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Vehicle Audio/Video Upgrade: TV, DVD, Satellite Radio, Game Console and More Bruce Bonebrake undertakes a conversion on a Pontiac Aztek that brings home entertainment to the great outdoors. From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-412

(Continued from page 1)

	Figure A
	Figure B

Replacing The Factory Radio

• Since you don't want to destroy your car's factory wiring harness, also install a harness adapter that simply plugs into the stock system.

• For this car, we needed a chime module. The chime module (figure A) will allow the door and alarm chimes to play through the new radio.

• Important: Before removing the stock radio, disconnect the negative battery cable to shut off battery power.

• The console on this car pops out easily, as does the accessory trim panel.

• Remove the radio fasteners, and then the stock radio can be pulled out (figure B).
  

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  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Disconnect the antenna and wiring harnesses. Then simply plug the harness adapter into the factory connection (figure C).

• Connect the chime module to the adapter.

• The adapter wires are connected to the new radio harness wires using butt connectors that are crimped onto the wires to secure the connection (figure D).

• Wiring Tip: The key to wire-splicing with butt connectors is to make sure the two wires meet in the middle of the connector. Tug on the wire to make sure it's secure.

• Important: There are variations according to the type, brand and model of audio-video system you select. Read and follow the product instructions that come with your kit for proper installation and to make all the needed connections for your application.

• At this point, we've mounted our new radio into the adapter sleeve and also added a bracket in the back to support the weight of the heavier radio. The chime module and the taped up wires are then carefully tucked into the radio cavity and the new radio is installed.

• The radio is secured with the mounting screws and the trim is re-installed.

• The magnetic antenna can be placed anywhere on the metal roof.

• Use a plastic tool to slip the cable under the window seal and down the door seal where it can be run into the interior.

• The antenna cable is plugged into the unit and the power supply cable is plugged into the lighter or accessory socket.

• Use double-stick tape to secure the unit to the console. If you like, you can secure the unit more permanently with screws.

Installing the Satellite Radio

• For the satellite radio, the rear antenna cable is hooked up to the dock and the dock is secured to the interior panel using double-stick tape (figures E and F). Docks can be moved as needed, or permanently installed using screws.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

• The satellite radio power cable simply plugs into our new 12-volt multi-plug adapter (figure G).

• Like the front satellite antenna, the rear one is magnetic and is simply placed nearby on the metal roof.

• The antenna cable is tucked neatly into the rear weather-stripping.

• To install our power inverter, the power cable is connected to the positive and negative inverter terminals and the cable plugs into the 12-volt multi-plug adapter.

• The inverter can be permanently installed, or just placed where needed at the time of use.
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: Mobile DVD System: Installing the Monitors Mobile DVD System: Pre-Wiring Video Components Mobile DVD System: Components Installation and Completion Installing an Overhead TV Monitor Installing a Videocassette Player Installing an Extra 12-Volt Outlet

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Vehicle Audio/Video Upgrade: TV, DVD, Satellite Radio, Game Console and More