How to Install a CD Player in a KIA Rio 2001

In 2001, Kia introduced an all-new compact sedan to replace the Sephia, which the maker eliminated the following model year. The 2001 Rio came standard with a 1.5-liter engine that produced 98 horsepower and got a wallet-friendly 29 mpg on the highway. Removing and installing the optional CD player on this economy sedan requires removing the center trim panel, but it is a straightforward task that nearly any do-it-yourself mechanic can complete.

Instructions

Removal

1

Pull the ashtray outward until you can access the metal tongue on the top rear. Press the metal tongue downward to unlock the ashtray and pull the ashtray from the center trim panel, the panel surrounding the radio and climate-control knobs.

2

Remove the screw from the ashtray cavity in the center trim panel with a Phillips screwdriver. Pry around the perimeter of the center trim panel with a flat-head screwdriver to disengage its retaining clips.

3

Grasp the knob on the fresh air and recirculating air toggle lever and pull it off the lever.

4

Separate the center trim panel from the dashboard just enough to access the wiring harness plugged into the rear of the cigarette lighter. Unplug that wiring harness and remove the center trim panel.

5

Remove the four screws securing the CD player using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the CD player from its dashboard chassis until you can access its wiring. Press and hold the unlocking button on the CD players wiring harness and unplug the harness. Unplug the antenna wire from the CD player. Remove the CD player from the vehicle.

Installation

6

Plug the wiring harness and antenna wire into their receptacles on the rear of the radio.

7

Slide the radio into its chassis in the dashboard and tighten its four retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

8

Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the cigarette lighter and align the retaining clips on the rear of the center trim panel with the slots in the dashboard. Press the center trim panel onto the dashboard until the retaining clips snap into place.

9

Press the knob back onto the fresh air and recirculating air toggle lever.

10

Tighten the screw back into place inside the ashtray cavity, then reinsert the ashtray into its cavity and close it.