With the continual change in audio electronics and better car radios, you may decide that you would like to change the radio in your car and upgrade to give you more features and a better sound. Changing car radios is a fairly simple procedure and one that you can do yourself within an hour or two. You can change out your old car radio and install a new unit that allows you to play CDs, MP3s or add many of the newest features in car stereo systems.
Detach the negative battery cable from your car's battery with an open end wrench before attempting to change the car radio. Place the cable out of the way so that it does not touch any metal parts.
Remove the knobs from the front of the radio by pulling them straight back and setting the knobs aside. Detach the face plate from the front of the radio by using a screwdriver to lift the plate carefully, until the metal clips in back of the plate come loose from the bracket.
Unscrew the radio from the mounting bracket with a screwdriver and pull it forward out of the bracket. Pay attention to how the wires are connected behind the radio and where they go (see the tip section below for more instructions on removing and attaching the electrical wiring).
If you have a wiring harness, simply disconnect the wires from the back of the radio, otherwise disconnect the electrical wires from each of the radio components like the speakers, ground wire and wiring running to the fuse box under the dashboard. To make it easier for installation of the new radio, label each of the wires with masking tape to remember which ones to connect.
Remove the old radio from the bracket and slide the new radio into position in the bracket without attaching the screws just yet. Begin plugging the electrical wires back into place the way they came out.
Sand the area where the ground wire was attached with a piece of emery cloth to verify that the wire makes a good connection. Once it is ready, reconnect the ground wire.
Reattach the negative battery cable to the car battery and then turn the ignition key to the on position and turn on the radio to verify that it is working properly.
Turn the radio and the ignition switch off and connect the radio to the bracket by using screws to secure it to the frame. Snap the radio cover plate back into position over the radio and place the radio knobs back on the radio.
