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How to change Mitsubishi colt door speakers

Demon Audio have put together a list of items perfect for this job... All at an incredible price!

Quick index:

What you'll need (in order!)

1: Removal keys to get the stock stereo out.
2: A wiring harness to convert your car's current stereo connection to a standard stereo ISO connector.
3: A new head unit.
4: A Colt fascia plate.
5: A mate who works for BT to help you with it. Oh, and some cake.

Getting what you need(!)

  • All of the items used in this tutorial are available from DemonAudio.
  • Removal keys - After lots of digging and stabbing about with bits of metal, I found the key which worked - the 'European Radio Removal Keys' - from Autoleads.
  • Wiring harnes - The harness converts the Mitsubishi wiring into the standard ISO wiring format which all big name after market head units plug into. I got mine from Autoleads again.
  • Choosing your new head unit - There is a huge selection of head units on the market, I chose a Pioneer DEH-7900UB - partly because of Pioneer's reputation and also because of it's usb iPod capability. I won't suggest any unit as its a personal choice - just remember for a Colt you need a single Din sized head unit, and plan for any future chaanges you may wish to make.
  • Fascia plate - This covers the gap around the new stereo and matches pretty well with the existing style of the Colt. I got a 2005> Fascia (Seemed odd - it's a '54 plate). The part number's FP-28-00 from Autoleads once again.
  • I got my bezzy Peghead to give me a hand.

Fitting

Mitsubishi Colt stereo removal keyStereo catch

1: First off you need to DISCONNECT THE BATTERY! Then grab the European key - the important part is to make sure the catch at the top is pointing up as pictured.

To remove the old headunit, Put your new shiny removal keys into the two slots of the radio with the hook at the end pointing skywards. You only need to put them in a couple of cm. Push the handles down a bit so you get the hook up at the top inside and slowly pull them out - if you catch the metal inside just pull harder (I know what this sounds like, but you've just got to get in there with some 'brute force and ignorance') if you don't catch the metal just push the key back in a bit and try again until you get the radio out.

Metal CradleMetal Cradle

2: Once the stock radio has been removed, put the metal cradle which came with your head unit into the gap as pictured. It was a really tightfit, and it took some time to position it properly.

At this point you are supposed to bend pieces of the cradle outwards to make sure it is secure.

In the top image, the connector on the right is the Mitsubishi stock harness (which is later connected to the ISO harness).

In the lower picture, you can see there is plenty of room underneath the cradle. I have been able to pass a USB cable through this gap and into the small pocket underneath this for a portable harddrive.

Mitsubishi Colt Harness to ISOPioneer ISO Plug

3: Attach the connector on the left hand side of the top picture to the Stock power connector (shown in the previous step's top picture).

Attach the other end of the ISO connector to the harness - which is shown in the lower picture. Once this is done you're ready to insert the Fascia.

Mitsubishi Colt FasciaMitsubishi Colt Fascia close up

4: Fit the fascia - I found it easiest to put the clips on at the bottom and then push the top into position.

Push all the wiring into the cage so when the head unit is inserted it drops down out of the way of the unit.

Pioneer 7900ub ISO Connectors

5: Bring the new Colt stereo over, plug in the ISO connector and attach the aerial. The earth also needs connecting to the black cable - I had to borrow a BT crimp which connected the earth from the stereo to the earth connector the old radio used.

Test head unit7900ub inserted in colt

6: Push the stereo in a little so it's secure but not all the way in. Test it works ok and you're getting sound from all speakers.

Once you're happy it's working as it should, push the stereo right in - as shown in the lower image.

7900ub Trim

7: Attach any additional trim you have - my stereo had a nice 'border' piece to put on to finish it.

Upgraded head unit fitted in mitsubihi colt

8: All that remained for me to do was to put the front on and give it a blast!

Conclusion

Upgrading the stock Colt stereo was pretty easy overall, and I probably saved in the region of ~£50 fitting it myself. I'm very happy I can still see the number of miles I've got left, and the stock speakers aren't too bad either. I didn't have any previous experience of stereo fitting, but I feel confident now about taking it out and fitting it in a future car...
Most challenging - getting the stock head-unit out.
Everything else was pretty straight forward - if in doubt, ask a friend :o)

Good luck!

In upgrading you will lose the lower half of the digital display. The mpg/distance/speed and clock is still displayed, and remembers what you had it set to before changing the stereo.

Your comments:

rick from sudbury [21/10/2009 18:16]
nice step by step guide mate but i have a 2 door colt on a 55 plate how do you get to the rear speakers in that?? the other guide about changing head units was ace ive got a dvd player in mine now keep up the good work :)
Johan from Stockholm [01/12/2009 08:14]
My wife has a Colt. Likes the car, hates the stereo. Very nice guide and given me the confidence to do it. But as Rick, she has the 2 door. Any idea how to remove the rear panel. Cheers
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