Hi! I am a single mom... my teenager is just about to get his drivers license. I am worried about him messing around with his ipod and FM transmitter while driving. I was considering purchasing a Dual XHD7714. I would like us to put this in together, but I am REALLY concerned about pulling the old one out. I was hoping my father would be willing to help, but he is really unsupportive on this matter, so I am asking for advise.
1. how hard is it going to be to pull out the old stereo. Not a changer, just the factory single CD player.
2. how hard is it going to be to put the new one in.
3. how hard is it going to be to put it all back together.
4. should I just pay someone to do it?
Thank you for any advice! ~patty
02 BMW 330Ci, Alpine DVI-9965, Alpine MRA F350 5ch, Alpine MRP T220 + 2x Kicker 6x9 FreeAir, Kicker KX1200.1 + Alpine 12" Type-R, 2-Way Security, Keyless Entry, Remote Start
Ninja pretty well nailed the removal and install - as usual - just a couple more points ....
JNPWarner:I am worried about him messing around with his ipod and FM transmitter while driving.
That is a valid concern, but keep in mind that the new head unit (HU) (radio) doesn't make this MUCH easier. You can press the buttons on the HU to select songs and see them on the display rather than the Ipod and it won't fall in your lap or under your feet while you are changing songs, but it still can be a MAJOR distraction for an inexperienced driver. (or otherwise - I got in an accident watching the display on a newly installed CD player years ago - and I was far from a teenager then).
I was considering purchasing a Dual XHD7714.
Dual would not be the first brand that I would consider, but I don't have first-hand experience with them. For a similar price, I think you will get much better quality with Alpine, Pioneer, JVC, or Kenwood.
Again - post back if you have more questions!!!
2002 Ford Focus Sony CDX-GT410u Sony XT-100HD HD Tuner Stock speakers, no amp, no subs
Duel was not my first choice either... however it got pretty good reviews. I like the blue tooth option, although I really do not want him using it or even the cell phone at all. He already distracts too easily. I'll take a look at the others you recommended. (I had a Pioneer way back when. My HS boyfriend insisted I needed it... btw, it was purchased from Crutchfield!)
Still concerned about the removal process. As long as the dash does not have to be taken apart, I think I will be ok. Thank you for your help.
~patty
Do you have the automatic or manual HVAC controls?
Dual has one of the best feature sets and they have gotten good reviews. I can't give you a really good reason that I don't like them, but I personally don't.
Bluetooth could be added to a lot of stereo's, but it costs a good bit more unless you specifically look for it. Great feature if your cel phone will pair with it and if you plan to use the cel phone in the car.
Good and bad news on the radio install - Metra only sells a pocket - no kit for it, so removal and install and no more difficult than installing a replacement factory radio. That also means they don't have detailed instructions on it, but you will get those from CF.
(If you're really nervous, you can buy the CF Mastersheets for your car for around $10 and that gets credited back if you buy the radio within 30 days. Or just buy the radio and when it comes you can decide if you are up to installing it yourself - it shouldn't cost much more than $50-75 to install locally - CF also sells InstallNet cards for that as well).
As far as Ninja's question, here is a picture of the Forrester from Edmunds with manual climate controls:
I can't find a picture with electronic HVAC controls, but it would have a temperature setting - keep the car at 69 degrees or 71 degrees and often that control is integrated into the radio, so it is a much harder if not impossible install - Here's a thread on the 1999 Taurus with EHVAC, which was notorious for this.
Hope This Helps!!!
TigerHeli:I can't find a picture with electronic HVAC controls, but it would have a temperature setting - keep the car at 69 degrees or 71 degrees and often that control is integrated into the radio, so it is a much harder if not impossible install - Here's a thread on the 1999 Taurus with EHVAC, which was notorious for this.
Actually, in this case, the automatic HVAC controls are easier to deal with. You just have to remove a few panels, unplug the wires, and unbolt the HU. If you have the manual controls you have to do all that and get under the dash to unplug a cable from each side (temperature on the left, and venting on the right.) This extra step doesn't take more than a few extra minutes, but does add some complexity and difficulty to the install.
Thanks Ninja1283 - I really was just guessing as I don't have access to detailed install instructions for the Forrester.
I also don't really want to recommend this, but I suspect what you have posted is the CORRECT way to do it and it may be possible to get enough clearance to remove the radio without pulling the cables if you are careful about it.
Not tremendously difficult either way, though.
I was looking for alternatives to the Dual, and can't really find much with the same features for that price. You might want to narrow down what is important to you/him, though:
TigerHeli: I also don't really want to recommend this, but I suspect what you have posted is the CORRECT way to do it and it may be possible to get enough clearance to remove the radio without pulling the cables if you are careful about it.
Actually, I don't think there is enough clearance to pull the HU without disconnecting the HVAC controls and removing the plastic trim first. After you pull the trim, there are four recessed screws attached to HU brackets that extend beyond the opening in the plastic trim.
Edit: Full install details here, taken from techinfo.subaru.com.
That .pdf file is great - steps 7-9 are probably only required for subwoofer and not radio removal/install.