How to Replace an In-Dash CD Player

If your vehicle has an in-dash CD player, chances are that it is held in mainly by a few screws and the plastic trim of the central dash. This is the way most modern vehicles are engineered to allow for easy access and removal of your stereo system. If this is the case, you will only need to remove the trim and screws in order to remove your vehicle's CD player and replace it with a new unit.

Instructions

1

Open your vehicle's hood and disconnect the battery. This is done so as to prevent any accidental shocks when removing or installing your vehicle's radio. Use a socket wrench to remove the vehicle's negative terminal from the battery.

2

Open the driver's door and pry off the inner plastic trim on the central dash. Most vehicles have one piece of trim while others have two. Some vehicles don't have any trim. This step will depend on your vehicle, but you can usually a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the trim. If the trim is held in place by screws, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove those screws first and then pry off the trim.

3

Remove the screws securing the in-dash CD player. Usually, there are four screws which can be removed with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Once the screws are loose, pull the CD player towards you and disconnect its wiring harness at the rear of the CD player. Remove the CD player from the dash.

4

Place a new CD player into the dash and reconnect its wiring harness. Reinstall the screws and plastic trim and reconnect the vehicle's battery. Close the hood.