Installing Aftermarket Head Units

Upgrading the sound system is usually one of the first modifications tempted when we talk about automatic adjustment. The best place to start with a good head unit. If you are planning to install it yourself, read on for some technical tips from our experienced installers.

You have some tools to do the job well done, so start by collecting some screwdrivers (flat head and Phillips), a set of socket, wire cutters, splitters, wire, butt connectors or heat shrinking sleeves, electrical tape, zip ties, solder and a soldering iron and some patience.

The first thing I would suggest buying the installation wiring to your car modifications stereo. This makes installation easier for you if you are a beginner and that facilitates the replacement of radio equipment (if you opt for the vehicle in the future, sell) and the exchange or upgrade to a different head unit aftermarket.

Start by turning off the negative battery cable from the battery. This will ensure that you can not cross the wires and burn a piece of equipment. Then remove the old head unit. If you need to see how this is done in your specific vehicle, you can find the application in vehicle installdr.com. This is a great resource for photos of how to remove the head unit. Once it is loose, remove the belt and the antenna of the main unit and remove completely.

There are two types of cables you can get. There is a universal wiring harness that connects to your vehicles existing wiring and unfinished wire ends that connect the color-coded cables for your head again. There's also a wiring harness with a harness on both sides, and simply fits on both sides. These are the easiest to install but difficult ot find your vehicle to accommodate the main unit. The wires are kind of universal, so we'll focus on that. If you received the belt, you will have the colored wires in the back of the head unit. The wires on the head unit and match the wiring. The head of cables and wiring will be partially split to facilitate installation. There are several good ways to connect the wires. One way is to butt, use the wires inside a capsule of the connector. These can be caught almost anywhere that sells / installs head units, or Walmart, etc. My favorite way requires a soldering iron and heat shrink sleeves. Twist the wires together well. Apply just enough solder to weld the two wires together. Now, fold them in parallel to one of the wires. Slide the sleeve over the connection and heat with a heat gun or hair dryer good. I had to car modifications rewire or systems where the end connectors were used to restore, but that can be installer error, not a problem with the connection itself. I never had one of the solder joints fail.

After all connections are made, and heated and shrunk the sleeves in place, I would like a zip tie to tie them all together and take. Cut the cable tie for a clean finished appearance. Connect the cable assembly of the head unit to the wiring connected to the vehicle. Connect the antenna (you may find you need an antenna adapter in some applications). Now slide the head in place, but not yet confirmed. Connect the negative battery cable and connect the main unit (make sure the key is turned to ACC). Should be working properly now. If you plan to add an amplifier or have bought one for this setting, unplug the unit and connect the RCA cables. Run them through the panel to the slab and the amp (more on how to do this successfully in future articles).