Upgrade for better sound + WIRELESS CARPLAY! How to Install Aftermarket Radio

[@HifiVega]

I’ve been a Crutchfield customer since the 90’s and they have never disappointed! They had online guides before most people even bothered with YT

[@jon_G75]

Watching from Afghanistan, passing the time. Thanks for the great videos!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad it's helping pass the time, thanks for watching!

[@suavehouse5150]

Watching from California passing time too but looking for a good budget 6x9 lol

[@NotaFakeAccount-cj6zt]

Are you okay in 2022

[@Daoldhead51]

I already install radios and still lobe watching you work bro. Always great vids.

[@bwood6337]

Hey just so everyone knows a lot of newer head units that have a double din screen actually have a single din body (which is what the Crutchfield filter looks for) so if you filter out single din you'll be missing some of your options. If you want a double din screen then it's better to go to the screen size filter and select all sizes.

[@mariaperez8326]

😅

[@FlameHerer702]

Keep pumping out these videos, sometimes I like to watch serious, professional builds.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Doing my best, thanks for watching!

[@rollingtones1]

11:25 Nice bracket. Make sure you tell the do-it-yourself crowd that the thin steel sheet (black in color) packaged with the GPS antenna is a GROUND PLANE which helps GPS reception.

[@nathancrowell9596]

Omg Crutchfield. Been using them since the 90s when I put a sweet Blaupunkt tape deck in my parents Chevy Celebrity station wagon. Brings back memories. Still ordering from them now and just can’t recommend them highly enough.

[@mhr7962]

Subscribed a few months ago and you inspired me to add a kicker amp and sub to my boat (first time installing). Bought from Crutchfield and the install went perfect and it sounds fantastic! I have been debating if I could handle installing a new stereo in my daughter's 10 year old Lexus - and then I watch this video. looks like I'll be cashing in some of my crutchfield reward points and going for it. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@_SixthDay_]

I have the same vehicle I’ve never worked on a car before but I do work on electronics. I never thought of putting another unit along with original, this looks beautiful and definitely plan on doing this.

[@ADR69]

getting a crutchfield shipment is so glorious.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Definitely!

[@ryanwilson5936]

Thank you for this and the DDD series. I have a 14’ Equinox that I’m currently gathering equipment to upgrade and it’s really helping me out. I’m slowly learning that the only thing holding my gear acquisition back is my wallet! Doesn’t help that I decided to go with a full round of Kappa’s.... I want to do it right though. Have a good one!

[@xchimnyx]

Kappas? Bruh why. There’s countless cheaper options that out perform. But, hopefully you figure out how to bypass the equinox’s factory amp or they’ll sound like meh, factory amp filters heavily

[@ryanwilson5936]

xchimnyx I like how kappas sound especially when properly driven and mixed. Harman creates great gear for sound applications. They own a lot of professional level companies when it comes to sound applications. For what it’s worth, I used a 4x100w @2ohm 4-channel infinity amp pushing the door speakers and a mono 550w @ 2ohm infinity amp pushing the sub. Literally just took the factory amp out of the equation. Problem solved and the combo has been great. Not looking to set any records here I just wanted to enjoy my music again :)

[@bklc90]

im looking to upgrade my equinox and ran across this. this is an awesome video. i appreciate your time and help!!!

[@heyitsbroski]

Having the unit that low is pointless if plan on using it for navigation. Grom Audio makes a unit that replaced the computer portion of the factory unit and gives it the ability to have wireless android auto and apple carplay. It also upgrades your microphone and can support a front camera along with the factory rear backup camera. I have a 2012 GMC terrain and it works great.

[@piscesmonae]

I've been searching for months on a radio that fits Uptop. I hate the bottom one lol. Thanks going to look into it!

[@ilovetoyotatrucks]

I can't believe i forgot to hit the BELL! I DID NOW! Happy to keep learning as the newest car i did was a 2015 & these new cars are HARDER even if its mostly plugs

[@kevystead]

THANK-YOU!!! It seems you've answered what My audio installer and I thought Couldn't be done. I have the same set-up in my 2013 terrain and have been wanting to put a Kenwood deck in since I bought it!

[@bendmacmanufacturing2744]

Love your detail and instructional videos, subscriber for life !!!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for watching!

[@davect01]

Crutchfield has some amazing research and info. The Equinox has one complicated setup

[@1-Six-dee]

The older. Suburbans with the bose system is a pain with all the shared grounds, and sketchy diagrams out there I quit installing before 2005 so I haven't had to deal with the nitemares of these newer cars to much liability

[@etelele]

Hi which lower dash kit did you use for this equinox can you provide the part number and link?

