Aftermarket radio install

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This article will show you how to install a new radio head unit in the Scion tC. All content of this article is at-your-own-risk. The original steps posted by Nick 06 tC.

Ok I installed an Alpine CDA-9851 CD/MP3/WMA Player Headunit in my car the other night. The install is very easy and straight forward. (I take no responsibility in any problems you may have in following these instructions)

What you need

• Headunit
• Double Din to Single Din mounting bracket
• Scion Wiring Harness (optional but easier so you dont have to cut the stock one)
• Electrical Tape
• Some form of way of connecting wires
• 10MM Socket
• Screw Driver

Step By Step

Here it goes.

Started off looking like this:

Dont forget to remove the CD that is in your stock headunit or you will have to reinstall it to remove it:

Remove the Shifter knob by twisting in counter Clockwise:

Pull the Plastic surround from around the shifter and the cigaret lighter off. Make sure you pull back towards the arm rest so you dont break any clips. DOnt be scared to pull hard. But dont pull to far because the cigarette lighter wires are there. I didnt disconnect the lighter but you can.:

Now take your finger nails up above the top vents where the console meets the dash. Pull back on the console. The whole assembly will pull out easily. There are 6 clips. It is all simple pulling. It is very important to not yank it all the way out because of the wires connected. Unconnect the harness.:

With the entire console removed, take a Philips Scre driver and remove these two lower screws.:

Take a 10 MM socket and remove these top two nuts.:

Pull the headunit out and disconnect the wiring harness's.:

Ok now you need Connectors, wire crimpers, and tape:

Read the Headunit manual to see what wires are what. On the wiring harness you purchased ($15) the wires will be lableed. They should match up closely to the same colors as the headunit. Connect the wires and electrical tape them to be safer. :

Now take the mounting brackets and follow the instructions. The one I got was for xA, xB, tC so I had to cut off the mounts for the other two cars. Make sure you use pliers and be careful not to break the whole bracktet. Remove all extra plastic or the cover wont fit. Reattach the brackets with the same screws and bolts as factory.:

Place the metal surround from the new headunit into the brackets and secure. Pull all the wires threw th opening. Now take the console and place it back on. Start by reconnecting the harness for the heating controls. Start by pushing the bottom in and work your way to the top. Should go on easily.:

Now take the headunit and plug the antenna and the harness into it. SLide the headunit into the opening until secure. Start the car up and set the time and all.:

As you can see it took me from 4:49 until 6:24 and I wasnt hurrying. So it is real easy and straight forward. Make sure you attach the wires correctly and take your time and do it right.