How difficult to replace an aftermarket HU with a different brand?

[shilent 10+ year member]

I currently have a Sony CDX-GT630UI and I'm going to replace it with a Kenwood KDC-X995. How difficult would it be to swap? Will I need any adapter or harness? I also do not have the removal keys.

Should I just take it into a shop? How much does it usually cost to replace just the head unit?

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[accuab 10+ year member]

Cost more more than it's worth. To swap pull dash piece covering it. Remove install kit. Pull radio. Take old metal sleeve out. Put new metal sleeve in. Put new radio in. You already have the needed harness. Just remove it from the harness for the current radio and attach it to the new radio harness.

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

removal keys = coat hanger bent into U shape

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

First unhook negative cable from your battery !!! you dont want to cause fires ...short fuses or fry a radio....The keys with your new Kenwood will work fine...or a couple thin butter knives...slide one down each side about 4"s in and it will release the catch...then pull the deck forward till you get it outta the dash...once out unplug power and speaker harness...antenna and any RCAs...if more than one set mark them to where they go...if just one set of RCA's take note of where unplugged from sub front or rear ect...if no RCAs skip this....Then color match all wires from SONY plug to Kenwood plug...make sure all wiring is soldered and heat shrinked for best connection....crimp caps are 2nd best...and good ole electrical tape for last resort..carefully remove the SONY cage/can sleeve from the dash ...it can cause a nasty gash to fingers and can be razor sharp...after removing slide in the new Kenwood cage...bend in appropriate tabs to secure it to the dash...now your ready to plug in the radio harness antenna and rca/s if you had any...reconnect ground wire at the battery and turn on your key...press in reset button on radio...everything should be good to go...and Happy Listening :veryhappy:

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

Dave I need some money LOL

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Most shops charge about $65 dollars to do what you should be able to do in 30 minutes or less...if you were closer Id do it for a 6 pack of beer

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Dave I need some money LOL

I need that new amp of yours...lol

 

[shilent 10+ year member]

Cost more more than it's worth. To swap pull dash piece covering it. Remove install kit. Pull radio. Take old metal sleeve out. Put new metal sleeve in. Put new radio in. You already have the needed harness. Just remove it from the harness for the current radio and attach it to the new radio harness.

.carefully remove the SONY cage/can sleeve from the dash ...after removing slide in the new Kenwood cage...bend in appropriate tabs to secure it to the dash...

Thanks for the replies. The metal sleeve/cage comes with the head unit correct?

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Thanks for the replies. The metal sleeve/cage comes with the head unit correct?

yes...some radios are mounted with 8 set screws from 4 on each side also...what kind of vehicle do you have ?

 

[shilent 10+ year member]

2000 Mercury Cougar.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

I need that new amp of yours...lol

If I gave to amp up then I would have sub but now power. Right now I got power but no subs. So I am fuvked either way. **** blackls sale of course it happens when I have no cash.

 

[shilent 10+ year member]

I removed my current HU to take a look, and man that's a lot of wires. The Sony manual does not say what colors are what, but the Kenwood manual does. Is it safe to just match the colors? Is there a chance that the colors might be different since it's a different brand?

 

[OmegaBunny 10+ year member]

Colors should be the same.

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

anywhere from 5-20 min including wiring an hour if you get some pizza and some grape drank.

 

[shilent 10+ year member]

This is from the Kenwood X995 manual. Since I have an amp for my speakers, does it seem right that I should only be using:

Orange/white

Red

Yellow

Black

Sound right?