Getting started 

You'll find that the most valuable tools to any successful installer are patience and time. It's a good idea to set aside more time than you think you'll need, so that you can work carefully and even enjoy getting the job done. 

Before you get started, disconnect your vehicle's negative battery terminal, as you would with any other type of electrical work. Make sure the mounting surface you've chosen is rigid enough to support the changer firmly, so it won't become loose during a sudden stop. Avoid mounting your changer on the rear parcel shelf, or anywhere else it will be subjected to direct sunlight. 

Suspending the changer from the underneath of the rear (fixed) parcel shelf is a popular option because it keeps it hidden and out of the way and also takes up no usable boot space. However, changing the magazine is a little more cumbersome and running the cable from the front of the car will take more work. If you do decide on this option, you may require a helper who can hold the changer in place while you insert the fixing screws.

If your boot is spacious enough to climb in,  be sure to tape over the latch so you won't become trapped inside accidentally. One other thing to look out for when you're mounting your changer in this location - make sure it won't interfere with the closing mechanism of the boot lid. Observe how it moves as you close the lid before you settle on the exact mounting spot. 

No matter where you put the changer, you'll want to make sure you know what you're screwing the mounting screws into. You certainly don't want to find out the hard way where your petrol tank or brake lines are. Also, check to see that there's enough space for the magazine to be smoothly inserted and removed, and that you can easily access the eject button. 

If you want to mount your CD changer at an angle, make sure the angle chosen can be accommodated by the  angle adjust switch on the side of changer. 

Running the cable 

If you're mounting your CD changer in the boot, you'll probably want to run the changer's bus cable from the in-dash receiver down one side of your car. If you also have an amplifier in the boot, run the CD changer cables on the opposite side to the amplifier's 12-volt power cable. That way you'll be less likely to introduce engine noise into your system. 

In most cars, you'll be able to find a hole or crevice to slide the bus cable from the boot into the passenger compartment. You may have to remove the rear seat to find it.

To hide the cable inside the car, run it beneath your carpeting. As you pass the cable along the floor, make sure it doesn't sit too close to a seat rail, where it could be pinched or damaged when the seat is adjusted. 

If you're running the cable up the driver's side, you'll want to make sure it doesn't end up in the way of the pedals or bonnet release cable. Tie it firmly in place with cable ties and coil up any excess cable, so it won't fall on your feet as you drive. 

After you plug the cable into the receiver and reconnect your battery cable, test the changer thoroughly before you fully replace your in-dash receiver. 

Extra connections for add-on CD changers  Add-on (FM-modulator) CD changers require a few extra connections. As you would with an in-dash receiver, you will have two 12-volt power wires to connect up. One goes to a constant source of power and the other goes to an ignition-switched 12-volt source.  You'll also have a black ground wire that will be secured beneath a nearby screw that makes contact with the metal body of the vehicle.  Another cable will be run from the FM modulator box to the aerial input of your in-dash radio. If this leaves a lot of slack in your aerial lead, tie it off so it won't fall down and interfere with your pedals. Then you'll plug your aerial into the FM modulator.

Be sure to position the FM Modulator so its aerial cable will reach your in-dash receiver.

Selecting the add-on changer's FM modulation frequency and output level 

Take a few moments to play with your radio to determine which of the available modulation frequencies is least likely to be shared by a strong local radio signal, then use your display unit to select this best frequency. If you travel into an area that does have a strong station on your modulation frequency, you'll be able to reset your selection. 

You'll also be able to select an appropriate output level from your remote display. This allows you to match your CD output level to the output levels of your radio and tape player.