How to Install a CD Player Without the Harness

Connecting the wires from the vehicle to the CD player without a wiring harness is simple. All you need do is strip each wire's end and connect it manually. The wires on the stereo and the vehicle are color-coded and easy to match up. Wire harnesses can be expensive, so you might actually save yourself some money connecting a CD player without one. You can buy the tools to complete this job at a car auto store for about $20.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Wire strippers
  • Wire caps
  • Remove the dashboard retaining screws using the screwdriver and pull the dashboard from the frame. Insert the CD player into the mount to secure it in place.

  • Separate all wires on the rear of the CD player and the wires coming from the vehicle. Strip the ends of all wires using the wire stripper.

  • Connect each wire from the CD player to its color-matched one from the vehicle. Twist them together using your fingers and then twist a wire cap to seal the wires and ensure that wires don't touch.