2007 Hyundai Elantra Car Stereo Replacement

The 2007 Hyundai Elantra comes with a standard stereo head unit that includes an AM/FM radio and single disc CD player. Optional stereo units include a premium model with a multi-disc CD changer and amplified tuner. Elantra owners who are not satisfied with the stock stereo options can choose to replace their factor deck with an aftermarket stereo. You can choose to have the stereo replaced by a professional or you can arm yourself with standard tools and do the job yourself. 

As with any sort of repair or replacement that involves the electrical system, your first step should always be to disconnect the grounding cable from the vehicle’s battery. In the case of the 2007 Hyundai Elantra, the grounding wire is a black cable that connects the negative battery terminal to the frame of the vehicle. Lift the hood and detach the cable from the battery post. Allow the cable to rest freely inside the engine compartment, away from the battery, until you have completed the stereo replacement.

Inside the Elantra’s cabin, pry the dashboard panels away from the dash by hand. If you find it difficult to free the paneling from the dashboard by hand, use a trim panel removal tool to loosen the panel from the dashboard one section at a time. 

You will notice two groups of two screws holding the factory stereo in place within the stereo dock. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws. Slide the stock stereo deck from the Hyundai’s stereo mounting dock. For easiest removal, pull evenly on either side so that the stereo is able to slide straight from the dock.

As you pull the radio from the dashboard, keep an eye on the connectors on the rear panel of the unit. Once the connections to the rear panel of the stereo are reachable by hand, reach behind the stereo and disconnect the wiring connected to the stereo’s rear panel.

In order to have an aftermarket stereo deck fit into the Elantra’s stereo dock, you will need to line the mounting dock with a universal stereo installation kit. The kit bridges the gap between the Elantra’s framework and the size and shape of the replacement stereo unit. Feed the stereo wiring through the rear entry of the kit and slide it into the stereo mounting dock until you hear an audible “click” to signify proper insertion.

You will also need to adapt the Hyundai stereo wiring to be compatible with the inputs on the rear panel of the new stereo deck. Use a wiring harness adapter to connect to the Elantra’s stereo leads. Plug the wiring harness leads into the corresponding outlets on the back of the new stereo. Scan the stereo’s rear panel to find the markings to coordinate a successful connection with the wiring harness adapter leads. Be sure to also connect the antenna cable to the antenna output on the rear panel of the new stereo deck.

Slide the aftermarket stereo into the installation kit. Force the unit into the dashboard until the front face of the unit is level with the outer trim of the faceplate adapter. Replace the two screws on either side of the stereo dock to secure the adapter and new stereo into place within the dashboard.

Lift the dashboard trim paneling to align it with the Hyundai’s dashboard. Press firmly around the perimeter of the panel to snap it back into place before returning to the vehicle’s battery.

Retrieve the negative battery cable and connect it to the Elantra’s negative battery terminal. Tighten the clamp on the cable so that the cable remains secured to the post and shut the hood.