The Nissan Altima stereo upgrade is straightforward.
All you need is the relevant knowledge and appropriate tools/materials to detach your old/factory stereo trim and replace it with a top-quality aftermarket design of your choice.
The secret to a successful stereo upgrade is getting the necessary parts and components that bring the best out of the installation.
The aftermarket stereos are made available or accessible by various brands as 1-Din/single-Din or 2-Din/double-Din.
While these stereos are built to perform the same primary function, the design and features are different.
Hence, you need to check the design you wish to purchase or invest in to ensure it gives you the look and appearance you desire in your vehicle.
Contents
When is it Necessary to Upgrade the Stereo of the Nissan Altima?
There are various reasons why a car owner may decide to replace or upgrade their Nissan Altima stereo.
The most common cause is faulty/old stereo.
When the factory stereo becomes defective or a drop in performance, a replacement may be the next line of action.
Once you perceive that your stereo is finding it hard/difficult to replicate the same level of performance it has delivered over the years. It may be due for an upgrade.
During this time, you will need to choose from one of the best stereos you can find on the market to replace your old/faulty design.
Also, you may decide to upgrade your stereo to access modern features and functionality that your old/factory stereo does not offer.
Over the years, there have been massive developments, upgrades, and innovations in stereo design.
To experience these technological advancements, you will have to invest in the modern/latest stereo.
What to Look Before Upgradation Process of Nissan Altima Stereo
01. Your Vehicle Generation Or Model
Usually, the installation procedures are similar across all generations.
However, depending on the generation or model of Nissan Altima that you drive or own.
To achieve a successful task, you may need to add/skip a step or two during the stereo installation process.
For instance, if you drive a Nissan Altima that has factory navigation.
You will need to follow an additional step to remove your factory stereo successfully.
This is not the same with a Nissan Altima without the factory navigation.
02. Compatibility
Check if your chosen design is a perfect fit for your vehicle.
The installation process is easier when you pick an aftermarket stereo that can work with the factory wiring harness.
While this approach might limit or restrict the options you have available while choosing a stereo to buy or install on your vehicle.
Using an adapter harness specially designed or built for your Nissan Altima or head unit will solve this issue.
Also, you should find out the type of stereo that your vehicle is designed to accommodate (a perfect fit for your Nissan Altima).
If you are unsure about the size of stereo that can comfortably slot into your dashboard (without fitment issue or a need for modification).
You can consult your user’s manual or check with a Nissan Altima expert around you to attain clarity.
In case of a misfit/mismatch, this may result in various modifications before you can mount it on your vehicle, which requires technical skills and experience
Also, this may increase the cost of the upgrade (you will need to purchase some components or accessories to support the installation process).
03. The Complexity of The Process
Removing a factory stereo and replacing it with a modern or advanced aftermarket design is not difficult when it comes to Nissan Altima, provided you know what to do or what is expected of you.
If you have performed a similar task before or understand how a stereo replacement is done.
This task/project is definitely going to be an easy and fun experience for you.
However, this may not be the case for an individual performing an upgrade/replacement for the first time or who doesn’t have a previous DIY experience.
In this case, some steps may be overwhelming or challenging to handle, especially when it comes to wiring and some technical connections.
The good thing is that with the proper installation guide, appropriate tools, and utmost patience.
Such individuals should be able to replace their old/factory stereo successfully.
Procedures for Nissan Altima Stereo Upgrade
Getting Ready For The Job
Necessary Tools
- Trim panel removal tool
- Torx T20 driver
- Wiring harness adapter
- Phillips screwdriver
- Clean rag or towel
- Soldering iron
Approximate Cost
The good news is that you do not need any special tools or materials to complete this task.
Some (if not all) of these tools are what you should already have in your vehicle.
However, if you do not have any of these materials.
You can pick them up at the nearest automobile store around you or on Amazon.
On average, a trim panel removal tool costs about $12.
The Torx T20 costs between $6 and $12. You will get a Phillips screwdriver between $6 and $16.
Time Required
On average, it takes between 2-3 hours to remove and replace your Nissan Altima stereo.
The process could take longer in some cases.
For instance, if you are performing this task for the first time or do not have adequate experience or skills.
Getting The Old Stereo Out
01. Battery Disconnection
Ensure the parking brake is engaged, and the engine must be turned off.
Afterward, remove/take out the (–ve) battery cable.
02. Detach The Upper Dash Vent
This process involves the use of the pry tool.
Insert the pry tool somewhere between the dash vent assembly& the dashboard to detach/disassociate the clips holding the trim in place.
Once the assembly has been disconnected or loosened, it aids the easy removal.
Pull out the dash vent gently and place it on the dashboard.
You should not attempt to detach or unplug the harnesses, especially if you do not have the technical skills or experience involved.
One of the harnesses functions as the airbag sensor.
Failure to hold on to this information (unplugging the airbag sensor harness) could result in a visit to a Nissan Altima expert around you.
Removing the upper dash vent assembly exposes 2 screws that you will have to detach using the Phillips screwdriver.
Also, remove the trim panel of the lower climate control and take out the screws.
If you own/drive a Nissan Altima with the factory navigation.
The clips holding the CD changer trim panel in place should be separated or loosened using the trim panel removal tool.
Afterward, establish the harness disconnection.
The CD changer is secured to the dashboard with the aid of brackets.
To pull out the CD changer, take out/disconnect the screws (6) that connect the brackets to the dashboard.
03. Remove The Stereo
Remove or detach the receiver as a whole.
