How to Install a Aftermarket Radio in Chrysler PT Cruiser

The installation instructions called to mate theDon't worry if you take it off and
Scosche CR02B wire harness adapter to thethen realize you didn't have to. As long as you
Jensen harness using solder and heat shrink. Now,don't break anything it'll go back with ease.
I have access to that stuff, but what a pain. So IYou might ask yourself, how do I
went to Radio Shack and bought a 274-680 andplug my mp3 player into my PT? Easy.
made the connection using only a screw driver.Don't screw the new radio into the
This Chrysler install package kit will allow installationbracket just yet. It's time to start the wiring
of a Single din radio in the PT Cruiser. It isprocess.
designed to have a factory fit and finish. ThisSince you were smart (weren't
radio kit is designed with the consumer in mindyou?!) and purchased the wiring adapter with your
and comes with a very comprehensive manualradio, all you have to do is connect the new
with full instructions for installing a radio in yourstereo's wiring harness to the adapter, and it's
Chrysler.oHigh grade ABS plastic.oComprehensiveplug-and-play.
instruction manual.oAll necessary hardware toTo connect the stereo's harness to
install.oAn aftermarket radio Recessed Dinyour adapter, you'll need to strip the wires and
Mount.oSpecial design accommodates DIN, DINcrimp the connections.
pullout, and removal able face DINNever install a new radio using only
radios.oDesigned to Bolt precisely to OEM radioelectrical tape or those twist-on type connectors
mounting positions.used in house wiring. These aren't acceptable or
This harness will keep your factory speakerssafe ways to keep automotive wiring in place.
working so you won't have to re-wire.You can ground the radio by finding
Also included in this package is the Chryslera screw under there to attach this wire to.
Antenna adapter which allows you to use yourIf your PT is like most and has a
factory AM/FM Antenna with your new radio.ground wire for the radio already, just cut the
It adapts the small antenna to the big found in allconnector off and crimp it to the adapter harness.
aftermarket radios.Once you have all of your electrical
What We Need:connections made, go ahead and plug the adapter
•replacement stereointo the car's wiring harness.
•wiring adapter kit Then plug the radio itself in for a
•wire crimpstest run. It may seem silly, but the worst time to
•electrical tapefind out about a wiring issue is after you have
•wire cuttersre-installed all of those trim panels!
•crimping toolThe radio works. Now all you need
•screwdriversto do is put the new stereo into the bracket. It
Installation Steps for radio in PT Cruisershould have holes in the side just like your old unit
If you are installing a PT Cruiser radio with an iPoddid.
jack, be sure to pick up a patch cord, too. Use the screws that came with
In most vehicles you will have tothe new radio, they will be correctly sized.
work your way toward the PT Cruiser radio byOnce it's in, snap the trim plate
removing trim panels.onto the outside.
If you have a repair manual, checkYou need to do is plug the wiring
to see what's involved in removing the PT Cruiserharness back into the radio and put the assembly
radio in your vehicle.back into place.
You may be surprised at how Before you shove everything in,
many panels need to be removed to get to thetry to arrange the wires so that they won't be
radio, but keep at it.crimped by anything when you push the new
The trim panels will be held on byradio into the hole.
screws for the most part.If you do, you might be rewarded
Some of the screws may not bewith an extra percussion section inside your PT as
as obvious or visible as others.all of those panels start to vibrate!
Also, some pieces may beA word about the radio installation kit you are
attached using a type of push-screw which isabout to install. There are many manufacturers of
simply pulled out of its socket.radio installation kits for this vehicle. Each
After you have removed all of themanufacturer produces slightly different variations
trim surrounding the stereo, you'll remove the oldof the same kit, and a few make individual kits
stereo as an assembly, a unit that includes thefor specific vehicles. The pictured installation kit
stereo itself and a mounting bracket.shown in the illustrations below is a standard kit
You might have a coin trayused for many. Radio installation kits change with
underneath the stereo that will come out at thethe model and years of production of the vehicle.
same time.When selecting a kit for this vehicle, make sure
With the bracket assembly out,the kit you purchase states on the package the
you need to remove the old radio from it.installation kit will work with your vehicle model
It will be held together by a set ofand year. Some kits may require additional setup.
screws, usually in the side of the unit. RemoveCertain kits may be multi function kits designed to
these screws and the old stereo should slide rightwork with multiple vehicles and may require the
out.installer to remove break away screw mounting
If your stereo sits atop a coin tray,tabs attached to the kit that are not required for
you may or may not have to remove the trayyour particular vehicle.
at the same time.