How To Install Stereo IN MODERN CARS - Keep steering controls, backup cam & ADD AFTERMARKET UPGRADES

[@evinsprague]

Recently got my head unit from crutchfield and I’m glad I did. My steering wheel controls wouldn’t work, I called them up, they told me I was missing a wire connection, which he said everybody misses it. Hooked it up and was good to go. Good people there.

[@FixLife119]

Was it a Chrysler by chance? I could never get mine to work in my Jeep with the Nakamichi head unit.

[@evinsprague]

@@FixLife119 nah, my car is a Suzuki Kizashi

[@supme7558]

Sadly, they grifted you

[@powder749]

I got that identical Sony from Crutchfield. Loved it in my Kia Soul, but the Maestro unit didn't integrate with my steering wheel controls very well. Recently bought a new K5 for my wife and inherited her Pioneer from her van. Switched out from the Sony to the Pioneer and all SWC functions work as intended. Then I put the Sony in my 18 wheeler and love it even more there. Only big rig I know of on the road with Android Auto. No SWC in the big truck, but the large icons and voice controls make it a breeze to operate. Next step is the subwoofer and amp, then work on the satellite speakers. I'm in the truck a lot more than my car so I don't mind losing the Android Auto there.

[@craigedgar2828]

Large amounts of easy to digest information in a short video, no rambling, little repetition = Love your work & congrats on 500k! Couple of bits that were skipped during cuts: - What's your method to prevent the speaker wires on the new head unit from shorting to each other when not utilised such as this this install? - It would be great if you could include trivial details such as the technique for twisting together the two wires prior to soldering, as I have found that there are many, many wrong ways people will find for such a seemingly simple detail...

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Crutchfield technical support is second to none. It's the only place I'll ever buy audio stuff from.

[@markphilpot4981]

Another great audio install video with plenty of additional information to help people out. If someone has trouble following you, they need help. The videos you make are easy enough to grasp. You make it that way! Keep up the great work Mark! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷

[@rolandorojas621]

Where's the next part? Greetings from Mexico! Its really nice to watch someone doing next level quality jobs.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I've used Crutchfield for 2 car audio upgrades of family cars. Such a good experience, after having had local installer put defective Pioneer car stereo in another car. Best to do yourself, as you have more control over quality. 👍

[@Jacobhopkins117]

I can't believe it, but after buying a 2019 RAV4, I was convinced there would be no aftermarket radio support. But behold the guys at Crutchfield have a decent selection and complete kit to adapt in a new system. Nuts!

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

I hope it’s ok to say, “I love you”. I felt like I needed a “brain box” attached to my head to interpret many of the KZbin audio install videos prior to finding your channel. NOW, my first priority is to search your files when I need help, no brain box necessary. THANK YOU for your thorough, comprehensive and easy to follow videos!!! You are simply amazing and have vastly improved by knowledge, confidence and installs. I’m curious about how you learned so much as young as you are…tech school?

[@RealThoughtSessions]

I appreciate your videos so much, you truly have single handedly inspired me to take on my own car audio build. Thank you very much for all your content, it is very much appreciated! 😁👌🏽

[@brandonaskew2428]

I just got a similar head unit, and you explaining where the "Brains" went was extremely helpful. I found the Crutchfield wiring guide a little vague regarding those units.

[@ruggie.74]

Been wathcing you for years bud, since my first build back in 2012. You helped me learn EVERYTHING I needed to know to get started in this hobby. Now, as I look towards the fact that I'll need a new car soon, it has been very intimidating to think about how I can hope to install my amps and speakers in a new vehicle to get the same quality of sound that I achieved initially. This video is starting me on the path again. You are amazing at what you do. Thank you!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Wow! Really appreciate that! Thank you! If you want to rock a shirt or other stickers check out my site! Always appreciate the support.

[@DadsRCGaragePNW]

Got the same Sony in my car. Love it except im pretty sure I need a firmware update. The clock will randomly reset itself no matter what. I also used to collect the old Crutchfield guides and circle things I wanted and build systems based off their catalogs. Miss the days of magazines. Good bathroom reading material.

