DIY Network

Reducing Driver Distraction: MP3 vs. CD Players From "Auto Primer" episode DAPR-104

This CD player will also play CD-Rs filled with music in MP3 format. With that technology, you can store up to 12 hours of music on a single disc.

NOTE: Images on this page may be enlarged for enhanced viewing simply by clicking on them.

This episode of DIY's Auto Primer focuses on driver safety, eliminating distraction, defensive driving and safe-driving tips.

In this second segment of episode 104, Leilani shows how to install a CD player that also plays MP3's.

Materials:

Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
MP3-capable CD Player
Dash adapter kit
Wiring harness adapter
Crimp-on connectors
Wire crimpers
Screwdriver or nut-driver
Panel removal tool
Electrical tape

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect your vehicle's negative batter cable before you begin any electrical or mechanical work on your vehicle.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	PDF

Installing an MP3/CD Player

This upgrade can reduce driver distraction since, with MP3 format, several hours of music can be stored on a single compact disc. Since changing discs while driving can take your attention from the road, this technology can help reduce distraction while driving. With simple-to-use software that's available over the internet, you may able to fit up to 12 hours of music onto a single CD-R disc. (You'll need a computer with a CD burner to create your own MP3 discs.)

Wiring Harness

• A "pigtail" adapter harness (figure A), that allows you to keep the factory wiring harness intact, will come with your new CD player. (You'll need to be sure that you have the appropriate harness to fit your vehicle.) Before you start installing the unit, you can combine the factory harness and adapter so that the deck installation is essentially "plug and play."

• Consult the manufacturer's instructions or manuals to match the colored wires according to their functions. To make this process less confusing, you can make a simple table or chart (figure B) that shows the colors of wires on each side.

  You can download a simple chart in .pdf format -- like the one seen in this episode -- by clicking the highlighted text under FIGURE B at right.
  
  

  
  

• Once you've established how the wires correspond, connect the appropriate wires using a crimp-on connector and crimping tool (figure C).
  
  
• Once the wires are connected give them a gentle tug to make sure the connections are secure (figure D).

• Wrap each of the connections with electrical tape.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  Figure E

The stereo we installed in this demonstration is an industry-standard size called DIN, measuring two inches tall by seven inches wide. However, the GM vehicle in our demonstration had a factory stereo that was larger in size (figure E).

Therefore our installation required that we use an adapter bracket (figure F). Once the bracket is installed in the opening, the new stereo simply slides into place in the bracket opening and is secured with a trim plate (figure G). Slide the MP3 Player into the adapter and, using a small screwdriver, bend up the metal tabs to secure the bracket.

Figure F

Figure G

	Figure H
	Figure I

• Be sure to disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin this job. This will protect you from electrical shock and prevent damage to the car that could occur in the event of an electrical short.

• Remove the trim panel that surrounds the factory stereo. Consult your vehicle's owner manual for the procedure. A trim-panel tool and screwdriver may be required. Use caution as you remove the panel. You may have to disconnect any lights or switches attached to it.

• Set the trim panel aside and remove the screws that hold the factory stereo in place. In our case, this required a nut-driver (figure H).

• With the screws removed, you should be able to slide the factory stereo forward and out.

• Disconnect the antenna wire at the back of the unit.

• Disconnect the factory wiring harness at the back of the unit (figure I).
  

  
  

• Plug in the new harness into the factory harness on the car (figure J).

• Plug the other end of the new harness into the back of the unit (figure K).

  Figure J

  Figure K

  
  

  
  

• Plug in the antenna (figure L).

• With the adapter harness, the new wiring may be a little bulky. Carefully feed the wiring into the opening, using caution not to tangle or crimp anything, and slide the new stereo (in the adapter bracket) into the opening (figure M).

  Figure L

  Figure M

  
  

  Figure N

  
  

• Before reassembly, reconnect the battery and test everything out.
  
  
• Replace the screws in the bracket.
  
  
• Reattach the wires for any lights or switches that you removed on the trim panel.
  
  
• Replace the trim panel (figure N).
  

  Note: This is a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with your owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.

  Safety Alert: Always dispose of automotive fluids and other hazardous materials responsibly. Many auto centers have auto-fluid recycling centers.
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
  Author: Dan Ramsey
  ISBN: 0028635833
  Alpha Books

  
  Ultimate Auto Detailing
  Model: 0879389419
  Author: David H. Jacobs
  (1995)
  To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
  Motorbooks International
  

  
  Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
  Model: 0801983940
  Author: James Joseph
  (1998)
  To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
  Chilton Book Company
  Westchester, PA 19380
  Phone: 610-738-9280
  Fax: 610-738-9354
  

  Auto Repair for Dummies
  Author: Deanna Sclar
  ISBN: 0764550896

  Auto Audio
  Model: 0071346899
  Author: Andrew Yoder
  Publisher: Tab Books
  Order this title from Amazon.com.
  

  How Cars Work
  Author: Tom Newton
  ISBN: 0966862309
  Publisher: Black Apple Press
  To order this title from Amazon, click here.
  

  What's Wrong With My Car?: A Quick and Easy Guide to Most Common Symptoms of Car Trouble
  Author: Bob Cerullo
  ISBN: 0452269938
  Publisher: Plume (1993)
  To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Safe Driving: Eliminate the Clutter
  	Reducing Driver Distraction: MP3 vs. CD Players
  	Defensive Driving and Safety Tips
  	Enhancing Safety with GPS Technology
  	WEB-EXTRA VIDEOS: Auto Primer Tips, Volume 4