Car radio is something that we have more and more often in cars today. However, we may not always be satisfied with the original or another one that is currently in our car. For that reason too, we will look at how to install a car radio. First, we need to realize what specific type we will need. There are 1DIN and 2DIN models on the market today, which are related to the mounting hole. In the same way, we can also come across universal and special designs. Here it depends on how much functionality we require.
The first step is to dismantle the existing radio
The first thing we naturally have to do is, quite clearly, dismantle our existing car radio. How to do it? The procedure is not as complicated as many people think today. The first thing we will need is the right tools. These are usually special hooks that we insert into the holes in the existing car radio. Once this happens, the specific locks that hold the car radio in place should be released. In connection with this, we must not forget that once they are enabled, the radio must be removed. Care must be taken here as there is specific wiring attached to it.
Once the radio is out, we can disconnect the wiring itself. If we are connecting the same type, it is good to see which cables are connected where. This will subsequently make future assembly much easier for us. If we have a different type, it is not necessary to take this into account.
Find out the type of the particular connector
Before connecting a new car radio, it is a good idea to look at what specific connectors are used. This is necessary primarily because we need to determine exactly if the current wiring will fit the new radio. Although the drive for standardization has prevailed for the past few years, everything is not always as simple as many people think. For that reason too, it is subsequently necessary that a possible reduction be taken. We should use this not only for the reason that we connect the radio correctly, but also for the reason that all the required functions are ensured.
Connecting a new car radio may not always be easy. If you don't have enough experience or you don't have precise and specific instructions, don't despair. You can contact a car electrician who has experience in connecting car radios and knows well where each wire belongs.
The connection itself
This is one of the most demanding activities, as it is usually necessary to connect several specific wires. When everything is done, you can simply slide the radio into the mounting hole. However, be careful that it should not fit completely. And that's because you need to try it first. Simply turn the key and you will then start controlling the radio. If everything works as it should, you are sure that it is wired exactly as it should be wired. In this case, you can already place the radio in the hole itself permanently, which you can tell by the fact that the individual locks click. You are then sure that the car radio is in place and ready for use.
What are we connecting?
If we look at the basic connection and therefore also the basic connectors, it is certainly good to know what we are connecting specifically. If we were to be a little more specific, it is good to say that in this case it is mainly about the power connection, just as it is about the connection of the individual speakers in your car. This is basically the main thing and also the most important thing, without which the radio basically cannot function nowadays. Think about it when you are wondering what you still lack and what is the foundation.
How to remote control?
Many car radios also offer the option of so-called remote control. If the preparation for this solution is part of your car, you basically win. And that's because the individual connectors also contain a connection to the remote control, which can be part of the steering wheel or can be located in the space under the steering wheel. However, if the given solution is not available in your car, do not despair. You just have to go through a few more procedures. The first one is of course related to the fact that you don't forget to connect the external remote control itself as part of connecting your car radio. The cable itself should be routed from the underside of the car stereo and should ideally be hidden under the dashboard.
Therefore, you often cannot do without either its complete dismantling, or at least removing the place where you hide the specific cable. It should be brought out through the given space to the area of the steering wheel. Ideally on the left side, where you will place the control for the car radio under the turn signal. You just connect the given cable to it and everything is done.
How about another connection?
Today's modern car radios also offer many more additional functions than in previous years. Thanks to this, we can say that we can also connect them to a whole range of other systems in our car. Not only can they communicate, for example, with the on-board computer, but they can also offer, for example, the connection of an external microphone, which we can use if we want to make a phone call. Even these connectors are usually part of standardized connections.
The possibility of additional connection of various other components of your car is certainly an advantage. An example could be a GPS antenna located on the roof of your car, as well as a rear parking camera. Here, before connecting to a specific car radio, you need to think in detail about where the cabling itself will lead. As with other peripherals, you have to remember that everything connects exclusively to the back of the car radio. That is, in a space that quite logically remains completely hidden in the center panel.
