Question: How can I upgrade my weirdly-shaped OEM car stereo?

I bought a new used car a little while ago, and it’s mostly working out, but I don’t like the stereo. It just doesn’t sound very good, and there are some options I’d like that it just doesn’t have. I don’t have a lot of experience replacing car stereos, but I’ve done it before, and looking at this one, I’m just not sure what I’m even looking at. It isn’t shaped like a normal car stereo, if that makes any sense. Is there any way to upgrade this weird thing, or am I stuck?

Answer:

Since the early 1980s, most OEMs have stuck to the single and double DIN standards for head units, which has made upgrading pretty simple. However, there have always been a handful of exceptions to that rule, and those exceptions are growing more and more prevalent. And whether you’re dealing with an oval-shaped head unit from a 1990s Ford, or a fully-integrated infotainment system in a more recent vehicle, upgrading can be a real headache whenever an OEM deviates from the norm.

Depending on the specific situation you’re dealing with, you may be able to find an OEM replacement that has the features you’re looking for, a direct-fit aftermarket replacement head unit, or a dash kit that will allow you to install a standard head unit in place of the “weirdly-shaped” one that came with your vehicle. And if none of those are viable options, there are always ways to make a car stereo sound better, and add additional features, without replacing the head unit.

Replacing Non-DIN Head Units

Although replacing a non-DIN head unit is typically a little more difficult than replacing a standard single or double DIN unit, it’s usually doable.

One example that I mentioned above was found in the third generation Ford Taurus, where the radio was a big oval. In that particular case, the climate controls were also integrated into the same module, which presents a stumbling block to upgrading the head unit. In that particular case, and many other similar cases where the head unit is some bizarre variation on the oval or rhomboid theme, you can actually purchase dash kits that include pass-throughs for the mechanical HVAC controls and a slot for a traditional head unit.

The aftermarket is primarily focused on single and double DIN head units, but there are also a number of “direct fit” head units available. These head units are designed to replace one specific non-standard head unit, so you may not be able to find one for your particular make and model. If you can, and the features line up with what you’re looking for, then you’ll probably be happier with the ease of installation and the aesthetics of the installation than you would be with a dash kit.

Replacing Infotainment Systems

If you have a newer vehicle that came equipped with an infotainment system, then replacing the head unit can be a little bit stickier. These systems often provide functionality that is absent from aftermarket units, so even if you were able to find a dash kit or direct fit replacement, you might not be happy with the results. This is especially troublesome for early adopters, since a lot of the first infotainment systems are incredibly dense and difficult to use in comparison to later iterations. If you’re stuck with one of those, you might want to check into whether or not a firmware update exists.

Other Upgrade Options

In some situations, you’ll find that upgrading your head unit would be too difficult, too expensive, result in an undesired loss of functionality, or even be outright impossible. This is less than ideal, but there are actually a few options that are available at that point. For instance, if you’re unhappy with the way your factory system sounds, adding an amp, subwoofer, and premium speakers will typically make a world of difference. And although factory head units are often hamstrung in order to mask problems inherent with using substandard speakers, you can mostly rectify that by installing a sound processor with a profile that’s designed to undo the damage.

Of course, you can also add an auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity, and just about any other feature you’re interested in, without touching the head unit. For instance, you can add an auxiliary input with an FM transmitter or an FM modulator, and there are a whole bunch of ways to get Bluetooth in your car without a Bluetooth head unit.