How to Convert Double-DIN to Single-DIN
by Jule Pamplin
Vehicles that are equipped with double-DIN stereo decks often have multiple components included into one unit, such as a CD player and cassette deck, or a CD player and navigation system. Car owners can choose to replace their double-DIN factory stereo unit with a slimmer single-DIN model. You can choose to have the stereos swapped by a professional car audio technician or you can do it yourself and save money.
Step 1
Disconnect the grounding cable from the vehicle's battery. Lift the hood to loosen the bolt on the cable with the wrench. Lift the cable from the battery and place it to the side of the battery. Move to the inside of the vehicle.
Step 2
Remove the stereo, following the instructions in the repair (or shop) manual. Disconnect the wiring connections to the back outlets of the stereo (antenna and stereo wiring).
Step 3
Connect the wiring harness adapter to the vehicle's stereo wiring to match the outlets on the new stereo deck to the vehicle's stereo wiring.
Step 4
Insert the single-DIN stereo faceplate adapter into the stereo dock with the storage pocket below the stereo dock opening. Pull the wiring harness through the faceplate adapter. Plug the wiring harness leads into the outlets on the rear panel of the single-DIN unit. Insert the antenna cable into the antenna outlet on the back of the new stereo.
Step 5
Slide the single-DIN unit into the upper opening of the faceplate adapter until it locks into place. Replace the dashboard paneling as instructed by the shop manual. Return to the battery.
Step 6
Place the negative battery cable back onto the battery and tighten the cable's clamp. Close the hood.
References
Things You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Vehicle shop manual
- Faceplate adapter
- Wiring harness adapter
Writer Bio
Jule Pamplin has been a copywriter for more than seven years. As a financial sales consultant, Pamplin produced sales copy for two of the largest banks in the United States. He attended Carnegie-Mellon University, winning a meritorious scholarship for the Careers in Applied Science and Technology program, and later served in the 1st Tank Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps.
