DIY Network

Truck Accessories: Stereo Upgrade with GPS From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-310

Feeling lost? This new radio incorporates a GPS system for pinpoint navigation.

In this segment of DIY's Weekend Mechanic, host Bruce Bonebrake installs a in-dash am/fm radio and cd-player that also incorporates a GPS system for pinpoint navigation.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), some of the specialty tools that will be needed for the projects in this episode include air chuck, tire gauge and valve tool, wire-strippers and wire cutters, air wrench and safety glasses. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools will is optional, but may be very helpful for this project.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: The projects featured in this episode are all fairly straightforward, and should be no problem for experienced automotive do-it-yourselfers. Overall, we gave the projects a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 12 hours to finish this job. Depending on the nature of your upgrades and type of vehicle, your work time could vary. Allow yourself a full weekend to complete these projects properly.

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GPS Radio Unit

Following are the basic steps for installation of the GPS/radio unit as shown in the episode. Individual radios may differ in their installation procedures. Read and follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and wiring diagrams that come with your radio.

• To begin the installation, first remove the instrument-panel trim piece (figure A). Ours simply snaps out. Some trim-pieces may require removal of screws.

• Our factor radio can be removed simply by depressing two side-clips and sliding the unit out (figure B).

• Disconnect the antenna and wiring harness.

• It's a good idea to retain your old radio. If you ever decide to sell your vehicle, you can remove the GPS unit and reinstall the old radio.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

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• The wiring harness that comes with the GPS radio has two plugs: one that holds connections for the speaker wires, and one that holds the power wires. We used an all-in-one adapter (figure C) for plugging in the factory wiring harnesses. To do this, we had to cut one end of the adapter off in order to splice the wires onto the two plugs for the new radio.

• Use wire cutters to cut off the connector that will not be used (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  Figure E

  
  

• Follow the manufacturer's wiring instructions and diagrams that come with the radio. We used butt-connectors to splice each of the two plugs (the speaker connection and the power connection) to the adapter. Simply strip the ends of the wires, and crimp them onto the appropriate new wires using the butt connectors (figure E). Soldering the wires together is another option, but we opted for the butt connectors because they are easy to install and reliable.

• When connecting the power wires, identify each of the wires by color. Connect the wires by corresponding colors. Note that the black or brown wire is the ground wire. In our case, an orange wire was present to control a motorized antenna. Since our truck did not have such an antenna, we simply installed a butt connector on the end of that wire to seal it.
  

  
  

• The mount adapter for the new radio slides into the compartment where the factory radio was located. An inner sleeve slides into that mount for securing the new radio (figure F). The mounting sleeve is secured to the adapter by bending down metal sleeve-tabs. Once the sleeve is in position, the mount unit simply slides into the dash opening.

• Plug the factory wiring harness into the newly installed adapter plug (figure G).

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

  
  

• Connect the antenna lead at the back of the radio (figure H).

• To install the unit in the dash, simply slide it into the sleeve (figure I).

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

  Figure J

  
  

• The final step is to install the GPS antenna on the dash or on the roof. If mounted on the dash, the antenna must be mounted so that it is a direct sight-line of the sky, and must be at least six inches from any metal parts on the dash.

• Once the antenna is mounted, route the antenna cable down behind the dash and instrument panel, and plug it in at the back of the unit (figure J).

• Once everything is connected, slide the radio into the sleeve until it snaps secure.
  

  The newly installed radio with GPS display.

  
  

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

RESOURCES :

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books