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Install a Car Audio Receiver

Objective

We all spend a lot of time in our cars and having a good sound system is essential. Whether the radio that came with your car is no longer working or just doesn't measure up, installing a new receiver can become a priority. Not as important as a transmission, but close...

What You'll Need

Parts:

  • receiver
  • instruction booklet and hardware that came with the receiver
  • dash kit with spacer
  • wire harness
  • antenna adapter
  • zip ties
  • crimp caps

Tools:

  • flush cut pliers
  • socket set driver
  • Phillips screw driver
  • "hook tool" (cotter pin extractor)
  • utility knife
  • panel tool
  • crimping tool
  • black permanent marker
  • multimeter

Procedure

Check out your car's electrical system before beginning. This will help diagnose any problems you run into later. Check the lights, electric mirrors, gauges and existing radio. You will also want to look through the installation instructions that came with your radio and your car's owners manual. This will give you a good overview of the process and help you understand how to take apart the dashboard.

  1. Remove the dashboard and old receiver.
  2. Disconnect antenna adapter, main power adapter and auxillary adapter.
  3. Check new power adapter and antenna adapter to make sure they fit your car's wiring.
  4. Attach new radio harness to wire adapter harness.
  5. Assemble mounting bracket according to instructions.
  6. Plug adapter harness into car's harness.
  7. Plug harness and antenna into the radio.
  8. Slide radio into the dash being careful not to pinch wires.
  9. Attach radio with screws provided.
  10. Reattach dash.

We originally made this video as a training tool for our Autotechs but we think it would be helpful for anyone who would like to try replacing their own car radio.

Watch and learn how to install a receiver in your vehicle. 

Need more help?

If you think we make it look easy, you're not alone. If you have questions after watching this video, we're standing by, ready to help! Schedule an Appointment with your local Geek Squad Autotech to have your system installed professionally.

More questions? Give us a call at 1-800-Geek-Squad (1-800-433-5778), or speak with your local Autotech at a Geek Squad Precinct inside a Best Buy store near you.