I'm about to purchase a replacement head unit for my stereo, and the worker mentioned a harness and kit that was necessary for installation.

are both necessary, or can I just take off the stock and pop in the new one?

Thanks

 

You actually don't "need" either! The "kit" is 100% not neccessary. But for ease of installation (and so you don't cut up your factory harness) you might like an aftermarket harness to connect the two...

 

I just installed a new head unit with ipod wire. I have no previous electronics experience and the harness made it super easy. Just like slvroz said, the harness is money. All you have to do is connect the HU wires to the harness-- color coded (grab some of those twisty connectors), ground it, and you're good to go. Search HU uninstall if you need to see how to take out the factory head unti. PM me if you need any help (I literally just did this).

 

oh alright hey thanks man, its because i thought that since the stereo is aftermarket, only a few would be able to fit.

so I can fit any head unit at the store as long as I get a harness?

 

Yeah, i think so. I had to ask for the Mitsubishi harness (all they had were domestics out on the stand), but they had it in the back. You might also want some of those zip ties for a clean install. What type of HU are you looking at?

 

tell them ur car name and year at the store (circuit city is where i got mine) and they will grab you one, you have to ask remember, i was pissed cause it was like 20 bucks lol, i don't think you need any kind of kit =/

p.s. if they ask get the 2 year replacement agreement for an extra 20 bucks it will be worth it because then you can get your money back if anything should go wrong *winkwink*

 

All you need is a radio harness for a lancer. There is only one. If you plan to install it yourself, use crimp caps over butt connectors. These do not come loose and make installation very clean with the use of 2-3 zip ties. Very easy to do. I installed mine in about 20 minutes.

 

All single din aftermarket HUs will work/fit into the stock HU location.

Are you debating on whether doing it yourself or not doing it?