[@ixionn563]

I had a JVC (Kenwood made) head unit that did that, there was a "time sync" setting which I turned off. I would look in the date/time settings and there may be a similar option that is resetting your clock. Another cause could be the constant 12v wire, which is how head units keep their time and some settings, if this wire is loose or has a bad connection your clock will reset itself to the default time/date. I would look up the firmware update as well like you mentioned, had a software issue on a Kenwood head unit and that quickly and easily fixed it.

[@ricardomolina4605]

Crutchfield still offers catalogs.

[@bobcat3653]

Yep, I remember those from the early 1990s . My buddy used to get these in the mail, lol 😎👍

[@JoshC321]

Oh yea. RULE 22...Don't remove the protective film until the Radio is fully installed into the cage / dash location due to it giving it a bit of protection from a mistake as well as sticky thumb prints you have to clean off later.

[@JoshC321]

Mark. I sure hope that Flea Market and Best Buy So called MECP installers pick up really good pointers from your videos. I keep fixing said 12 volt fails more often than not as of late. Thank you for your help combating this issue.

[@angelobowman4322]

This video helped soooooo much was bouta pay someone to install it, you saved me a lot of money sir I am going with the jensen car710w

[@jeweldey3699]

This is the video I have been waiting for! Yay! and I have a VW Tiguan, so the install will be very similar. Thanks Mark! :D

[@artramirez3506]

Excellent information and very helpful video. I have to say, Crutchfield, although not always the best prices, has tons of research available and so I generally stick with them even thought they don't have the lowest prices always.

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Price sometimes yes r high agree u have to wait for a sale like xmas/ Black Friday literally can score 50% off sign up for email coupons also’ Don’t forget with Crutchfield u can call tech and they will walk u through stuff also all the free gear/harness/ connectors they give u with order 100% worth it! Do the job right if u can afford the extra $20 u can’t afford to upgrade’ (Not u art just an example to anyone) lol Get the speaker adapters /harness DO NOT BE that guy to cut factory wires’ When u sell car boom quick unplug’ buy once cry once’

[@lsx6.279]

Updated version!! Thanks ! For keeping us uptodate!

[@ronjlwhite8058]

500,000 PLUS SUBSCRIBERS!!! Love the channel and you know this bro. If it wasn't for this channel and Marks lesson videos, my build would not be this awesome!!! Thank you and congrats for hittin 500,000+

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks Ron! I really appreciate the views and appreciate you always tagging me when you use a lesson from one of the videos. Very few do that!

[@ronjlwhite8058]

@@CarAudioFabrication No problem Mark. I'll be taggin you in more too as I proceed.

[@AlexanderGarcia-mp3lb]

The best teacher we can have i learn so much from his video thanks

[@turn-n-burn1421]

Funny how you have on at least a couple of occasions used very cars i have or currently own. 2011 Jetta SE and 07 Jeep Wrangler for two examples. And I have the Sony XAV 5000 in my Jeep. My XAV-5000 came with pretty long USB cables so I didn't have to get extra pieces.

[@Domaudeo]

Great video. I hope some day you will be able to show us an install of an even more complex system with CAN integration in a a car where the stock head unit actually control stuff like seats, hvac and more...

[@ENCXBG1]

Yes. This is my sticking point now days. Integrating backup cameras and steering wheel controls is SO ten years ago.

[@Domaudeo]

@@ENCXBG1 Agreed. Or do it the other way: When you can't replace the HU on a modern car, show us some way to properly integrate an aftermarket sound system in the best possible way, like how to grad line audio signal from MOST25 optical bus or find balanced line output signal on a stock HU and so on. There is a lot of knowledge to share related to this.

[@vleetv]

"We don't recommend replacing the radio in your vehicle." awesome

[@coolmw2player]

Shouldn’t have gotten the cheapest trim...

[@vleetv]

@@coolmw2player lol not the case, just an uncommon car. It actually already has bose system in it.

[@ericmarciniak1]

If the stock bose system has an amp you might be able to tap into the signal for the rear speakers before it goes into the amp. You can then just wire up some rca's and feed that into your aftermarket amp. Had to do that for my 2008 Infiniti G35.

