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Doohickie -> RE: Poor radio reception 2005 Elantra (8/23/2007 5:47:00 AM)
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Just replace the radio. If you want you can get the "factory look" by buying the install kit from the dealer from the 04 Elantra GT which featured a Kenwood stereo that was dimensionally the same as most aftermaket radios. It replaces the OEM radio and the open bin beneath it with trim that fits around an aftermarket-size radio (single DIN, detachable face style), and a bin with a door on it.
There are more economical options as well. If you just slap an aftermarket radio into the spot, there will be a gap, but it is pretty easy to trim it out with foam tape or electrical tape or whatever.
Here is some stuff I posted to another forum. Toward the bottom where I talk about trimming out the stereos, the second and third versions are pics taken on my car.
Note on Applicability
This guide applies to the left-hand drive XD platform Elatnra, model years 2001-06. This applies to North and South America, most of Europe and some of Asia. It does not apply to Japan, Australia or England, or any other countries that have the steering wheel on the right side of the car. Sorry 'bout that.
Upgrading a Hyundai Stereo
Tools & Materials needed: Phillips head screwdriver, wire stripper*, electrical tape*, Hyundai adapter harness (available where you buy your stereo for probably less than $20)
*The wire ends on the adapter harness and stereo may already be stripped so the wire stripper may not be necessary. Electrical tape is one way to cover the spliced connections; I prefer to actually solder the connections between the adapter harness and the head unit harness, and cover them with shrink tubing. It is recommended that you do not cut the wires in the car. Ever. :- )
Upgrading a Hyundai-branded stereo to an aftermarket stereo is pretty easy and can be done by someone even if they have no prior experience with car stereos. Time to install the new stereo will be 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on how well things go. Average time for someone not very familiar with what they're doing is probably less than 2 hours.
Replacing just the head unit (the box in the dash) will make the OEM speakers sound much better. But if you're not upgrading the speakers, be careful about putting a powerful head unit in. There are many stereos that put out about 20 watts continuous per channel (50 watts peak per channel) that will work well with the stock speakers, as long as you don't leave it cranked up all the time.
Dash Fascia Removal
The first step is to remove the dash fascia, the covering that surrounds the stereo head unit. To do this, move the tilt steering wheel all the way down and move the shift lever back. Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal. Then remove the ash tray and the two Phillips head screws behind it, as well as the two Phillips head screws in the instrument cluster bezel just above the speedometer and tachometer. With those four screws removed, the only thing holding in the dash fascia is a series of pop fasteners. Starting from the ash tray end, pull the fascia out away from the dash. The fasteners will pop as you pull the fascia. Work your way along the fascia from the ash tray end to the end near the door, until the fascia is loose. Next, reach behind the fascia and disconnect all the electrical connectors including cigarette lighter, aux power outlet, clock, hazard switch, Passenger Air Bag Off indicator, dimmer, Traction Control switch, and any other electrical connectors. Each connector has a tab that needs to be pushed in order to release the connector. This part of the job is the most potentially frustrating if you have no prior experience. The first time it took me over a half hour; the second time took just a few minutes. Here is a [link=http://www.ela
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