Looking at changing my crappy stereo which is still a tape deck!
It's a single slot, so is it just a case of sliding it out of the cage thing (I've got the removal keys) and a new one slides in, or is there more to it than that. Current stereo is from 2003, looking at replacing it with a Bluetooth cd player off eBay.
You might need an adaptor harness so it easily plugs into the existing one.
As above. Chances are it is a single DIN unit, which means any other single DIN stereo should fit.
Might have to remove the metal cage in the dash - or fit one that came with the stereo if there isn’t one already.
Also check the cables as mentioned. Have a look at the below to see if you need any cables or adaptors.
https://incartec.co.uk/#carfinder
Might be, might not be.
What vehicle?
Mainly, with exceptions. Not a true standard, way better than BB 'standards'
Last time I did it i decided i could save money by manually wiring it in...
Honestly buy the correct wiring harness or you'll regret it 😀
Manually wiring in isn’t hard.
If you have tiny hands. And a multimeter. Which you know how to use.
Chuffing slow though.
I’ve done it many times, so my advice is buy the correct wiring harness.
It's likely a standard slot ("DIN E") but the cage may need to be replaced along with the stereo rather than just slotting in to the existing.
The wiring looms people are referring to are car-to-stereo conversion kits. So you might need say a Skoda Octavia to Panasonic adapter. Back in the last Millennium when these things were commonplace Halfords used to sell tons of different ones, whether that's still the case I don't know. You can do it manually but it's a pain in the cods.
The wiring harnesses are really cheap. Just search on eBay for one or go somewhere like here for one https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/. Maybe you could ring up a shop like that and they will advise you.
Ones on eBay are super cheap. One example is this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ISO-Adaptor-For-Ford-Transit-Mk6-Focus-Mk1-Mondeo-Escort-KA-Radio-Wiring-Harness-/175104165434?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
Sometimes the standard stereo will need a pair of tools to extract the original stereo - you can buy them very cheaply too. Some cars just need a panel unscrewing or something.
Maybe search on YouTube for a video on how to do it in your specific car (I’d be surprised if there isnt one).
Back in the last Millennium when these things were commonplace Halfords used to sell tons of different ones, whether that’s still the case I don’t know.
I used to sell them. Any aftermarket stereo will have an ISO plug on the end of its proprietary wiring, you may need to buy an adaptor to convert your car's wiring plug to ISO. The cage will need to be changed too (unless the manufacturer of the old one is the same as the new one) but they're only thin steel and held in place by bendy tabs so easy to do.
Is your current unit an OEM one? If it is you may need a fascia adaptor, if not then it should be just a case of swapping the cage and units over. What car is it?
It's a 2003 mercedes sprinter. Does the fasia panel just tidy it up or does that actually hold it in place.... Im not bothered about how it looks really, the cab is a bit of a mess anyway!
The adaptor on those actually holds the stereo steady. This is the kit you need:
The fascia adaptor clips into the original hole then the cage fits into it. Without it the stereo can vibrate out over bumps or even fall out if you accelerate hard. Easy job to fit, you just may need to tuck the extra wiring down below the fascia adaptor as there's very little room behind the hole.
Ok been looking on eBay and I'm a bit confused!
I've seen some units on eBay they come with cables and some don't.
Of I get the sprinter wiring harness mentioned above, does this plug directly into the back of the head unit, then into my wiring loom, or do I need the original cable that come with the unit as well?
Just some are listed on eBay with cables and some say no cables included!
Thanks
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I decided to get one with cable included, and also the mercedes fitting kit linked above so hopefully should be all ok to wire straight in when it arrives!
It’s a 2003 mercedes sprinter
Go big or go home op...
Best thing about standards. So many to choose from.
its probably worth popping the old stereo out - there's a good chance that there's already an ISO -> merc adapter sitting back there (there's also a chance the merc loom has been butchered and the wiring harness will be of no use).
Some stereos have ISO connectors in the back of them, but its rare now - most have a little 'tail' that take them from the small connector on the stereo to a full iso harness to give a bit more wiggle-room when everything is hooked up.