CD players are a common car customization.
Most cars come with a stereo pre-installed. The factory-issued stereos in older vehicles normally consist of an AM/FM receiver and a cassette player. Replacing the stereo is a popular car modification for owners looking to increase their entertainment options. Aftermarket stereos include CD players with other features that offer more than the basic factory-issued options. These can be installed by car owners with a couple of adapters or modifications.
Instructions
1. Remove the old car stereo. The majority of factory-issued car stereos are locked in place by tabs located on the side of the unit. Owners can buy custom keys from car audio retailers or directly from the manufacturer. The clips can also be released by using bent coat hangers or a flat head screwdriver pushed into the tabs to unclip the lock. Gently pull out the old stereo once the clips are released.
2. Disconnect the old stereo. Pull out the black radio antenna from the rear of the old stereo. Push the tab on the side of the wire harness that has all the connecting wires for the power, CD changer and speakers and pull the connection apart. Set the old stereo to the side.
3. Install faceplates if necessary. Some factory-issued car stereos come in customized designs and shapes. Aftermarket stereos are a standard size, and faceplates are available to fit them into the space vacated by a customized radio shape. These faceplates are specific to the car model and available from car audio retailers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the faceplate. Most faceplates will click into the holding slots for the old stereo.
4. Connect the aftermarket CD player to the car. Make sure that all of the wire connections extend through the faceplate portal. Connect an aftermarket wire harness adapter to the wire harness of the car. Wire harness adapters are specific to car models and available from car audio retailers. Connect the other end of the wire harness adapter to the wire harness of the CD player. Make sure that all connections click into place. Connect the black radio antenna cable to the radio antenna port on the rear of the CD player---check the device instructions---and ensure it is secure.
5. Test the connections. Turn on the CD player. Establish that a signal is being sent to the car speakers by using the unit features one-by-one.
6. Secure the CD player into the dashboard housing. Push the wire connections first into the portal then slide the CD player unit into the dashboard housing. Push it in until it is secure in the housing. If it is replacing a standard-sized unit, it will slide into the clips used by the previous unit.
Tags: audio retailers, factory-issued stereos, from audio, from audio retailers, radio antenna
