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Installing an Aftermarket Head Unit (How-to with Pics)

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58K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  ImagePree  
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#1 · (Edited)
I hope this will be a valuable resource to anyone who wants to install an aftermarket headunit into their car. Let me preface by saying I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about car stereo and the install was very easy. Instructions are written for a 2001 Prelude, with a Pioneer HU. Please note that this is headunit install only - nothing dealing with amps or speakers.

Materials you will need:

Wiring Harness
Go to any stereo install place and ask them for a wiring harness. You will need to tell them the make and model of your vehicle - expect to pay $10-15.
Mounting Kit (if needed)
This consists of a plastic frame with a small pocket underneath. Depending on your dash and aftermarket stereo, you may not need this.
Electrical Tape
Scissors
Flathead screwdriver
A rag (old t-shirt works fine)
Phillips head screwdriver (magnetic if possible)
Wire crimper/stripper
Crimp caps
Beer and a friend (optional)

First of all, remove the faceplate from your aftermarket HU and put it somewhere safe. You don't want to scratch it accidentally. Remove the negative (black) connecter on your car battery.

You will now need to pry out the plastic trim surrounding the climate control and stock stereo. I used the flathead screwdriver wrapped in a bit of cloth (t-shirt). You'll need to insert the screwdriver about 1/2" into the crack in order to pop the holding clips.
When you are finished you will see this:
Image


Unscrew the four screws holding the stock stereo in (circled). Two on both sides.
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The stock stereo is screwed to the pocket and the connected pieces screw into a frame.
Image


I was able to re-use this OEM frame for the Pioneer HU. The OEM pocket fits underneath but since it no longer is connected to the HU, it must be secured with double-sided tape or some means.
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Here is the aftermarket wiring (top) and the wiring harness (bottom).
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You now need to splice those colored wires together. The colors should match up (black to black, violet/black with violet/black, etc).
There should be a chart that comes with the wiring harness.
If you have never spliced wires before, it is very simple. Strip the plastic from each wire. Twist the exposed fibers of each wire INDIVIDUALLY and then twist the two wires together. Wrap the twist in electrical tape. You can crimp them later (see below).
Image


It is a good idea to test these connections (and the HU) before you go any further. Connect all the wires together, reconnect the battery, and start the car. Test the headunit and its functions. Using the electrical tape allows you to easily re-splice a wire if something is wrong.
Image


The tape can be left in place, but a more permanent solution is to crimp the two wires (insert twist into crimp cap, crimp with tool).
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Now just replace the stereo assembly and screw it back into place.
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Replace the plastic trim and you're done!
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Thank you for your help and advice: Les Chao, Eric Lai, nmehta211, ywwong, Dragen, po0p.

If you have questions, e-mail me at simonlai79@hotmail.com.
 
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#3 ·
hey thats the headunit i plan on getting! nice!

anyway, i do have one question. when you say to twist each wire individually, do you mean each strand?! do you mean to twist all the 15 or 20 or whatever strands together? that sounds tedious.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
illusion: after stripping the rubber from both wires you'll see something like this (crude diagram):

Wire 1 (on HU wiring) ========
Wire 2 (on white wiring harness) ========


Each wire is composed of individual copper fibers. You need to twist the fibers of Wire 1 together by pinching the whole clump and twisting (like you were tightening a screw by hand). Then do Wire 2.

Then take Wire 1 and Wire 2 and cross their exposed strands to make an "X". Twist that tightly together.

apocalypse: You are absolutely right. I actually did tape that mess of wires together but forgot to take a pic. I ran out of crimp caps so I just electrical taped the wires that I did not need.

nmehta211: Thanks! Yeah, we definitely have to get everyone together :) Sorry for flaking out last time - I'll be in touch!
 
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#8 ·
shik0me said:
Each wire is composed of individual copper fibers. You need to twist the fibers of Wire 1 together by pinching the whole clump and twisting (like you were tightening a screw by hand). Then do Wire 2.
Click to expand...
oh ok i got ya now. this is what i figured you meant, but i had to clear it up.
 
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#10 · (Edited)
Nice write up...... ! did you realize that if you connect orange wire from the harness the the HU.. the dimmer won't work?

I actually need to connect the orange wire to the Orange/white stripe wire to make it works.. (thanks Ovadalimit :D)

and I realized that your radio pocket is warped... mine too...

haha.. how come my name is on the list? You're welcome. :laugh:
 
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#11 ·
Originally posted by ywwong
I actually need to connect the orange wire to the Orange/white stripe wire to make it works..
Click to expand...
Oh really?? I matched the orange/white to orange/white. What does the dimmer do...just adjust brightness of the HU? Pioneer has controls for that on the HU I think...besides I like the preset brightness :)

Why do I thank you? Well you mentioned one time you have a Pioneer HU with the stock pocket - and your HU is very similar to mine. So I didn't have to buy an aftermarket bracket with the "tissue box opening" pocket :laugh:

I will steal your Accord tray idea next :D
 
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#12 ·
shik0me said:

Oh really?? I matched the orange/white to orange/white. What does the dimmer do...just adjust brightness of the HU? Pioneer has controls for that on the HU I think...besides I like the preset brightness :)
Click to expand...

no.. it works like this.... when you turn on the headlight... the display of your HU will go dimmer.... when you turn off the headlight.. your HU display go back to normal..

so... at night. your HU will be dimmer and won't hurt your eyes.. lol. :laugh:
 
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#13 ·
Hehe...I actually just got back from testing the HU brightness switch. I don't think it is that bright on the default setting so it doesn't really matter to me. But it's good you mention that for other people. :)
 
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#14 ·
shik0me said:
Hehe...I actually just got back from testing the HU brightness switch. I don't think it is that bright on the default setting so it doesn't really matter to me. But it's good you mention that for other people. :)
Click to expand...
actualy.. you want to turn the brightness to be really really bright.. for day time.. coz you won't see sh1t if the sun shines directly through the window.. or if you wear sunglasses..

so that's why i set mine super bright for day time.. and then at night.. the dimmer switch will turn the brightness down a little bit.
 
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#18 ·
84RHONDA said:
Awesome write up!!! i've been looking for nice detailed pics, but one question. Where's the best place to stick the screwdriver to "pop" off the trimming in step 1? I don't want to damage it.
Click to expand...
In the top picture, see the two screws to the left and right of the climate control? That's a good place to start. In that picture you can tell where the clips are placed around the perimeter - see the holes?

Just work the screwdriver in there and pry slowly, but very firmly. Use the pic as your guide. Positioning the screwdriver close to the clip holes will give you the best results.

Please let me know if I can explain that any better. Thanks for the kind words! :)
 
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