[@lordbaer3]

I've used Crutchfield a lot in the past. One thing I wish they had were the adapters for the Sirius antenna my car already had. I also added a Pioneer aftermarket head unit with the Sirius adapter, and I thought I was going to have to wire that extra GPS antenna to outside my car. A quick little search on Amazon found me an $8 adapter so I could use the factory sharkfin antenna for my addon sirius adapter. Don't know why Crutchfield doesn't try to sell those, when they have the regular antenna adapters.

[@sethleary52]

Would that radio fit in the top though. I personally wouldn’t want two touch screens in my car.

[@MFlaxko13]

That’s wat I’m saying

[@Sir_Duckworth90]

The whole reason for putting it on the bottom is because you can't change the top screen.

[@20TheGame09]

No, even a single din won’t fit there…you’re going to have to buy an aftermarket housing for the respective radio that you buy…(single din vs double din)

[@planetina1145]

You can’t change the top. You have to keep all AC controls and etc. or go without all that. Chevy made the car dumb. It’s all like legos

[@laury9118]

@@20TheGame09 do you know where to get it from?

[@sloth1992]

I call the flags buddy tabs, that way when the next guy gets in hes your buddy and not cussing you lol.

[@heavychevy383]

...cant go wrong with crutchfield!

[@Motocue912]

Hey mark did u see SMD’s Latest video he’s got a Car Audio Fabrication T shirt on. Thumbs up.. keep up the good work I love your build vids u do great work.

[@joeo3397]

love the videos. i have learned alot from your videos and cant wait to start on my new box with the help from the blueprint you are making for me.

[@dariocamacho9871]

Great work mark 👍 keep up the professional style installations. I love to keep that stock look but have a true sleeper system that when turned up knocks stuff off the shelves in the pharmacy as I'm waiting in drive thru lol🤣😂

[@zaneparkinson]

Is it possible to replace the main Equinox screen or at least swap it to the bottom position? Navigation and using the CarPlay screen seems very impractical when it’s that low in the driver’s view…

[@BillyBob-os7kr]

Love your videos man been a subscriber for long time now. U have great attention to detail and explain everything well. Just want to say PAC audio is much better in my Opinion on the stuff you were using I also got AVR 4200. I don’t know if u ever looked into do all that on an Hyundai Veloster but wow was it a Challenge I had to pull out the factory amplifier and tone out all the speakers and installed my crossovers under the seat where the amplifier used to be. Any way u do a great job keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MadDragon75]

Perfect video to watch... After watching my mini flex in da´ trunk. From an amplifier gifted after the previous owner broke one RCA plug and a few cold soldiers due to high and heated use/abuse. (Gotta 💘 Pioneer durability!). It's currently running two MTX 12's. It switched roles with the Gothic 12 that's currently ran by my favorite nostalgic peice.. The JL Audio 500/1 Monoblock. Currently saving for 0 AWG wire to distribute 4 AWG to my little system.😉✌

[@orlando3065]

How did you get the top screen to stay on? It depends on an output of the stereo...I don't see that included in the integration kit.

[@jserrano316]

Did you ever get the top screen to stay on?

[@orlando3065]

Not yet

[@j-tbryant9919]

I have the same vehicle and couldn't get the top screen to stay on after installing the aftermarket radio. I've watched this video like 5 times trying to figure out how he did it

[@zacharymurillo3746]

After 3 years, was there ever an answer?

[@LaVMonFos]

Are the radio and heater element lights in the Equinox retained? It doesn’t look like it in the video. They were not retained in my old Equinox.

[@rickiek.267]

Well, using Crutchfield answered my question. When I put in my 2017 Chevy Equinox, I got a "we do not recommend replacing your radio" and shows no car stereos are compatible for my car.

[@JTKMX565]

Hey Mark, good to see you are a Maynard Ferguson fan.

[@uluz2a6]

Good stuff as usual Mark. When will we see the next step in the Equinox build?

[@wvparrothead31]

I've been waiting myself. Mostly about what to do with replacement tweeters, the Crutchfield site says none fit.

[@xchimnyx]

wvparrothead31 they fit With modifications

[@Fourislove]

That information was sooooo useful. Thanks

[@spazmeer]

Will this work on a 2017 GMC Terrain?

[@wildwill818]

Yooo this is fire 🔥💯💯

[@angelf9800]

Nice is this the same setup on a 2016 gmc Dinali terrain

[@JoeJoe-rp5bp]

Did you ever get an aftermarket radio hooked up??

[@thinkdontfollow9434]

How do I retain the top screen for my 2012 Terrain? Hooked everything up but don’t get the top screen like in your video.

