While wiring a car stereo can be a daunting task because of the small, enclosed space and the large number of multicolored wires involved, the job can be quick and painless with the right set of instructions and the right materials. Since each stereo is designed differently, correctly identifying the function of each wire can vary, so keep in mind that, depending on the type of stereo that you have, your tasks may be slightly different from those described here.
Our stereo wiring harness kits are the best in the industry and ensure an easy and clean car stereo installation. Our extensive car stereo wiring harness collection ensures that you will find the exact harness needed for you car. Oct 26, 2017 These harnesses usually include a color-coded wiring diagram for connecting the harness to your new stereo. Your new stereo will also include a radio wiring diagram in the owner's manual. Refer to the two diagrams to confirm the car stereo wire colors that need to be connected to the adapter harness.
Removing the Stereo and Identifying the Wiring
Step 1
Remove the stereo from its housing in the dash of your car using your stereo removal tools. Depending on the type of car that you have, the process of removing the stereo from the dash can vary. However, typically stock stereos that come with the car require that you remove part of the dashboard to access the stereo's housing, while aftermarket stereos usually are sold with tools to remove it from its housing.
Step 2
Cut the wires which connect the stereo to the car, leaving as much length as possible still connected to the car, and use your car stereo wiring diagram to identify the function of each wire. Depending on the type of car you have, each wire's function can vary. However, typically the red wire indicates 'Power,' black indicates 'Ground,' yellow indicates 'Remote,' and striped, multicolored wires indicate speaker wires.
Identify the function of each wire on the new stereo which you plan on wiring to your car using your stereo wiring diagram. As with the previous wiring diagrams, each stereo's diagram is unique, so the function of each color may differ. Once you have identified the function of each wire, connect them to the corresponding wire at the dash of the car (Power wire to Power wire, Ground wire to Ground wire, and so on).
Items you will need
Stereo-specific wiring diagram
Car stereo-specific wiring diagram
Stereo removal tools
Video of the Day
Brought to you by Techwalla
power wiring image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
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While wiring a car stereo can be a daunting task because of the small, enclosed space and the large number of multicolored wires involved, the job can be quick and painless with the right set of instructions and the right materials. Since each stereo is designed differently, correctly identifying the function of each wire can vary, so keep in mind that, depending on the type of stereo that you have, your tasks may be slightly different from those described here.
Removing the Stereo and Identifying the Wiring
Step 1
Remove the stereo from its housing in the dash of your car using your stereo removal tools. Depending on the type of car that you have, the process of removing the stereo from the dash can vary. However, typically stock stereos that come with the car require that you remove part of the dashboard to access the stereo's housing, while aftermarket stereos usually are sold with tools to remove it from its housing.
Step 2
Cut the wires which connect the stereo to the car, leaving as much length as possible still connected to the car, and use your car stereo wiring diagram to identify the function of each wire. Depending on the type of car you have, each wire's function can vary. However, typically the red wire indicates 'Power,' black indicates 'Ground,' yellow indicates 'Remote,' and striped, multicolored wires indicate speaker wires.
Identify the function of each wire on the new stereo which you plan on wiring to your car using your stereo wiring diagram. As with the previous wiring diagrams, each stereo's diagram is unique, so the function of each color may differ. Once you have identified the function of each wire, connect them to the corresponding wire at the dash of the car (Power wire to Power wire, Ground wire to Ground wire, and so on).
Items you will need
Stereo-specific wiring diagram
Car stereo-specific wiring diagram
Stereo removal tools
Video of the Day
Brought to you by Techwalla
power wiring image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com