The factory stereo deck in the PT Cruiser is already a double-DIN stereo deck. Owner's who wish to replace the factory head unit with a single-DIN unit will need to install a faceplate adapter to fill in the extra space. Installing a double-DIN replacement requires the proper installation collar. You can purchase the necessary adapters and swap your PT Cruiser's factory stereo system with a double-DIN aftermarket unit in under one hour.
Raise the PT Cruiser's hood. Loosen the bolt securing the negative battery cable clamp to the battery terminal with an adjustable wrench. Remove the cable from the battery and set it aside. Move to the interior of the vehicle.
Angle the climate control vents upward and remove the screws at the bottom of each vent's opening with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Grab the top of the trim panel surrounding the stereo assembly and pull it away from the dashboard.
Disconnect the two wiring connectors from the backside of the panel and set it aside.
Remove the two screws on either side of the factory stereo deck with the screwdriver. Slide the stereo unit from the dashboard stereo dock and disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cable lead from the outlets on the back of the unit. Set the stock head unit aside.
Slide the double-DIN installation collar into the PT Cruiser's vacant stereo mounting dock. Pull the stereo and antenna cables from the back of the dock to the front of the dashboard. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads.
Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the outlets on the rear panel of the new stereo. Insert the antenna cable lead into the FM antenna input on the back of the new deck. Slide the stereo into the dashboard stereo mounting dock until it locks into place within the installation collar.
Place the dashboard trim panel back over the stereo assembly. Connect the climate and hazard light wiring connectors to the outlets on the back of the panel. Press firmly around the edges of the panel to snap it back into pace on the PT Cruiser's dashboard. Replace the screws inside the vents with the screwdriver. Return to the battery.
Replace the negative battery cable clamp onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the bolt to secure the cable onto the battery post and close the hood.