[@Citadelracing]

I really really want to see another full trunk build, that video is just great, really finding it hard to hide the screws but the magnets you showed are key

[@carloslane5312]

So informative. Just looking at the basics from your tutorial will take you a long way on a do it yourself install. I could install everything but I would still need to have it tuned properly. And the Accord doesn't recommend an aftermarket head unit. But I do plan to use the same audio control amps that were used in this video.

[@JoshC321]

Microphones...A Pillar locations cause wind noise. I usually run it in front of the speedometer or tachometer and the dash bezel does usually come apart. This will A: Close the distance between customers mouth and mic. B: Fight wind noise and odd vibrations that an A pillar can bring during a Call.

[@RJSDZNS]

Always look forward to the CAF video popping up on my youtube notification. Love the work Mark, thanks.

[@doncgez1673]

I’ve been watching your videos for years and I always wanted to do a build using your technique. It just so happens that I have a mk5 Jetta that I want to a radio, speakers, rear camera, etc, so I’m really looking to your next video.

[@bradgilpin9740]

This is a great video!!! I have been hoping you would do one like this! One of the biggest struggles for DIYer.

[@macalla1996]

Damn Mark I'd figure you would have used the factory microphone location or came up with a better idea to make it look Factory but hey it's your vehicle enjoy it great work I'm glad you heat shrink solder Tesa tape as always. Do it the right way always Saves the Day!

[@jus1taj]

I used the posi products connectors from Crutchfield. It helped because I had to redo the wires a few times. Would like to go back and solder.

[@TAM-qq9qi]

Thanks for the video mark 😉 much love and respect from Mexico

[@avinashragoo1327]

Much needed video bro...keep them coming 👍

[@genius4tru]

Great tutorial. Now I wanna do my own upgrade. Definitely gonna check out CrutchField! 🙌🏿

[@jus1taj]

You can do it. I did.

[@MrJohnnyb234]

Brother you are awesome you answered all my questions. God bless.

[@jjmmckinlay]

Love your videos, Mark! keep up the great work.

[@nigel-Rollercam-channel]

When it come to installing an aftermarket head unit while leaving the rest of the system OEM, it still surprises me how much better the system sounds. Which makes you aware how much OEM's cut corners to save pennies

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Its true, on my dads Equinox we only upgraded the head unit originally and thats all he had for a few months and it was night and day of an upgrade.

[@Cathul]

@@CarAudioFabrication On the other hand there are OEM headunits that are really capable in regards to audio quality, like the current Ford SYNC3 headunits when programmed for variable line level output.

[@quillanthrasher6846]

Another great video man love your work always!

[@johnsteger]

Congratulations on 500k

[@OldGoatWorkshop]

No luck with a 2012 Dodge Journey with the OEM Alpine system. Crutchfield actually returned a result of "We don't recommend changing your stereo" and had zero results for head units and installation gear. Kind of a bummer because we are starting to have issues with it but we are out of warranty so to take it to the dealer or order an OEM replacement as we all know, is crazy expensive.

[@mrnobody2553]

Very nice build bro. It's really interesting 👌💯💯🔥

[@MrDopey32]

Great job, very thorough!

[@robertbayer4417]

This is great! I just recently got the 7000 for my 2018 Elantra! Only issue is I'm trying to figure out what to do with the mic and USB I am hoping to see what you do with the USB soon. I'm looking at trying to splice a 3.5mm mono mic jack on the vehicle harness mic wires and just plug that into the new head unit, I don't know how well that would work. Like I said, I hope to see what you do with the USB soon!

[@connorbishop3289]

I love your vids man, so helpful

[@marklengal9990]

I have a great project for you to look into. I’ve been waiting for someone to come out with a kit for the 2011 genesis sedan. For some reason no one wants to touch it. With all the technology out I can’t believe it can’t be done. All I really want is CarPlay and touch screen .

[@smilespray]

Thanks for the zip tie trick tip!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Any time! Thanks for watching!

[@byfunkyoid2917]

Brilliant. Thanks so much.