[@JoeJoe-rp5bp]

Did you ever get an aftermarket radio hooked up?? please tell me what harness you used. Not sure why this is such a secret..😂

[@jameselam8263]

Can't do it to a 2010 to 2015 Ford Taurus with the 8" My Touch non Sony amplified system! In fact I challenge you to find a way Mark!

[@robschaffer2189]

The tacked-on look of the microphone always bothers me. In my Fusion I mounted it to the rain-sensor housing to hide it but keep audio pickup quality. I just finished a VW Beetle and flush mounted the mic in the dash next to the radio face so that just the tip of the mic is exposed. It seems to work well and the body is hidden behind the dash face.

[@rollingtones1]

It is neater but most mics use noise cancellation and echo cancellation and they rely on the holes in the SIDE of the mic barrel to do that. Some mics have 2 or even 3 elements inside them, in a stack. I have tested it both ways and you are better off in terms of call quality to leave the side exposed, usually about 5/8".

[@russellwilkey390]

Love your videos i have learned alot from watching you

[@michaelrobinson3127]

I just installed the avh-w4400nex in my Durango and I love it. Unfortunately I use android so the wireless only works on Google phones for now...I hope. I also added the bypass.

[@TheNAVagator]

Hey! Thanks for this video! I was wondering what the purpose of keeping the factory screen would be? I have the same vehicle, and I am thinking about replacing the factory screen, just wondering if there are features I'll be losing from my equinox? Thanks!

[@ChrisTheAppleOne]

I believe it’s because the climate controls and a few other things in the car (like vehicle settings) are all run through the main head unit, and nothing would work without it. I never realized that until this video here tbh... so this is basically the only way to get Apple Car play in the 2011-2017 Equinox and Terrain :/

[@TheNAVagator]

@@ChrisTheAppleOne ah okay! Thanks for the help! I guess I will go without it then! I don't want to put a screen at the bottom 😂

[@ChrisTheAppleOne]

@@TheNAVagator There’s a unit available that’s basically the stock unit with Apple CarPlay functionality, so it’s basically PERFECT! But the problem is, it’s $1400 😂 And I don’t wanna put that kinda money into my car just yet hahahaha

[@soline-thewack-scrapshack9945]

@@ChrisTheAppleOne do you think issues from this can be avoided with the right electrical work and equipment? I saw you said they make an almost stock unit with CarPlay but do you think it would be more expensive to try and replicate it on your own?

[@robertatkinson6864]

@@ChrisTheAppleOne Care to elaborate? What unit would that be? I've searched around and can find nothing that is a replacement for the stock unit that will allow Carplay while also maintaining the climate controls and vehicle settings.

[@blaxicanvision973]

I've installed a radio in my 2011 gmc terrain but for some reason I can not get my control panel to work or light up like its supposed to and idk why can u help

[@jserrano316]

Same here. Did you ever get it to light up?

[@blaxicanvision973]

@@jserrano316 no I didn't but the double din looks good where it is

[@egary2]

Help. Looking to do this to my Equinox 2017 is there a list of parts I can order. And purchase a different Head unit.

[@danielsharp2117]

Love your videos! Maybe a small detail but, what's the best way to nearly secure and store the integration units behind the head unit? Do you tape them somewhere or just jam them back there with all the wires?

[@LevelUp_ErikJ]

If I could use the stock microphone, SiriusXM Tuner, and factory buttons, I would definitely do this on my '14 Equinox. Unfortunately, Chevy decided to do the big stupid and make the screen and buttons separate parts from the radio itself.

[@priscilladiaz224]

Where Yu get the touchscreen from?

[@henrymca]

Thank you so much for this, I got a 2014 Equinox and plan on installing a new deck this summer, yah the equinox is not an easy model to change radio on

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad his will help, but do keep in mind that this process is nearly identical for many vehicles, with the specific directions from Crutchfield you are covered for any vehicle where the radio can be upgraded.

[@henrymca]

@@CarAudioFabrication yah the Equinox is just one of those weird radio setups (LCD on top and actual radio on bottom)

[@Gadgetsgod1]

Hey Mark, you've done a lot of up grading a head unit on a newer vehicle but you never show how to add a head unit to an old vehicle that doesn't have any radio or speakers. How would you do that? I'd like to learn how to do that. I'm looking at a 1968 mustang that doesn't have a radio or speakers.

[@ojsimpson7129]

Crutchfield is a really good company a little high on $$ but makes it up with CS and no BS warranty they dont hesitate to make it right and they also have a lot of offers and coupons bought my first pioneer deck in 1998 from them

[@karatejoejr]

Hi I just did this in a 2012 chevy equinox but my touch screen is gone now. Anyway I can wire to get the touch screen back. Any help will be appreciated.

