How to Install a CD Player in a 1996 Dodge Stratus

Iskandar Blogger 2:30 AM

In the mid-1990s, Chrysler's entire lineup of passenger cars underwent a makeover, giving them all Chrysler's signature "cab-forward" design. This redesign created more cabin room, by shifting the entire cabin toward the front of the vehicle, and giving the windshield a less steep slope. This interior expansion brought about the elimination of the Dodge Spirit in 1995, and the introduction of the Stratus -- bearing the "cab-forward" design -- in 1996. The 1996 Stratus came standard with an AM-FM cassette stereo system, and had an optional CD-player available. Replacing this radio is a straightforward process that you can complete with just basic tools.

Instructions

    1

    Insert the blade of a small flat-head screwdriver between the dashboard and the upper part of the radio bezel -- the trim surrounding the radio and HVAC controls. Pry the radio bezel outward until the upper clips disengage. Pull the rest of the bezel outward, by hand, to disengage the rest of the bezel-retaining clips. Set the bezel in a secure location to avoid inadvertent breakage.

    2

    Remove the two radio-retaining bolts, using a ratchet and 10 mm socket. Pull the radio from its chassis in the dashboard until you can reach the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio.

    3

    Press and hold the locking button on each wiring harness -- the standard CD-player has two harnesses, whereas the Infinity CD-player has three -- and pull each wiring harness from the rear of the radio. Grab the antenna wore and pull it from its receptacle on the rear of the radio.

    4

    Plug the wiring harnesses into the rear of the replacement radio, and listen for each to click into place -- the harnesses are different sizes, so each can only plug into on receptacle. Press the antenna wire into its receptacle on the rear of the radio.

    5

    Slide the radio into its chassis, then tighten the two radio-retaining bolts with a ratchet and 10 mm socket.

    6

    Set the dash bezel in place around the radio and HVAC controls, lining up the clips on the bezel with the slots in the dash. Press the bezel toward the dashboard to snap all of the retaining clips into place.