How to Change the Radio in a Grand Cherokee
by Aram Khayatpour
Replacing the stereo system in your Grand Cherokee is a do-it-yourself job that could save you a lot of money over a professional installation. Changing the stereo system is not an extremely difficult task and can be done in an afternoon as long as you buy the right stereo system for your Jeep. With the help of this guide, you can replace your factory stereo system and save yourself the headaches of trying to change your radio alone.
Step 1
Go to a local electronics store or online to buy a new stereo system. Make sure the system comes with a wiring harness adapter that is compatible with your Grand Cherokee's year and a mount that fits as well.
Step 2
Disconnect your car's power supply by pulling off the black (negative) wire from your car's battery and placing it someplace where it will not accidentally come in contact with the battery.
Step 3
Remove the four screws that hold the center console in place.
Step 4
Pry off the center console by going around it with a screwdriver and gently prying off the plastic, freeing it from any clips holding it into place.
Step 5
Unscrew the four screws that attach the radio to the car.
Step 6
Gently pull out the radio. Detach the wiring harness and the antenna wire from the back of the stereo.
Step 7
If necessary, place the stereo mount into the slot and secure it in place. If the new radio is specifically designed to fit in the dash of your Grand Cherokee's year, you can skip this step.
Step 8
Attach the wiring harness to the wiring harness adapter on the back of the new stereo. Also attach the antenna wire to the appropriate spot on the new stereo.
Step 9
Slide the new stereo into place, being careful not to disconnect any of the wires while doing so.
Step 10
Reconnect the car's power supply.
Step 11
Turn on the radio and check to see if the system works properly. Make sure sound is coming out of every speaker.
Step 12
Secure the stereo into place by screwing in the four screws that were holding the old stereo into place.
Step 13
Reattach the center console piece into place by snapping it into the clips and screwing it in with the four screws that held it in place.
References
Tips
- Take extra care when prying out the center console piece; this piece can be easily damaged.
Things You'll Need
- New stereo system
- Screwdriver
Warnings
- Live wires are extremely dangerous, so make sure that the power supply is disconnected before you begin working on the stereo and make sure not to reconnect it until told to do so.