[@laynedutton9302]

Ah I wish there was a way to put it in the spot of the factory screen. Cause I find it kind of an inconvenience the fact that if I’m using my maps I have to look down. And because I’m short I sit way closer to the wheel than normal people so I have to look even further down.

[@slu_g]

Thanks so much for this video! Do I have to keep the factory radio or can I replace the head unit of the chevy equinox, I would prefer for the new unit to replace the factory. Thanks again!!!!!

[@bradleyjohnson674]

Hello I have the 17 without the pioneer same set up but crutchfield doesn't have this setup ur doing for the 15 everything looks the same that ur doing can I use the 2015 equipment on my 17

[@ojsimpson7129]

what a clean setup

[@drecrawford3410]

Question: where did you get the dash kit? I have the one that puts the radio back under instead of up front like the one you installed.

[@AlfredoPachecoJr]

I bought an 07 Tacoma and decided to buy and stay with the W4400NEX. I didn't see a reason to go to the 4500 because of the new weblink thing they had. Also, I have yet to hear if Android Auto wireless was supported outside of Google phones (I have a Samsung) so I'm happy with the 4400. Sadly, the Metra kit that Crutchfield offered was too cheap, pinched the hazard button, and didn't fit. Ended up going with a Scosche. First time dealing with iDatalink so that was a nightmare to work out......

[@PoohBeer6342]

Ummm...can you do a vid for the 2016 chevy equinox or explain why I can't use and aftermarket stereo in my 2016 equinox 😕

[@jnew6808]

Bro you saved me 😁🙏🏽

[@douglasfraser6068]

Hey guys, I have been so upset with my 2013 equinox stock radio that I was inspired by this video to change it for another deck and order from Crutchfield. As it turns out Crutchfield Canada and Crutchfield US are 2 different websites but the same company. I have lost my backup camera and internal lights from the main dash. After I had it professionally installed by Visions Electronics. May I please have the instructions on how exactly you retain the backup camera and the climate control functions to the stock radio as described and seen in the video?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

If you has it professionally installed they should address this.

[@douglasfraser6068]

@@CarAudioFabrication agreed but I’ll have to do it myself now so if you could provide any help that would be great.

[@jserrano316]

I also lost my monochrome display and internal lights in the process. Any progress with this?

[@acuraonly]

great vid! thank you

[@tyreesmith3162]

Do you have a link for the interface and wiring harness

[@johnwilson5662]

I have a question can I still use the factory audio buttons to control the new after market head unit 🤔

[@mcwbyu82]

Would you still recommend this head unit today (2009 Honda Ridgeline). My main thing I am after is Wireless Android Auto and a nice screen for adding a backup camera

[@darrelldarrell1447]

I have a 2014 sle1 terrain. Can you give me the parts list of what I need to order?

[@amberfuqua]

I used crutchfield and hooked a boss radio with 2 12 Memphis subs w/amp in my 2014 gmc terrain sle. I used the harness that was sent and now my factory head unit won't power on at all even for the climate controls and now the back up camera is on the bottom at the boss radio. So my question is do I need another harness or how do I fix this?

[@JoeJoe-rp5bp]

Did you ever get an aftermarket radio hooked up?? What harness did you use please

[@codyjohnson5674]

@@JoeJoe-rp5bp did you?

[@louiscardenas6637]

Parts list?? Definitely swapping mine out now!!!

[@figuresix]

New sub here.. been watching a lot of your vids.. Would love to see what you could do with all the room in a CRX..

[@dakuwolf2514]

Hey I'm about to do this to my terrain. Go links to the kits you used?

[@stephancobb13]

just curious, but is the vehicle ur working on a Chevy equinox? if so, i ask a few autosound shops if they have radios that will fit this vehicle n they said they cant do that type of vehicle.

[@joselito1186]

Can you do something like that on a Acura RDX 2009?

[@johnryan118]

Have you ever tried installing a floating headunit in a GMC Terrain/Chevy Equinox, I have a 2012 GMC Terrain with the premium pioneer sound system with navigation and want to know if it is possible or do you recommend a DSP

[@JeffKreska]

biggest problem with crutchfield is they rarely give you an option to use iDatalink for the interface, which is odd because they carry the iDatalink products.

[@diegoalvarado7862]

Hi I need to know if this car have a amp Included where the yellow coneccion is going

[@atardy12]

Crutchfield sight gave me no suggestions for a 2016 Equinox.

