How to Install an Auxiliary Jack in a Car
By Quinten Plummer
Car stereo auxiliary, or AUX, outputs give motorists the ability to connect a variety of audio devices to their car's sound system using a standard 1/8-inch to 1/8-inch stereo audio cable. Auxiliary ports have almost become a standard feature for newer car stereos, but many older stereos don't include one. If your car stereo doesn't include an auxiliary port, you can skip the car audio shop and add your own.
Assess your car stereo to determine what removal method will be needed. If the radio is bordered by your car's interior trim, you will need to remove the screws from the trim and pry it away from the stereo. If there is no trim, you'll need DIN tools to remove the radio. Reference your car's manual for details.
Take down the stereo's model number. Stereo audio output can vary greatly between stereo models, so you'll need the model number to help you find a compatible auxiliary input adapter for your stereo. Stereos that include red and white RCA outputs will need only an RCA to AUX cable.
Apply your car's parking brake and pop the hood. Remove the negative, black, terminal from your car's battery to avoid shorting your equipment.
Remove the trim and any screws securing your radio to the dash or insert the two DIN tools into the four holes as the front of the stereo. Slide the stereo out of the dashboard either after the trim and screws are removed or using the DIN tools.
Connect the auxiliary input adapter's DIN connection into the appropriate port on the back of your stereo, and then connect the auxiliary input adapter's red and white RCA cables with the RCA ports on the RCA to AUX adapter. If your stereo already has RCA ports, match RCA to AUX adapter's red and white plug-ins to your stereo's RCA ports.
Feed the auxiliary end of the RCA to AUX adapter out into the car's seating area. You can either remove a side panel from the center console through the back of the glove compartment or through the bottom of the center console.
Replace the center console's trim and the console's side paneling if applicable.
References
Tips
- Because the construction of center consoles varies between manufacturers, you may need to use some creativity to find the best spot to run the RCA to AUX adapter.
- You can drill a small hole on the edge of a piece of panel or trim to help secure the RCA to AUX cable. Drill the hole large enough for the cable to fit through but too small for the connector to slide back inside of the paneling.
- If you do decide to drill a hole, mark the place on the paneling and then remove the paneling to drill your hole.
- Female ends are ports while male ends are plugs.
Writer Bio
Quinten Plummer began writing professionally in 2008. He has more than six years in the technology field including five years in retail electronics and a year in technical support. Plummer gained his experience in music by producing for various hip-hop acts and as lead guitarist for a band. He now works as a reporter for a daily newspaper.