How to Install a Stereo in Nissan Cars

The Nissan car stock stereo system includes the standard AM/FM radio with built-in CD player or optional CD changer. Nissan car owners who choose to replace their factory stereo can choose from a variety of aftermarket options. Find the car stereo deck that fits into your budget while offering the features to match your car audio needs. Have the unit installed professionally or do it yourself to save the cost of labor.

Under The Hood:

• How to Install a Stereo in a Nissan Altima
• How to Install a Stereo in a Nissan Pathfinder
• How to Install a Stereo in a 2006 Nissan Frontier
• How to Install a Stereo in a Nissan Sentra

 How to Install a Stereo in a Nissan Altima

Unclip the plastic trim ring from around the gearshift by prying gently from one of the corners. Remove the four screws underneath and two more screws located directly above the stereo itself.

Remove the dash trim below the steering wheel and take out the screw just to the left of the fuse panel. Look behind the screw for a plastic clip and push it in while lifting up slightly on the panel until it comes free.

Pull the remaining trim piece below the Nissan Altima steering wheel free and locate the single screw that holds the stereo in place. Pull the plastic console assembly out and remove the four screws at the top of the stereo to free it from the assembly.

Disconnect the wiring harness and antenna wire. Pull the old head unit out and push the new unit into place. Connect the wiring harness adaptor and the special Nissan antenna converter. Snap the wires into the back of the new stereo, replace the four securing screws and turn the radio on.

Test the head unit to ensure all of the speakers and controls work properly and slide the console piece back into the dash. Replace all of the screws and trim pieces.

 How to Install a Stereo in a Nissan Pathfinder

Open the hood and unhook the negative wire from the battery. Ensure the wire is secured to keep it from touching any metal parts or the battery terminal.

Locate the trim securing screws at the top of the center console. Pull the center console trim away from the dash of the Nissan Pathfinder carefully until the bottom clip unsnaps.

Remove the metal braces on each side of the Pathfinder stereo and take them out. Pull the radio and lower pocket free, as one piece.

Disconnect the wires from the back of the head unit and pull the assembly free. Remove the screws at the side of the pocket brackets and pull out the radio.

Set the new stereo into the brackets and secure it in place. Connect the wiring harness adaptor to the original harness. Snap the adaptor into the back of the new stereo and slide the pocket brackets into the dash.

Connect the negative cable on the battery and turn the radio on.

Test the system to ensure all of the speakers are working and the controls operate correctly. Replace the securing screws and trim.

 How to Install a Stereo in a 2006 Nissan Frontier

Lift the Frontier's hood and remove the negative battery cable clamp from the negative battery terminal with the wrench. Set the cable aside and move to the inside of the Nissan.

Pry the trim panel surrounding the gear-shift from the center console with the trim panel removal tool. Lift the panel and set it aside.

Remove the two screws at the very bottom of the stereo assembly with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the two screws at the top of the panel surrounding the stereo assembly. Grab the panel and pull it away from the dashboard. Set the panel aside.

Remove the two screws at the sides of the Frontier's stereo bracket with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Slide the stock stereo deck from the dashboard and disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the unit.

Slide the Nissan faceplate adapter into the stereo dock and pull the stereo wiring and antenna cables from the back of the dock to the front of the Nissan's dashboard. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads.

Connect the wiring harness adapter to the outlets on the back panel of the new radio. Insert the antenna cable lead into the antenna input on the back of the stereo. Slide the aftermarket deck into the faceplate adapter until it locks into place on both sides.

Place the trim panel back around the stereo assembly. Replace the two screws at the top and bottom edges of the panel to secure it back onto the dashboard. Place the dashboard trim panel back around the gear selector lever. Press firmly around the panel to snap it back into place. Move to the Frontier's battery.

Place the negative battery cable clamp back onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the cable's clamp to the terminal with the wrench and close the Nissan's hood.

 How to Install a Stereo in a Nissan Sentra

Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from any metal parts. In 1992 models only, locate the black wire behind the center console trim. This attaches to the middle dial on the air conditioning controls. Release the clip holding the wire before continuing.

Pull out the ashtray, look for two screws and remove them if found. Remove the two additional screws from the top of the trim surrounding the stereo. Once the screws are removed, or in models that don't have the screws, pry the trim away from the dash with firm pressure. Continue applying pressure until all of the clips unsnap and the trim pulls free.

Remove the four screws that secure the stereo into the Nissan Sentra dash. Pull the radio out of the dash and disconnect the wires from the back of the head unit.

Connect the wiring harness adaptor to the original harness. Plug the wiring harness adaptor and antenna wire into the back of the new stereo. Push the stereo into the dash carefully to keep the wires from crimping.

Reconnect the negative battery cable and turn the radio on. Verify the speakers and controls work correctly and secure the stereo into the dash with the original four screws. Replace the trim, screws and air conditioning control wire, if necessary.