[@dennisrodrigues1877]

Really informative video. Thx👍

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Appreciate that, thanks for checking it out

[@sundragonra]

Own a 2012 GMC Terrain. Purchased the SONY XAV-AX1000 which is working just fine. I just have no power to the factory display in order to see AC Controls and the such and you mention that you're using an "integration kit". Can you tell me where you got your integration kit? Need that factory display to work.

[@corrvptedintl.2025]

Can It Control the Aftermarket Stereo using Low Trim Factory volume & Tuning Controls???

[@cfgodwell]

Hi, I have a 2017 Equinox LT and Crutchfield doesn't seem to have anything for my car. Also, what happens to the original head unit, does it just sit there dead?

[@elmatatan6008]

Did you need any extra equipment to have both screens to work I grabbed the pac steering wheel controller and antenna

[@tj146]

Hello. What kind of interface do I need for a 2017 GMC Terrain without the Pioneer system? I really hate these new cars I remember back in the day when you could simply go to any store and find what you needed, now you need all of these computerized gadgets and fittings that you have to order online. Building a system for a car now is way more expensive than before, you could spend a $1,000 just on the head unit installation alone depending on what kind of equipment you buy. But no use in winning about it, if you want it this is what you have to do.

[@Simone-qr6mq]

How to install an aftermarket head unit on an Audi with the MMI radio, a Renault equipped with the R-Link 2 unit or on a volkswagen golf 7?

[@CharliZmoma]

I watched ur video and I went on their website and they don't have anything available for the 2017 equinox

[@Desertfox61]

Hey Mark watched several of your videos and it is very well explained and detailed I have a very quick query I just purchased a box of Noico 150 mil 12 sq.ft sheets want to install it in the cavity of the mid panel speaker of my Chrysler Town and Country 2010 Van I was wondering if I need to install another sound deadening Liner on top of Noico Red 150 mil foam sheet !!

[@anthonysilvera3317]

Can you connect and use the factory microphone or have to use the mic that come with the double din?

[@Rocku01]

So quick question. Can I just run CarPlay off a usb? Like why does it have to be a full tear down? I have a 2013 equinox with nav 7in screen

[@sanjayheaven5230]

do a video on how to find the thiele small parameters if your subwoofer doesn't come with any please

[@hayabusakawasaki5030]

Hi I got a 2012 Chevy Equinox and I trying to retain the 4in screen what do I need to get the screen to show when I put the vehicle in reverse

[@cityjenkins7500]

I’m actually visiting my mother in Charlottesville this week for my Grandma Burial. So I was given my mother’s truck and I have to drive to Iowa. So I googled car audio and Crutchfeild came up. Guess where I’m going Saturday morning??? Can’t drive 20 hours with no AUX jack Or Bluetooth to stream music. Lol.

[@gabedelarosa5730]

Does adding the interface allow for the factory screen to have power after removing the radio located under the center down there? I unplugged mine to see how much room it takes up and it turns the power off to the screen

[@lightskinraider2840]

Can you put this the top or does it have to go at the bottom

[@Profitable_Jay]

Will this setup work on a 2017 equinox? If not can you recommend something that will help with this same type of install?

[@mcskuller5443]

James Butler I have the same question lol

[@iv09an90]

Me too, for a 2016! Any news?

[@lotylelemon8617]

Hi will a 7 inch universal radio fit this car? Like the atoto a6pro?

[@sergioisuhmazin]

So, I installed my new Apple CarPlay head unit but now my factory display does not work. How did you get both to work?

[@donalddluckerii3147]

Maybe I missed it but can you use the factory dash buttons for the radio after the upgrade?

[@birdbeardbeauty]

Donald D Lucker II yeah I would like to know this as well

[@jackschissler255]

No. Once you install the aftermarket unit, the factory radio is removed and the buttons are not useable, only buttons on the dash panel that work are for the HVAC.

[@MrJep202]

hey Mark I have a 2011 equinox and it has the hands-free calling with the more basic monochrome stereo. I was always afraid to change the radio because the sound quality is pretty good, and in my experience aftermarket radios don't sound as good with a GM vehicle because of how the oe is designed. Can you use the factory microphones to integrate with the aftermarket hands-free calling and how is the bass response of the new stereo? Your channel is great!

[@SkittleZDj]

Any one know if this would work for a 2016 GMC terrain with the pioneer system?

[@PoohBeer6342]

Did you get an answer?

[@JoeJoe-rp5bp]

Did you ever get an aftermarket radio hooked up??

[@Class00499]

Great Video!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you!

[@metalb0087]

does anyone make a panel to get rid of the million buttons from the old radio???