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How do you install a new Headunit?

4K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  Milous 
#1 ·
Is it as straightforward as it seems? What should I look for in terms of the new headunits AMPS, or does that not really matter?

I have a 01' WJ 4.0 :slapfight:
 
#6 ·
lol, you will have to connect your factory harness into a aftermarket harness and then connect the after market harness to the harness supplied with the stereo. its pretty simple. i would solder all connections though. just go to a audio store and tell them you need a fit kit and wiring harness for your make and model
 
#8 · (Edited)
In August I moved to Wyoming and bought my FIRST Jeep ever. The display was out on the Radio and it had a cassette player.
I noticed that some mentioned Crutchfield.
That was the first update to my Grand Cherokee. A unit with a USB Port!!!
Crutchfield's Service, price, and freebies are awesome. If you are replacting the audio system, do not forget to Connect the Blue to Blue wire on the harness/adapter.

This 8 Cylinder roars from 5,000 feet to 8,000 feet elevation of Casper Mountain like it was a bump in the road.
Sunday through tuesday i am off work and....
I am Grand Cherokeeing to the Grand Tetons...
Jackson, Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Cody, etc.
I am all fired up and ready to fly. This Jeep Rocks!
 
#9 · (Edited)
If I can add that getting all the fittings from the likes of Crutchfields for your head unit is the way to go to the

There are two lots of blue wires in the harness with the plain blue wire for the power antenna and the blue/white is for the remote on. If you get no sound from the unit make sure the blue/white is connected from radio unit to car harness. The power antenna wire is the only wiring not connected.

2 Ways to Install a Car Stereo - wikiHow
 
#11 ·
This is super simple. WITHOUT ordering through crutchfield...

-Go to WALMART and buy an "Installation Kit" for your make and model/year vehicle. $15
-While you're there, look for a "wiring harness adaptor" for the same vehicle. $15

***ATTN 2004 OWNERS- YOU WILL NEED TO BUY AN ANTENNA ADAPTOR FOR YOUR RADIOS, AS FOR WHATEVER REASON, JEEP DECIDED TO CHANGE THAT! $20

-Now go to "RADIOSHACK" and buy a packet of "Butt Connectors". $2.69/10 or 12. 1 pack should do.

-Now using a prying tool, pull out the radio trim panel, which WILL include the heater vents as part of the trim.
-Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the radio. (4 screws)
- Unplug all wiring harnesses.
-Go to your aftermarket radio, and pull the wiring harness from that and color match the adaptor you bought to the new radio harness. Connect by crimping the ends of the butt connectors over the wires of the same color.
-If there is no BLACK in the new harness, you can use the factory wire grounded to the radio itself (There should be a spot for it to clip onto). If there IS a BLACK wire, just run it to the factory BLACK wire, cutting off the clip and just crimp it using the butt connector.
-Now that THAT is done, put together your install kit. This could require snapping off plastic tabs and clicking parts together like Legos. No glue required, but some might ask you to screw the radio into the kit. MOST will use the cage around the aftermarket radio to slide in the main opening of the install kit, the bend some of the triangular tabs in the cage upward to hold it in place. YES, that's how that works and it DOES do the job.
-Slide the radio into the cage and 2 tabs will "Click" it in place. (You will need "keys" included with the radio to release those tabs to slide the radio out without removing all the exterior trim in the future.)
-Next, attach your harnesses. One to the back of the radio, and the other end to the factory harness in the dash.
-Next, the antenna wire into the back of the radio.
-Screw the unit in place.
-Re-install trim panel.
-Install trim ring around radio face. (included with radio; may already be installed. Is removable tho for future reference. )

Congrats! You just installed your own radio! Something BESTBUY charges $100 to do. If you think that was difficult, you may want to forget about installing amplifiers. Running wire is the hardest part of that job.
 
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