How to Update a Toyota Corolla Car Radio

Many of us spend a lot of time driving, and would like our experience to be as pleasant as possible. While there is nothing we can do about gas prices or traffic, a good sound system can make any trip more enjoyable. Installing your own car radio isn't difficult if you have the right tools and an aptitude for electronics.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Access to the internet
• Aptitude for electronics
• Wire strippers, crimper
• Pliers
• Car stereo

1. • 1

     Find the correct size and depth for your radio. For a 2004
     Toyota Corolla, for example, your car needs a double din stereo with 9-1/8" depth. Do this BEFORE you buy your new radio. Check your car's owner manual for the correct specs for your car stereo. If you can't find what you're looking for or don't have the manual, go to www.crutchfield.com. Under the Shop tab, click Car Audio & Video, then Outfit My Car. Enter your car's information and when it asks to choose the brand of car stereo select Skip This Step. The next screen will show you what size stereo and speakers to choose for your car.

   • 2

     Determine what kind of stereo you will need based on your current music listening habits. Ask yourself these questions. Do you own an iPod, have a large CD collection, or a large library of digital music on your home computer? If so, choose a stereo with an auxiliary output on the front, plays MP3 files, or both. Do you subscribe to XM radio or listen to HD radio? If so, you will also need to make sure your new radio is HD-compatible and/or satellite ready.

   • 3

     Research available models, accessories and prices. The folks at Best Buy and custom car stereo shops are real friendly and can help find a solution that fits your budget and lifestyle, even if you don't buy from them. You can also research online on your own. Crutchfield's website is a great resource.

   • 4

     Purchase a car stereo package that fits your price range. Using a site like Crutchfield is good because you also get free installation instructions and mounting brackets. They offer free lifetime support on anything you buy and excellent customer service ratings. Best Buy has a great warranty program, and comes highly recommended if you are installing yourself. Be sure you price not only the stereo, but all accessories and parts.

   • 5

     Review the instructions for installing your radio BEFORE you do it. Be sure you have all the tools and accessories needed. Most likely you will need to buy an antenna adapter, wiring, and harness which can significantly add to the total cost. Accessories include iPod adapters, CD changers, etc. Be sure you have everything before you take your car apart.

   • 6

     Pick a day to install your stereo. If this is your first time, give yourself 5-6 hours to account for unexpected problems. Don't forget to be sure your radio is grounded properly or you might cause serious electrical problems with your car.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a friend to help you. It's a lot faster when you have someone there to help you run wire and read diagrams.

• Buy extended warranties on whatever you get. Some stores will allow you to trade it for a new item even if you fried it during installation.

• Get help if you're not comfortable. Electrical problems can cause fires and other serious problems with your car.

• Add fuses between your radio and car battery or invest in an alternate power source like lightning caps. If you are adding a stereo, amp and high-powered speakers these can drain your battery slowly over time.

• Sites like Crutchfield Advisor offer free instructions for installing radios. Take advantage.

• Do not take shortcuts.

• Don't start installing the stereo before you have all the tools, equipment and knowledge. If you only have one vehicle, how are you going to drive to the store to pick up a part if your car is in pieces?