Car stereos are usually installed into the dashboard of an automobile. Modern stereos have a lot of inbuilt functions to give our driving experience the much-needed impetus. It can have an integrated GPS navigation system, AM/FM Radio, rear view monitor, Bluetooth sync to a phone, accessibility to use various music players and so on. Usually a car stereo has 3 sections, namely the source, preamp and amplifier. This article will provide you with a detailed instruction on car stereo installation.
The source lets the user choose from a variety of options. It contains input options such as USB port, 3.5 mm jack etc.
The preamp section controls all the adjustment of sound needed for a perfect listening experience. It includes options such as volume control, equalizer, balance etc.
The amplifier gives an output to the speakers which increases the digital signal received from the preamps.
Tools needed for a car stereo installation (may vary across vehicles) :
- Screwdrivers
- Panel tool
- Wire cutters
- Din tools
- Soldering iron
- Wire strippers
- Heat shrink tube
- Heat gun
Components of a car audio system are:
- Speakers: They are the core of the system as they convert the inputs into outputs by converting the electrical signal. They can be of two types: coaxial and component speakers , uber driver .
- Subwoofer: It requires an enclosure and amp. It boosts up the music and reproduces the lowest and deepest sound ranges.
- Bluetooth: A recent addition though but it can work wonders like transferring data across devices to your stereo, communicate and even as far as controlling the vehicle.
- Music player connectors: It includes a 3.5 mm jack or a pen drive slot to give access to various devices.
- Audio receivers: It is a head unit which displays what the system is playing or showing.
- GPS: Global Positioning System can guide someone to their destinations by identifying their current location and displaying where and what route they should follow.
- Amplifiers: They boost the low signals and convert them to a form which improves the listening experience greatly.
- Crossovers: They route the audio frequencies to their proper destinations.
- Sound proofing: A sound proofing kit can reduce external noise and gives an ambient listening experience.
- DVD players and screens.
Car Stereo Installation Process
Getting rid of the old stereo:
Although this process of car stereo installation looks relatively simple but the process has its complications. The negative terminal of the battery has to be disconnected to prevent short circuiting. The handbrake has to be applied and the gear set to parking to begin. All screws have to be dismantled before pulling the device otherwise there is a chance of breaking. The stereo can be mounted in two ways: Stereo is mounted on a metal by spring clips or the stereo is fixed to the dash by brackets. There will be a wire harness which connects the stereo and the electrical system which has to be disconnected as well to complete the removal process. Finally the stereo can be pulled out.
Installing the new stereo:
The new stereo has to be wired properly to the harness. If there is no harness, then the wires have to be identified by the colors and connected accordingly. There are proper instructions given in the manual. There are two types of power wires, namely switched power and constant power. Constant power wire always stays on while the switched power remains on only when the ignition is keyed in. The metal sleeve has to be placed by pushing the tabs down. The stereo needs to be connected to the braking system if it has a rear view monitor, then a wire has to be connected to the brake. The output converter has to be connected as well to sync the device with the other components of the car. An antenna adapter might be required as well. After everything is complete, all the wiring has to be tucked into the dashboard to prevent the area from being too messy. It has to be tested to make sure that the CD, AM, FM and other components work properly.
Finishing up:
Finishing car stereo installation perfectly is a crucial step. If the stereo has been completely locked into its place perfectly, there may be a click. Some stereos need a mounting kit to be assembled. A set of instructions will be provided for any directions required. All kinds of screws and trim pieces should be secured with appropriate devices. The components should be reconnected, replaced or removed according to its usage. A faceplate adapter can be installed if needed. After all this is done and the stereo is put into its slot, the battery should be connected and all plugs should be reconnected and attached before testing the stereo. All sources should be tested including the balance, volume, radio etc and the stereo should be completely secured in the dashboard panel.
