How to Install a Car Stereo in a 2004 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima arrived in 1993 as the much-needed replacement for the aged Stanza. The Altima featured a smoother body design than its predecessor, making it more similar to other cars in its era. The sleekness of the Altima continued with each generational change made to this popular mid-sized sedan. In 2002, Nissan completely overhauled the Altima by giving it a sportier appearance as well as exaggerated and modern headlights. This body design lasted through the 2006 model year. The 2004 Altima did not come standard with a stereo, but it had an optional AM-FM stereo with a CD player. Replacing the stereo in the 2004 Altima is a straightforward task that most do-it-yourself mechanics can perform.

Instructions

Radio Removal

1

Wrap the blade end of a flat-head screwdriver with a thin layer of duct tape to protect the trim while prying it off.

2

Pry around the climate-control bezel the trim surrounding the climate-control knobs with a flat-head screwdriver to disengage its retaining clips. Pull the climate-control panel from the Altimas dash. Set this panel in a secure area.

3

Remove the screw securing the lower, right corner of the radio bezel the trim piece surrounding the radio to the dashboard with a Phillips screwdriver. Use the blade of the flat-head screwdriver to pry around the perimeter of the radio bezel to disengage its retaining clips. Pull the radio bezel off the dashboard.

4

Unfasten the four radio-retaining screws using a Phillips screwdriver.

5

Slide the radio out of its chassis in the dashboard just far enough for you to reach its wiring on the rear. Press and hold the unlocking buttons on each of the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio and pull each harness from the rear of the radio the number of harnesses depends on the Altima's audio options. Unplug the antenna cable from the rear of the radio and remove the radio.

Radio Installation

6

Plug the antenna wire and wiring harnesses into their respective receptacles on the rear of the new radio the harnesses are all different sizes, so each only plugs into one receptacle.

7

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

8

Line up the clips on the rear of the radio bezel with the slots in the dashboard around the radio. Press the radio bezel onto the dashboard until the clips snap into place. Secure the radio bezel by tightening its retaining screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

9

Position the climate-control bezel over the climate-control knobs so the clips on the rear of the bezel line up with the slot in the dashboard around the climate-control knobs. Press the climate-control bezel onto the dash until the retaining clips snap into place.