Radio anti-theft

KAILEE MATHEWS

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT
AUTOMATIC
118,000 MILES

My car has anti-theft. I really want a new radio in my car because the one I have (the original) is very outdated, but since it is anti-theft if you take the radio out the car does not start. I was wondering how I could fix this problem? Or if I should just send it into a shop and pay for it to get done? I already purchased the radio I would like but I do not want to mess up my car. Please help!

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,449 POSTS

Your vehicle not only has anti-theft but it's likely that the chimes and door warnings also come through the radio. I don't know of any after market radio that does this.

The most common way around this is to remove the OEM radio, then extend the power and data lines and mount the OEM radio in a hidden area, like behind the dash or under the seat or similar (basically where there is room). Then connect one small speaker to it so you still get the chimes and warnings.
Then you install the new unit in the dash using a couple relays for power so you don't trigger anything with excess current draw.

The other method involves completely disabling the anti-theft and installing the new radio. This can work, but I've seen a LOT of them that developed wiring problems or the method used was marginal and failed.

Unless you are sure you can do It I would take it to a shop and have them do it. They may have another suggestion as well as there are a lot of newer thing on the market these days.