How to Hook Up a Stereo to a 1997 Civic

The Honda Civic has a longstanding tradition of being a high-quality, durable and economical vehicle for its owners. With its release in 1973, Honda officially got its own spot on the automotive map, and the company exploded from there, much like it did with motorcycles earlier. The 1997 Honda Civic, though more advanced than previous models, still had the same focus it always had. Hooking up the stereo in the 1997 Civic requires removing two trim panels and the glove box, but it is still a simple task that most do-it-yourself mechanics can perform.

Instructions

Removal

1

Adjust the drivers seat as far back as it will go. Remove the three screws securing the drivers side lower dashboard cover, the trim panel closest to your knees while driving, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull downward on the panel to disengage its retaining clips. If the car is equipped with power mirrors and moon roof, press and hold each wiring harness unlocking button and unplug each harness. Remove the drivers side lower dashboard cover.

2

Remove the two glove box hinge bolts from under the dashboard using a ratchet and socket. Open the glove box and press the sides of the glove box inward, so the glove box stoppers clear the dashboard. Pivot the glove box downward. Remove the glove box.

3

Remove the five screws securing the center lower dashboard cover the cover on the underside of the center part of the dashboard using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the center lower dashboard cover bolt with a ratchet and socket. Pull the center lower dashboard cover downward, exposing the wiring for the power outlet. Unplug the power outlet wiring harness and remove the center lower dashboard cover.

4

Look through the hole under the center of the dashboard, where the center lower dashboard cover was mounted, and find the two bolts securing the rear of the radio to the mounting bracket. Remove these two bolts with a ratchet, socket and 3-inch extension. Slide the radio outward until you can access the wiring on the rear.

5

Press and hold the unlocking button on the two 16-pin wiring harnesses on the back of the radio, and pull them out. Pull the antenna lead from the radio.

Installation

6

Plug the wiring harnesses into their receptacles on the rear of the new radio they are different sizes to prevent incorrect connection. Plug the antenna lead into its receptacle on the rear of the radio.

7

Slide the radio into its chassis until the bolt holes on the rear of the radio align with the holes in the mounting bracket. Hand-thread the two radio mounting bolts, then snug them with a ratchet, socket and 3-inch extension.

8

Reconnect the wiring harness to the rear of the power outlet on the center lower dashboard cover. Set the center lower dashboard cover in place under the dashboard, then tighten its five retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Hand-thread the retaining bolt into the passengers side of the lower dashboard cover and snug it with a ratchet and socket.

9

Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward so the stoppers clear the cutout in the dashboard, and set the glove box in the dashboard. Hold the glove box in place and hand-thread the two glove box hinge bolts. Tighten the glove box hinge bolts to 7 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.

10

Plug the wiring harnesses into the power mirror and moon roof switch receptacles, if equipped. Align the retaining clips on the rear of the drivers dashboard lower cover with the slots on the drivers side of the dashboard. Press the cover upward to snap the clips into place. Tighten the three retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.