How to Install a Aftermarket Radio in Chrysler PT Cruiser

The installation instructions called to mate the Scosche CR02B wire harness adapter to the Jensen harness using solder and heat shrink. Now, I have access to that stuff, but what a pain. So I went to Radio Shack and bought a 274-680 and made the connection using only a screw driver. This Chrysler install package kit will allow installation of a Single din radio in the PT Cruiser. It is designed to have a factory fit and finish. This radio kit is designed with the consumer in mind and comes with a very comprehensive manual with full instructions for installing a radio in your Chrysler.

oHigh grade ABS plastic.
oComprehensive instruction manual.
oAll necessary hardware to install.
oAn aftermarket radio Recessed Din Mount.
oSpecial design accommodates DIN, DIN pullout, and removal able face DIN radios.
oDesigned to Bolt precisely to OEM radio mounting positions.

This harness will keep your factory speakers working so you won't have to re-wire.
Also included in this package is the Chrysler Antenna adapter which allows you to use your factory AM/FM Antenna with your new radio.
It adapts the small antenna to the big found in all aftermarket radios.

What We Need:
•replacement stereo
•wiring adapter kit
•wire crimps
•electrical tape
•wire cutters
•crimping tool
•screwdrivers

Installation Steps for radio in PT Cruiser

If you are installing a PT Cruiser radio with an iPod jack, be sure to pick up a patch cord, too.
In most vehicles you will have to work your way toward the PT Cruiser radio by removing trim panels.
If you have a repair manual, check to see what's involved in removing the PT Cruiser radio in your vehicle.
You may be surprised at how many panels need to be removed to get to the radio, but keep at it.
The trim panels will be held on by screws for the most part.

Some of the screws may not be as obvious or visible as others.
Also, some pieces may be attached using a type of push-screw which is simply pulled out of its socket.
After you have removed all of the trim surrounding the stereo, you'll remove the old stereo as an assembly, a unit that includes the stereo itself and a mounting bracket.
You might have a coin tray underneath the stereo that will come out at the same time.
With the bracket assembly out, you need to remove the old radio from it.
It will be held together by a set of screws, usually in the side of the unit. Remove these screws and the old stereo should slide right out.
If your stereo sits atop a coin tray, you may or may not have to remove the tray at the same time.
Don't worry if you take it off and then realize you didn't have to. As long as you don't break anything it'll go back with ease.
You might ask yourself, how do I plug my mp3 player into my PT? Easy.
Don't screw the new radio into the bracket just yet. It's time to start the wiring process.
Since you were smart (weren't you?!) and purchased the wiring adapter with your radio, all you have to do is connect the new stereo's wiring harness to the adapter, and it's plug-and-play.
To connect the stereo's harness to your adapter, you'll need to strip the wires and crimp the connections.
Never install a new radio using only electrical tape or those twist-on type connectors used in house wiring. These aren't acceptable or safe ways to keep automotive wiring in place.
You can ground the radio by finding a screw under there to attach this wire to.
If your PT is like most and has a ground wire for the radio already, just cut the connector off and crimp it to the adapter harness.
Once you have all of your electrical connections made, go ahead and plug the adapter into the car's wiring harness.
 Then plug the radio itself in for a test run. It may seem silly, but the worst time to find out about a wiring issue is after you have re-installed all of those trim panels!
The radio works. Now all you need to do is put the new stereo into the bracket. It should have holes in the side just like your old unit did.
 Use the screws that came with the new radio, they will be correctly sized.
Once it's in, snap the trim plate onto the outside.
You need to do is plug the wiring harness back into the radio and put the assembly back into place.
 Before you shove everything in, try to arrange the wires so that they won't be crimped by anything when you push the new radio into the hole.
If you do, you might be rewarded with an extra percussion section inside your PT as all of those panels start to vibrate!

A word about the radio installation kit you are about to install. There are many manufacturers of radio installation kits for this vehicle. Each manufacturer produces slightly different variations of the same kit, and a few make individual kits for specific vehicles. The pictured installation kit shown in the illustrations below is a standard kit used for many. Radio installation kits change with the model and years of production of the vehicle. When selecting a kit for this vehicle, make sure the kit you purchase states on the package the installation kit will work with your vehicle model and year. Some kits may require additional setup. Certain kits may be multi function kits designed to work with multiple vehicles and may require the installer to remove break away screw mounting tabs attached to the kit that are not required for your particular vehicle.