| Introduction and In-Dash Receiver Installation |
From "Car Care & Repair"
episode CCR-104 |
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Nearly all new automobiles now come with a radio and some sort of sound system as a standard feature. Audio enthusiasts and music lovers, however, often want to upgrade or replace that system with higher-end components for greater audio power and a cleaner, crisper sound. It should be acknowledged that a vehicle's interior is never going to be an ideal acoustic environment. The structure of the interior limits the placement of speakers, the seat-backs cause baffling effects, the sound-reflective glass surfaces interfere with high-end resolution, and there is always the presence of at least some amount of engine and road noise. True high fidelity, by audiophile-purist standards, may never be a possibility in an automobile environment. You simply can't turn a vehicle interior into a perfect listening room. Still, there is no doubt that you can significantly improve on the sound quality offered by most factory-standard systems by the addition of a larger power amp, a higher-end receiver, larger and better speakers, higher-quality cables, etc. Moreover, high-end receivers may offer more features (such as display of digital information sent out by FM stations identifying station, song, artist, etc.) and the ability to integrate more components like external amplifiers, multidisc changers, mp3 players, minidisc changers, graphic equalizers and specialized speakers. Some specialty audio retailers sell all-inclusive kits and provide detailed information that help ensure trouble-free custom installation for specific vehicles. They may also provide charts and information to help you decide exactly which components will best suit your needs and your specific vehicle, as well as technical support for installation. The logical place to begin an upgrade is with the "front end" of the system -- the stereo receiver. This component contains the controls that allow you to adjust the sound to your liking, and it serves as the central element that controls the other components such as CD changers and tape decks. (Many in-dash receivers, in fact, already have a tape deck or CD player integrated in with their chassis.) In this demonstration we install a high-end Sony receiver, featuring AM/FM and cassette, in a 2000-model Mustang. This particular receiver features what the manufacturer calls an "active black panel" -- a smoked-plastic cover that, when closed, conceals the face plate and control panel when the system is powered down. This is an added security feature that may help deter theft. This model is known as a Euro-DIN unit (figure A), a term which refers to the size dimensions and mounting style. In-dash components are now standardized in terms of size, making it easier to determine exactly which systems will fit in your vehicle. Standard types include the Iso-DIN, Double DIN, shaft style and factory style. The Euro-DIN installs from the front of the dash and slides into a mounting sleeve that fits into the existing dash opening. The rear panel (figure B) features an assortment of inputs and outputs facilitating the use of such options as an external amp, subwoofer, remote CD-changer (e.g., trunk- or under-seat mounted), remote control, laptop-computer connection and cell-phone adapter. Materials for installation: FM/AM/Cassette stereo and installing hardware
DIN tools (2)
Wire stripper and crimping tool and/or soldering kit
Screwdrivers, flat-blade and Phillips Important: As with any project involving electronic work on an automobile, before you begin this installation disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable to avoid electrical shock or equipment damage. - Remove the old receiver from the dash. Since this is a DIN-style mount, a pair of specialized DIN tools (figure C) will make this job simpler. Insert a DIN tool on either side of the receiver and gently pull it out (figure D) until the rear of the receiver clears the front of the dash opening.
- Disconnect the wiring and antenna lead from the back of the old receiver.
- Insert the metal mounting sleeve into the dash opening (figure E) and push it in until it is seated firmly. With the sleeve in position, reach inside with your finger and press the inside tabs outward so that they fasten the sleeve in place.
- Make the new wiring connections by plugging the harness into the factory plug and wiring the new receiver's connections into the custom wiring harness. In this case, the new harness also includes an adapter that allows gain control for individual speakers. The new harness plugs and factory plugs snap easily into place (figure F). Be gentle when inserting the snap-in connections to avoid bending or damaging any contacts.
- Wire the receiver to the custom harness, making all the appropriate connections. You'll need to crimp or solder the receiver's power and ground wire to the harness, and possibly also the speaker wires if they don't have easy-insert connections. The wires from the receiver, the factory wires and the ones in the new harness are color-coded (figure G) to avoid getting them mixed up. (The new harness will contain some extra wires for connection of additional options if desired.) Simply twisting the appropriate wires together is not sufficient, as they may later come loose. You'll need to solder them or use a crimping tool and connectors (figure H).
- Important: Follow the wiring instructions that come with your receiver exactly. There is likely to be some variation between installations depending on the unit that you are installing and your individual vehicle.
- With all wiring complete, attach the side brackets (included in the kit) onto the sides of the receiver (figure I). These will hold the receiver securely in the dash, fastening it to the inside of the mounting sleeve.
- Before inserting the receiver into the dash, reconnect the auto's battery and test the system to make certain that all connections are good and the system is completely functional. This particular unit comes with a remote control (figure J), so test to make certain that it functions also. Also set the gain controls for all speakers, using the dials on the adapter (figure K).
- With the system tested and the gain controls set to your liking, feed the harness and wiring into the dash opening and slide the unit in until it snaps in place. Some units also come with a trim ring that snaps on around the outside of the face plate.
Some units come with a specialized tool (figure L) to help in removing the unit should it ever need to be taken out for repair or replacement. Be certain to save that tool as well as the old stereo equipment and leftover mounting hardware. You may want to reinstall the old system when you trade or sell the vehicle.
RESOURCES :
Crutchfield Car Audio
Crutchfield is not only a catalog retailer specializing in a wide array of popular audio equipment, they excel at providing information and resources for audio-system installation by car owners. Their Crutchfield Guide: Car Stereo Installation offers valuable information on installation of components in most vehicles. Their free catalog offers advice on selecting the best type of system for your tastes and the most suitable equipment for your vehicle.
Crutchfield Corporation
Website: www.crutchfield.com
Vehicles provided by McNelly-Whaley Ford Lincoln Mercury
750 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-453-2833
Web site: www.ford4u.com
How to Design and Install High Performance Car Stereo: A Beginners Guide
Author: Joe Pettitt
Publisher: Car Tech, Inc. (1996)
ISBN: 1884089178
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Auto Audio
Model: 0071346899
Author: Andrew Yoder
Publisher: Tab Books
Order this title from Amazon.com.
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