[@phred5]

I know this is an older video, but I do have a question about wiring . Not sure if you may have covered them before but what about the Maestro RR and RR 2 Interface Modules ? Do you have any experience with those ? Any tips and tricks? Most newer vehicles have to have these

[@mr2hard2see]

Solid video once again

[@antonamalfi]

Great video 👍🏼

[@marcovega9793]

Hey Mark, Crutchfield offers a Ready Harness service that is extremely useful. I’m sure you know about it but for the people that don’t, what they do is based on the vehicle information you put in as well as the different equipment options, they will wire up the whole kit for you and ship it ready for the customer to install it. This works best for the select people that aren’t too comfortable doing their own wiring. Hope this helps some of you guys.

[@shaggydawg5419]

I've seen that option. I think they charge approx. $25 to pre-wire up the connections. I haven't purchased anything from them yet. Is it truly plug and play? I really don't want the headache trying to figure out which wire connects to what. My car is a 2017 Accord LX.

[@marcovega9793]

@@shaggydawg5419 yes it truly is plug and play and if for some reason it doesn’t work when you plug it in you can call the support and they are really great about helping you find the issue but personally I’ve never had one sent to me wired wrong

[@supme7558]

​@@shaggydawg5419All the schematics are easily found online with a quick Google search. You just need to know what the original wiring was for your vehicle.

[@RyanBassForLife]

I'm lucky I got a 1993 suburban and I don't need all those crazy fany controls. Someday I might need a large screen so I might need a flip out screen.

[@DjGrahnstettoOffical]

Hmmm. I had to make my own 'fit-kit' for my 1998 golf 4. Seems like its actually easier to install aduio systems in newer cars than older cars. The install in my golf was a nightmare, had to take out the whole dash and 'plastic weld' the whole thing back together

[@TariqKhan-mi5sg]

You sir, are amazing

[@amandavanstralen4720]

I like Youri video’s, wil you do also ev car video’s in the future?

[@2008gagiudaniel]

Hello Mark. Thank you for all your work. I would really appreciate if you would make a video on how to upgrade the stereo on a Ford Fiesta 2019 (the 7th series). Thx

[@davidgreenwoodwatts]

What do you do if there is no after market wiring harness adapter? I have a Land Rover Discovery Sport 2015 HSE 10 speaker non-Meridian car and there is no adapter available. Please make a video to cover this scenario. Your videos are amazing, by the way! Oh, and do Crutchfield ship to the UK?

[@kevinrozema2773]

QUESTION IF I MAY... First off let me begin by saying that I absolutely enjoy your videos! Thank you for all that you do! So back to my question. I too am doing a '16 Jetta complete system build. Currently looking at the same wire harness that you are using and just like mine there are 2 Red wires. One longer than the other. Im assuming im soldering the shorter one to the red wire on my Kenwood harness. What about the longer red wire? I don't see anything about it on paper.... Thank you kindly for your time!

[@RyanBassForLife]

I bought my first amp on Crutchfield.com it was a Bazooka amp for $139 and it is a class A/B mono block that puts out 800rms but I its around 1000rms watts. I made a video of it in my dads car. I have 2 18s on 4k rms but I need better electrical.

[@ntando_nje]

Nice video, could you please do a slotted vs aero port video

[@Marcony-R2D2]

Here's a challenge for you. Upgrade the media center on a >2014 Peugeot 308 with an aftermarket one

[@keith2964]

They even thru in a box of marshmallows! Lol subbed

[@nb9008]

Hey Mark, very informative as always. I have a query... what about vehicles that display climate controls on the head unit screen. I've been told a CANBUS setup is imposable to retain this feature in my vehicle (2013 KIA Sorento with factory amp in 6.1 configuration (2F, 2R, 2in Cargo area, and sub). Buzz me if you want to know more.

[@Jarhead_]

I’m planning on buying a 2011-2013 Lexus is250 or 2008-2014 Lexus isf for my next car and I’ve used Crutchfield before and it’s an amazing radio website but when I enter in either of these cars it says it doesn’t recommend changing the radio. I’m planning on upgrading the speakers and putting a sub in it but idk if I can do it on the stock radio and just looking to see if you or anyone has answers to my question. I preferably want to use Apple car play if I could somehow find a radio for it.

