- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Wire stripper/crimper
- Car stereo wiring harness adapter (if necessary)
- Electrical tape
- Replacement car stereo
Procedure:
1. Disconnect the battery. The battery is located in the trunk of the 1997 Ford Taurus. Use the 10mm wrench to loosen the negative terminal, and then remove the battery cable.
2. Locate the stereo. The stereo is located in the center of the dashboard.
3. Remove the trim. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the plastic trim that surrounds the stereo. Be careful not to damage the trim with excessive prying.
4. Remove the stereo mounting screws. There are four screws that hold the stereo in place, two brackets on either side of the unit. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws.
5. Disconnect the wiring. There should be four wiring harnesses that connect to the stereo. These are the power harness, the speaker harness, the antenna harness, and the CD changer harness if available. Use the flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic clip holding each harness in place.
6. Remove the stereo from the dash. Gently pull the car stereo out of the opening in the dash. Be careful not to damage the radio bracket.
7. Install the new stereo. Place the new car stereo into the opening, pushing it into place. Insert the four mounting screws and tighten them with the Philips head screwdriver.
8. Reconnect the wiring. Reconnect the four wiring harnesses to the new car stereo. Make sure to plug each connector into the correct slot on the back of the unit.
9. Test the stereo. Turn on the ignition and the radio if they have not been turned on already. The new car stereo should work.
10. Replace the trim. Replace the plastic trim that surrounds the stereo. Press it into place until it snaps securely into the brackets.
11. Reconnect the battery. Replace the battery cable to the negative terminal and tighten the 10mm nut.