This process involves the disconnection/detachment of the securing screws and wiring harness to successfully
remove the stereo/receiver.
The stereo trim panel has 2 screws on its back.
Take these screws out using the Torx T20 driver.
Once this is done, loosen the clips holding the trim panel in place for safe removal.
Take out the screws (8) that connect or hold the receiver to the brackets.
There are 4 screws each on both sides.
Once the screws are loosened, you can then unplug the wiring harness to remove the stereo safely.
Installing The New System
01. Mounting Collar Installation
A lot of aftermarket stereos are packaged with a universal mounting collar.
This collar supports a wide range of applications.
If applicable, mount the collar appropriately.
Interestingly, it doesn’t require the need for extra mounting accessories.
02. Aftermarket Wiring Harness Adapter Connection
Get an adapter designed for your model/generation of Nissan Altima or stereo.
It guarantees proper fit with your Nissan Altima’s wiring harness.
All you need to do is plug it (the wiring harness adapter) into the factory stereo harness for easy wiring.
03. Establish The New Stereo’s Plug Connection To The Wiring Harness Adapter
Your new stereo comes with a plug that has to be connected or linked to the wiring harness.
Follow the instructions in the user manual for best outcomes.
04. Connect The New Stereo
At this stage, you would have successfully connected the wiring harness adapter to the wiring harness, which is then linked to your stereo’s plug.
To complete the stereo wiring, attach the plug to its position (behind the stereo).
05. Put The New Stereo in Place
Once you have successfully performed the wiring, the next step is to insert or slide the stereo into the dashboard.
06. Check If Everything is in Excellent Condition
Verify if all the relevant/necessary connections are in place.
Now, go to the battery terminal and reattach the (-ve) battery terminal.
Once this is done, you can then power the engine. Preferably, operate your vehicle in accessory mode.
Check if the stereo works or delivers on expectations.
Check all the features one after the other to ascertain they are in good condition.
If there is any issue, or if the stereo fails to come up.
You may have to troubleshoot the problem.
Check the connections to identify disconnections or faulty connections.
Ensure you remove/take out the –ve battery cable before you start/begin the troubleshooting process.
07. Reattach Disassembled Components
If everything is working as expected.
can proceed to return all the components/parts that were removed earlier back in place.
Ensure the dashboard is reassembled.
Commonly Encountered Issues
01. Stereo not working
Your stereo may fail to turn on.
Solution
Check for loose wires or damaged fuses. Once the fault is identified, perform the necessary repairs.
02. The Speakers Are Not Producing Bass
If you replace your factory speakers with any of the aftermarket designs, you may experience this issue.
Usually, bass production is a function or the ability of speakers to push air at one time or simultaneously.
If the situation changes (when one of the speakers pulls air instead of pushing), this restricts or hinders bass production.
Solution
You may have to check with a car audio expert.
03. Steering Wheel Media Control Issues
Your steering audio controls may not work with the newly installed stereo when not done rightly.
Solution
For best performance, you need to pick the appropriate adapter (a perfect fit for your vehicle model) to synchronize steering wheel media control with the new stereo.
Some Other Options You Should Consider
01. Replacing All Factory Speakers With Better Aftermarket Sets
Aftermarket speakers deliver outstanding sound quality and improve your stereo’s overall performance.
The process of upgrading or replacing your factory speakers with the aftermarket design is not complex.
However, some speakers may be a bit challenging to install.
Hence, you need to get familiar with what the process entails.
02. Adding A Subwoofer in The Cargo Compartment
The inclusion of a subwoofer in your audio setup supports the production of lower frequency sounds.
As a result, the smaller speakers will be able to focus exclusively on producing higher frequency sounds instead of producing both lower and higher frequency sounds.
03. Adding A 4-Channel Amplifier(S)
Adding a 4-channel amp to your stereo setup improves your aftermarket speakers’ performance.
This amplifier delivers cleaner and exceptional power to facilitate and support improved sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Can’t Perform The Stereo Upgrade/Replacement on My Own?
After going through the steps involved in removing your old/factory stereo and getting it replaced with a modern/advanced aftermarket.
If you are not convinced that it is something you can successfully put together independently.
It is advised you reach out to an expert to get the job done for you.
Why Do I Need To Detach The –Ve Battery Cable?
The disconnection is done to guide against possible electrical short during the replacement exercise.
What Are The Main Benefits of A Stereo Upgrade?
Replacing your factory/old stereo with any of the latest/modern offers access to various modern features that promote convenience and incredible performance.
How Easy Can A Stereo Upgrade Be Done?
Several brands or designs of stereos on the market are designed to fit your Nissan Altima perfectly.
For the best outcome, ensure you go for a compatible stereo.
If the compartment or stereo space on your dash is designed to conformably accommodate a 1-Din stereo, ensure you know this information and act on it appropriately.
Usually, stereos come with well-detailed instructions on installing or mounting it on your vehicle for best performance.
How Much Does A New Stereo Cost?
On average, a top-quality modern stereo costs between $300 and $1000.
Usually, the 2-Din stereos are more expensive than the 1-Din stereo.
The 2-Din or double-Din stereos are equipped with more features, hence the high price.
Last Thoughts
By following the Nissan Altima stereo upgrade guidelines, you will be able to disassemble your factory/old stereo and replace it with an aftermarket design of your choice.
While the activities involved are not hard to execute, your level of preparation (having the necessary tools and materials in place) and patience play a critical role in the success of this project.