Hey guys, just in case anyone wants background info, I had originally started this thread yesterday:

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...-question.html

One of the recommendations was the Pioneer DEH-2200UB, and I really like it after looking into it.

I'd like to just pay the $50 to have Best Buy install it. However, when I was on their site, it said that that unit wasn't compatible with the 97 Max....is this true? Has anyone here successfully installed this unit to replace ths stock one on their 97? Mine's a GXE btw.

Please let me know what you think/any other recommendations. Thank you!

 

It's compatible.

Tarun, where are you located?

Do you have Bose or non-Bose?

 

Hi, sorry to bump this old thread, but I am still looking for this advice lol. I am located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And I have a GXE maxima, so I believe the speakers are not Bose. (also the speakers are busted haha, it rattles when the bass is turned up)

Edit: Okay, so here's basically what I have: 97 Maxima GXE. All the speakers are busted, they rattle when the bass is on. My stock radio display is busted; the tape deck is busted (i used to use a cassette adapter for my iPod before this happened lol), and I broke my antenna some time ago, so radio is half whack too.

I want an audio unit that will sound good, and most importantly, it will give me iPod support. I'm not sure how that works; do they come with a cable that connects to my iPod Touch or iPod Shuffle?

The units I have looked at, I've narrowed down to this:

Pioneer DEH-2200UB
Pioneer DEH-3200UB
Pioneer DEH-3300UB
Pioneer DEH-4200UB

I'm not sure what the differences are between these, so if anyone wouldn't mind explaining to a newcomer (aka me haha) what they are, I'd appreciate it a lot. I'd also like to replace the front two speakers and the rear ones (slowly). Which one is best for the price (and since I plan on getting new speakers to replace the busted ones, I guess I need an audio unit that is half decent? I also have big hands btw lol, I've read some reviews on the 2200's that complained about small buttons, so I'm not too sure about that one haha)

I am also open to other unit suggestions.

I am a college student, so money is definitely tight, and I know my mom definitely wouldn't approve of spending money upgrading speakers on such an old car, but I plan on keeping it for at least 3 more years, so I think it's worthit.

So first thing's first...I think I'll replace the audio unit. If I do buy those Pioneer ones, do I need anything else besides the unit itself? I remember posting about this topic a long time ago, and people said I needed a harness. What exactly is this? Where can I buy it? Also, are there any websites that explain how I can remove the old tape deck and install the new one?

Any and ALL advice is appreciated. I really don't know much about this stuff and would love to learn more.

 

Tarun,

If you were local to me I'd have helped you with the install.

My recommendation to you is to compare features between the decks at Crutchfield.com. They have good prices, and most importantly, are authorized dealers of these products, so the warranty is legitimate.

In fact, I advise you giving them a call to talk about your questions about these head units - and to see if they have any other suggestions. Their customer service and product knowledge is actually very good.

In regards to the other items you need, you'll need an antenna adapter and a wire harness. You MAY need a single DIN pocket, depending on if your current head unit is a single or double size. I recommend purchasing an OEM one - check the classifieds section of this forum - or put up a WTB post for one. If you end up purchasing the head unit from crutchfield - they actually include the harness and radio adapter for free - along with installation instructions, if you feel gutsy enough to tackle the job yourself.

Sorry for making this post sound like a Crutchfield commercial - but in my opinion it's probably your best bet.

Repost in this thread if you have additional questions, I'm happy to help.

 

djfrestyl, thank you for the response! I thought I would update my situation...after reading your post, I hit up crutchfield, talked to one of their advisors for almost an hour, and ended up ordering the Pioneer DEH-6300UB unit, and a Pioneer TS-G1643R for the front speakers since mine are busted/rattling when the bass is on.

It should get here next week...I'll be calling them to guide me through instructions on how to install them. First time I'm doing something like this on my own! Kinda nervous...haha

 

It's not that bad, the 97 is straightforward installation.

Good luck!

 

The crutchfield guy recommended these (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_669PP50...=detailed_info) to connect the wires together, so I bought a set of that.

 

Lol - first time I've seen anything like that. Guess it works if you don't have a crimper.

 

So I got the speakers today, and the head unit. Removed my passenger side door panel....removed the speakers. I was assuming that the Pioneer speakers would have some kind of adapter that would let me plug into the stock one thats in the car, but a friend of mine told me that is being naive and its never that easy lol. So looks like I gotta cut off the adaptor in the car, strip the wires a bit, and twist/connect/fray them to the wires coming out of the speaker? No soldering gun.....Would appreciate if someone could help me out with this part of the installation lol.

Damn...didn't know this much work was involved haha I was hoping it was just plug n play. This is my first time doing anything like this, so I guess it's a learning experience ha.

 

DON'T cut the harness. The aftermarket speakers should have come with wires that connect to them. Just tap those wires into the OEM wires, while still leaving them in-tact. Reason being? If you ever convert back to stock, you'll kick yourself for cutting off the OEM harness.

Did you purchase any type of spacer or aftermarket speaker mounting ring?
These would be immensely helpful for you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Infiniti-G35-MDF...item5198c83005

 

Nevermind actually haha. I was looking through all the stuff that came with my order, and Crutchfield actually included the adapter/harness for the speakers, so I was able to just plug it in! Worked out great haha. Front speakers are running good. Now gotta replace the rear ones lol. And install the head unit maybe tomorrow.

 

The instructions of the head unit say to disconnect the negative terminal of my battery to prevent any short circuits. Could I actually just pull the fuse for the stereo instead?

 

^^ That should be fine.