1. Obtain a Wiring Diagram:
* Online Resources: Search online for "1996 Dodge Avenger stereo wiring diagram." Sites like AutoZone, Haynes, or even forums dedicated to Dodge Avengers might have this information. Be sure to specify the exact model and trim level of your Avenger (e.g., base model, ES, etc.) as wiring can differ.
* Repair Manual: A Haynes or Chilton repair manual for your car will contain a detailed wiring diagram. This is the most reliable source.
2. Use a Wiring Tester:
If you can't find a diagram, you'll need a multimeter or a 12V test light to trace the wires. Be extremely careful when working with car wiring to avoid shorts or damage. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you begin.
Here's the general approach:
* Identify the wires in the car's harness: Locate the wires coming from the factory radio harness.
* Turn on the ignition: With the ignition on, but the radio off, test each wire individually with your multimeter or test light.
* Identify the functions:
* Constant 12V (+12V): This wire provides power even when the car is off. It's usually a thick red or yellow wire.
* Switched 12V (+12V): This wire only provides power when the ignition is on. It's often a red or yellow wire, but it might be a different color or a thinner gauge than the constant power wire.
* Ground (GND): This is usually a black wire. Connect this to your car's chassis (a metal part) for a good ground connection.
* Illumination (+): This wire powers the radio's dimmer light, usually blue or green.
* Left Front (+), Right Front (+), Left Rear (+), Right Rear (+), and possibly Subwoofer (+): These are the speaker wires. You'll need to test each pair to identify which is left, right, front, and rear. They are often different colors for positive (+) and negative (-) of each speaker, often color-coded in a consistent way. (e.g., one wire might be green for + and the other black for -)
* Antenna Power (+): This wire activates the powered antenna. Often blue or blue/white.
* Amplifier Turn-On (+): If you have an external amplifier, this wire turns it on when the head unit is turned on. Often blue/white or similar.
3. Use a Wiring Harness Adapter:
Many aftermarket stereo installers sell wiring harness adapters specifically designed for your car's year and model. These adapters simplify the process significantly by providing a plug-and-play connection between your car's harness and your new stereo. This is often the easiest and safest option.
Caution: Incorrect wiring can damage your stereo or your car's electrical system. If you're not comfortable working with car wiring, it's best to have a professional install your new stereo.