[@frankabel5064]

I have a 2010 camaro LS and recently purchased a 2013 MYLink with Nav. Unit. Do you know of a place that i can get it programmed reasonably or is it possible to do it myself? Also i'd like to add the backup camera and keep the functionality of the cam . Any info would be helpful. Btw love your vids keep up the good work here. Thanks

[@_Fox_Dye]

Best video 💯

[@gplusgplus2286]

Good video, crap headunit. Getting wired carplay and not wireless and its almost 2021.... Looking forward to what you will do with the USBs

[@ermin7769]

Have you ever thought about doing a video on building a motorcycle/bagger audio system. I am in the process of trying to figure out all the steps on need to design and build a audio system for my Victory Cross Country. I want to do a 6 speaker system. I don't know if there is a small 6 channel amp I can use or should I use two amps and link them. And what speakers. Since it is a motorcycle should they all be coaxial. Or two sets of coaxial and one set of mids. 😩 I m so confused

[@joespringsteen]

What about the green wire from the new stereo harness. Doesn't that need to be wired to the parking brake somehow?

[@jaylambert5915]

What is the thing you are using to help you solder the wires at time stamp 13:01? I’d love to get my hands on one!

[@louml6233]

Where is the best place to keep Sony USB cable or where should it go to?

[@planetcamo98]

Hi . Does foam in the sub box (around the walls) help make the subwoofer sound louder,or is it just helping for quality?

[@ronaldo19832]

Hi there, I have a 2017 vw Touareg with the premium sound system but I noticed maestro doesn’t have the firmware for my suv. Is there a way around it to maintain all the current functions if I put an aftermarket head unit? Thank you

[@Happyguy60]

Do you have a video on how to install 1 subwoofer i cant seem to find it on ur chanel?

[@rjthomasindyusa]

I have a 2015 Mercedes Sprinter. I am building a camper van. Since I have so much space.... where would you put the sub?

[@fordthunderbird9517]

I'm looking for one on my 2015 gmc terrain..??can you do video ?

[@jacobmay7594]

I will agree this 2017 Jetta meets the definition of 'modern' but the factory stereo is barely 2001 tech. Now a days, the 'Radio' is also controlling the HVAC, heated seats, engine diagnostics/warnings, and at times using Fiber Optics, and etc. So would this even be possible or worth it to go aftermarket?

[@gordon4385]

Funny thing: we have a 2015 Golf TSI with a Fender Stereo. Sounds great, but we wanted to upgrade to a head unit with GPS. But Crutchfield says " not recommended ". Guess we're stuck with no GPS.

[@nobodysfavourite6953]

Do you think Crutchfield would be helpful with datasheets for Skodas? Given they're basically Volkswagens?

[@strongholdpro1974]

Have you seen bluetooth controlled amps via phone app?, whats the car audio game turning into. Idk whether to embrace it or not.

[@Jaybird1974]

This is all fantastic.. but ..I still can't find a solution for the Rouge Sport (Qashqai) which has 4 cameras :(

[@kaairish]

Great video! One thing I saw while watching that I was curious about. Historically my head unit has lost it's settings when replacing batteries do you know if that's the case for a head unit like this where you have to program in the steering controls? Would suck to have to reprogram that just because you replace a battery.

[@johnandmonicaosterloh7360]

I used the Axxess harness and steering wheel control in my 2014 Jeep Compass and every time I disconnect the battery, I have to reset the steering wheel control "brain". You need to visually watch the LED blinking to set the correct code for your vehicle and since the harness (and controller box) are in the dash, I have to remove the faceplate every time to reset. The instructions say to place the box where you can see it, but that is impractical advice, since you have to tap your steering wheel controls when setting it. There is also supposedly a way to set dip switches and hard code the controller to your specific vehicle so it will be set the same even after loss of power. In hindsight, I wish I had gone that route. All that being said, Axxess support is great and so is there product. I tried the competing brand before getting Axxess but it was horrible and I ended up returning it due to false advertising (making it work required extra devices that would cost 3x).

