal, it will notwork. And if the ground is loose, it can lead to poor sound quality. The fixation area on the housing must be well insulated with adhesive tape. Types of radio connections may differ depending on the brand.

The rest of the wires are connected next. An antenna cable is installed and the stereo wiring adapter is connected to the vehicle connector. Connect an output converter if necessary to make the new stereo sound compatible with the car's audio system.

Then you need to test the connected radio. The power is turned on and the AM, FM and CD/MP3/USB components are tested. You should check the attenuation and balance settings to make sure the speakers are working properly. After that, you need to turn off the power to the dashboard again. If you need to connect 2 radios, the process will be identical. The only thing to consider is the voltage on the vehicle's on-board device. It is better to clarify the information and check the power lines at each site at the service station.

Completing installation

The new radio must be installed in place. When the stereo is fully inserted into the dashboard, it is important to hear the click of the latches. Connecting a Chinese radio is made according to the same principle. The Asian manufacturer decided to keep up with its European counterparts and began to produce devices with the same terminal arrangement.

In the reverse order, all the components removed at the beginning are assembled. All the screws needed to hold the stereo in place are secured,all wired components are reconnected and all plastic slide-outs and pull-outs are installed.

Next, all parts of the panels from the dashboard around the radio are installed. Make sure all screws and trim are secure.

How to connect additional stereo modules

Connecting the subwoofer to the radio will not take much time. On the back of the device are line outputs for all speakers. In order to receive a signal to a specific node, it is important to connect the wire correctly. To do this, each place of fixing the terminals is signed. You need to find the inscriptions Sub or Center and install the cable from the subwoofer into it.

Connecting the camera to the radio is required if the car 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 can be external. It provides better sound and reduces the load on the head unit. Usually the connection goes through the power cable of the radio itself. To do this, you will need to purchase additional terminals according to the number of connectors on the unit.