Thursday, September 22, 2011

05 altima, changing radio?

how hard is it to replace the stock radio out for another one. will the controls on the steering wheel still work for the aftermarket one. and is there a way to get in the gauges and somehow change the orange color lighting its has. oh and fog lights, mine dont have them just a black cover in the hole, can i add just any set i want to and if i change the headlight bulbs to the silverstars do they have to be any certain kind? thats a few ?'s in one. just bought the car. thanks05 altima, changing radio?replacing a radio on a newer car is more difficult than in an older car, but still do-able. u will have to figure out how the radio comes out, usually there are pins that you insert into the dash that unlock the radio and allow it to be pulled out. the steering wheel controls can probably be used with the new radio, u just have to look into what kinds of accessories come with your new radio, some have a system where u can wire it to work with existing accessories, so the steering wheel controls might be still usable. the gauge lights can be changed by taking apart your dash so you can access the bezel that the gauges are in, once you remove this, you can access the lights behind there, and you can find replacement lights anywhere online practically, and change those lights. as for the fog lights, u didnt choose the option to have them installed, but u can order an OEM factory kit of fog lights, or any aftermarket kit online or from a nissan dealership and either have them installed or you can install them yourself, it would just be a matter of removing the covers, usually removable with screws or even just snapped in place. the light kits will come with any necessary mounting accessories and wiring, then you just have to wire them into the electrical system (maybe easier to let a dealership do this), then make sure you have wired them into a switch or button inside so you can turn them on. for headlights, almost any headlights will work, just make sure that the end of the bulb is the right size and shape for the light sockets in your headlights, some cars have different kinds, just be sure to buy ones that are made for that year of altima.05 altima, changing radio?Go to the dealer and buy yourself a shop manual. It will show you how to do all of these things.