[@connorbishop3289]

How long do your builds normally take?

[@elmensajero7295]

Can We still connect or install non touch screen form factor new stereos???

[@wassupBGHS]

Can you do videos on how to add a sub amp on a car with stock amp systems like an infinity m37, m35, you know, not so common cars, cars where the radio can't be changed but have stock amps, usually it's really difficult to determine which is the preamp front speaker wires when there is no source information online

[@ixionn563]

If you can't find wiring diagrams online, you're more than likely going to have to trace your speaker wires and use line out converters to run your subwoofer amp. If you have rear decklid speakers, and they are receiving low end bass signals, those should be easy to tap a line out converter into. You can buy a line out converter that can detect audio and automatically turn you sub amp on, or you can find the factory amplifier turn on wire and tap into that for your subwoofer amp.

[@FaceYourFear.]

Hey, Just a quick question... How can we get access to your multi layer calculator.? I saw the video you did a long time ago how to calculate it, but that software you used on your website is no longer available.? Do I need to be on a computer? Maybe?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Follow the math in the video, don't need my program.

[@FaceYourFear.]

@@CarAudioFabrication Thats kinda the problem. there was no math in the video. You had three pieces weighted and inserted everything on the “multi layer stacked program”, but No worries. I’ll try to figure it out 👍🏼 Thanks!

[@BamBam81]

What's the best wiring kid for a kicker kxa2400.1, 1ohm pushed 2 15'inch kicker comp Q's wire down to 1ohm

[@nimzu4859]

How about the Volvo s40 2006. It cannot be replaced like that because of the waterfall cut out can it?

[@jinxtacy]

Is it possible or beneficial to depin the connector and find the inserts for the connectors for a cleaner install? Not sure if anyone does it but depin kits on Amazon are less than $15.

[@eddiemarano9998]

Is there any way to connect USB from new head units to existing USB ports in the car? I saw the jetta had a USB and AUX port and you skipped over them when you described your future plans to install the USB.

[@kuhnn1291]

How do I keep the factory siriusxm antenna

[@galaxonmusic5630]

What about cars with electric steering? If say someone got just subs and amp installed that dosnt draw a lot of power would they need a capacitor so that the steering and everything-else to run smooth and not cut out??

[@BDCdrummer]

Crutchfield doesn’t recommend replacing the radio in my 2016 Equinox, help!

[@ajl278]

I'm trying to figure out how to upgrade a stereo without losing the ability to modify various in built car features. I have a 2006 mountaineer and the OEM stereo has controls under a setup menu for changing features like whether the running boards deploy automatically or stay up or down. And other features like auto locks when in gear, lights staying on for various time lengths are all controlled through the OEM stereo. So how can I make sure I can access these features with a new stereo?

[@toddwilliams1689]

Decided to upgrade my system in 2002 Wrangler. I went with a floating screen unit. First one the Android Auto and Carplay went out. They sent me a new unit and it was wireless. I installed but it wouldn't turn off. They sent me another unit and same issue. Now they're saying it's my vehicle wiring harness. I put my old aftermarket in and it functions properly. If wired properly what can cause the constant "memory" to keep the unit powered on? I think it's the unit since the first one and my older unit both function properly.

[@jacobmiranda7000]

They have no radios for my car 2013 Hyundai Equus. I've been relentlessly looking for an aftermarket touchscreen head unit that is Apple Carplay/Android Auto compatiable to my vehicle. I am hoping to retain factory climate controls and radio functionality too. Any help for rare vehicle models?

[@Elniniss]

Is it possible to use your factory microphone instead of running a new mic and having it stick out somewhere?

[@harinderjudge96]

What about vehicle settings? If I get an aftermarket how would I access all that

[@gnomad42]

I'm researching replacing the radio in my 20-year-old Toyota Landcruiser, (Down here in Australia) and I'm finding a lot of places advertising their head units as "Android Auto" when it only does screen mirroring. Is AA a proprietary system that only certain manufacturers can use? Should I just say "Oh well, I'll just mirror and save the $300 (Aust) dollars? Is it worth paying the premium to big-name car audio brands?