So Fix it

Although the factory-installed radio in a 1999 Mazda Miata meets the needs of most owners, some choose to upgrade the radio to a more powerful, aftermarket version. A vast selection of aftermarket radios are available from a number of physical and online retailers. Not all aftermarket radios work with every application, so its important that you choose an aftermarket radio that fits in the Miata and is designed to connect to its electrical system. Once youve got a new aftermarket radio, youll need to remove the stock radio and install a few different adapters.

Instructions

Removal

1

Disconnect the Miatas negative battery cable with a battery cable wrench. This eliminates the possibility of electric shock and damage to electronic components.

2

Pry off the service hole covers on both sides of the Miata radio with a small flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the plastic covers with the screwdriver.

3

Insert a radio removal tool into each service hole until they are fully seated and disengage the internal locking clips on the radio. Pull on the tools to pull the radio out of the dashboard.

4

Disconnect the radios electrical connectors, then completely remove the stock radio from the vehicle. Actuate the locking tabs on the stock radio in order to remove the radio tools.

Installation

5

Connect the aftermarket radio harness adapter, and any other cable adapters that came with your aftermarket radio, to the radio electrical harness.

6

Slide a radio gap spacer over the aftermarket radio if necessary. Install an aftermarket radio cage onto the aftermarket radio per the manufacturers instructions if necessary.

7

Connect the radio electrical harness to the aftermarket radio. Connect the antenna cable and then slide the aftermarket radio into the dashboard until its flush and you hear the locking connectors click into place.

8

Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn on the aftermarket radio, then program the clock and other settings. Test the radio to make sure that it works as listed in the aftermarket radio instruction manual.

If you disconnect the battery in your Honda Civic for any period of time -- even if you reconnect it properly -- you might be dismayed when you get in the car later and discover that the stock radio no longer turns on. Instead, the radios display will prompt you to enter a code. Without the code, the radio will not work. This is an anti-theft measure that makes that stock radio from your Honda Civic useless to anyone who steals it out of your car--unless they have access to your particular Civics specific security code.

Instructions

1

Locate your vehicle identification number (VIN); the VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric string used to identify your particular car -- no two VINs are alike. Standing outside the Civic, look through the extreme lower portion of the windshield, on the drivers side of the car, for a small, rectangular metal plate fastened to the dash. Record this number on paper. Check your work to ensure you got the VIN written down correctly.

2

Call your local Honda dealer or the support number located in your Civics manual. Explain that you need the code for your radio and provide them the VIN. Write the code down and store it in a safe place. If you ever change your battery, which you or the next owner will, youll need it again.

3

Turn the car ignition key to the "on" position. Enter the five-digit code by pressing the corresponding keys (preset buttons) on the radios face.

4

Turn the ignition key to the "off" position then back to the "on" position to ensure that the radio functions.