Installing in-dash Receivers

We're confident that you can join the hundreds of people who have successfully installed a replacement Kenwood receiver. From the fitting guide supplied with the unit to telephone or email assistance, we're with you every step of the way. 

Removing and installing a standard DIN-style receiver  

The first step in your installation is removing the existing receiver. Pay close attention to the steps involved in the removal because the process for installing your new receiver will be the same, but in reverse. Disconnect your vehicle's negative battery terminal before you begin.  

While there are many variations among different makes of cars, the factory receiver is often secured in a sleeve by spring clips which, in the absence of the correct tool, you can usually push out of the way using a small flat blade screwdriver or knife blade. Other factory receivers are held in place by screws. Most receivers also have some type of rear support. Once you carefully slide the old receiver out, you'll simply disconnect the aerial plug and vehicle's wiring harness. 

Connecting the wiring

If the existing radio is connected by two, eight way plugs (ISO Plugs) then, (with the exception of later VW / Audi vehicles) your new Kenwood receiver can be simply plugged in.

Later model VW / Audi vehicles need a wiring adaptor kit available here.

If your vehicle has been previously altered, or does not use ISO-type connectors, these will have to be purchased along with the receiver and connected up according to this wiring diagram.

The standard ISO plug speaker wiring. (connections viewed from cable side of connector)

To identify the wires use a test meter / test lamp to determine an ignition feed, a constant live feed, an earth or ground wire and also electric aerial and illumination feeds if required.

The most commonly used colour code for these wires is as shown:

• Battery +12 volt:  Yellow or Red

• Illumination:  Orange

• Ignition +12 volt: Red

• Electric Aerial:  Blue

• Earth / Ground:  Black or Brown

• Phone Mute:  Purple

The next task is to identify the speaker wires. This is easily carried out by using small 1.5v torch battery. As you touch a pair of wires across the torch battery, you will hear the corresponding speaker make a small clicking sound. Repeat until the wires for all four speakers have been identified.

The standard ISO plug speaker wiring. (connections viewed from cable side of connector)

Installing your new receiver

Your new DIN-style receiver will come with a metal mounting sleeve which slides into the dash opening until a small outer lip makes contact with the edges of the opening. (Note: these sleeves do have a designated top and bottom, despite the random appearance of the many holes in them.) 

Once you put the sleeve in position, bend the tabs on the sleeve out to secure it in place. 

Once the mounting frame is secure and the wiring connections completed, ensure the aerial connector is securely located using the adaptor supplied, if necessary. Reconnect the vehicle's battery and turn the ignition switch to the 'accessory' position to check receiver is working properly. Check that the speakers respond to balance and fader controls correctly. Ensure that no wires will be trapped as you slide the receiver into place, and make sure the rear support is fitted at he correct depth if required.

Now is the time to push your new radio into position until the locking clips are engaged on both sides.

Removing and installing an ISO-DIN receiver 

There are actually a few variations of mounting a DIN receiver. A type that's common among Toyotas and Nissans is one called ISO-DIN. An advantage of this type of mounting method is that you can install an aftermarket DIN receiver that uses the car's factory radio brackets for support. To install a DIN-style receiver in an ISO-DIN style opening you'll probably need to remove the new receiver's plastic trim ring. Your owner's manual will let you know if this is the case. 

Useful tools

• Screw drivers - slotted & cross-head

• Circuit tester - (12volt bulb with wires attached can suffice)

• Sharp knife

• Soldering iron or crimping pliers

• Wire stripper / cutter

• Insulating tape

• 1.5v 'AA' torch battery

Joining cables

Occasionally wires will have to be joined, to adapt from non -standard wiring, etc. There are various methods available, we recommend the following:

• Soldering - ensure joints are sound and insulate with tape or sleving

• Crimping - use correct size crimp for cable. Good quality crimping pliers are essential for a good connection.

• Terminal blocks and twisting & taping wires are not recommended