A Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your 5th Gen Camaro Stereo
One of the most popular upgrades in any vehicle is to replace the factory radio. While the stock stereo system is adequate for some drivers, others want the ultimate control over their music, shows and podcasts. Aftermarket Camaro radio upgrades can improve sound quality and give you more media options such as Bluetooth, satellite radio and hands-free calling for an even better drive down open roads.
Rick’s Camaro has several 2010-2015 Camaro radio kits and accessories for people who have equal love for this pony car and great tunes. Swapping out the factory receiver, though, can be a bit of a challenge. While the interior of these cars looks amazing, space is tight, so removing the old head unit and installing the new one requires some adjustments and patience. We’ve put together a complete 5th-Gen Camaro Stereo Upgrade instruction guide to walk you through the process and get on the path to great in-car audio.
Materials & Tools You Need
- Camaro stereo of your choice
- Compatible wiring adapter harness (you will also need a steering wheel control interface module if you want to use these controls with the new radio
- Double-DIN aftermarket radio Camaro in-dash kit (such as the Metra 99-3010S)
- GPS antenna adapter (this may come with the stereo)
- Nylon panel pry tool
- 7mm socket and ratchet or Phillips screwdriver
- Two 90-degree pick tools
- Hammer and chisel (optional)
- Wire cutters or XACTO knife
- Electrical tape
How to Install a 5th-Gen Camaro Radio
- Remove the center console side panels around the shifter and the radio bezel trim, using the nylon panel tool to pry them off. Be careful when prying so you don’t crack the plastic.
- Locate the two 7mm screws underneath the factory radio that are holding the trim plate/bezel in place. Remove them using the 7mm socket or screwdriver, then remove the edges of the radio trim and the HVAC control panel using the pry tool.
- Remove the four 7mm screws holding the factory radio in place (two on the top edge and one at each bottom corner) and then slide the radio out.
- Should you choose, use the hammer and chisel to cut away some of the plastic at the back of the opening. This will free up space for the additional wiring and modules. Take extra care not to damage any of the existing wires. (You can get away with not doing this, but some extra jiggering will be needed for all the new wires to fit.)
- Using the pick tools, remove the small plastic clips that hold the factory trim in place by spreading the ends apart and lifting them away. Add these clips to the aftermarket in-dash kit.
- Follow the instructions included with your dash kit to mount the new stereo. It will vary depending on whether you have a single-DIN or double-DIN receiver.
- Connect the wiring adapter harness and optional steering control module. They should follow the standard CEA wiring color-to-color scheme as outlined below.
- Constant +12V: Yellow
- Ground: Black
- Accessory: Red
- FL +/-: White, White/Black
- FR +/-: Grey, Grey/Black
- RL +/-: Green, Green/Black
- RR +/-: Purple, Purple/Black
- Amplifier Turn-On: Blue/White (you must hook this up to get audio)
- Illumination: Orange or Orange/White
- Mute: Brown (Note: If your new stereo does not have the Mute or Illumination wires, tape up these open ends on the harness to prevent shorts.)
What Becomes Of Those Using The XM Satellite Radio kit?
- If you are using the XM satellite radio kit, connect the iDatalink cable into the XM unit.
- If your new stereo has a GPS navigation system, remove the blue factory GPS antenna. Use your cutters to cut both the factory and aftermarket GPS cables, remove the shield wires and trim the white place. Connect these cables using electrical tape (or a heat shrink wrap) as shielding. Plug one end into the new radio and the other end into the head of your existing radio splitter.
- Insert the new stereo into the dash pocket while routing the wires into the cavity. (If you chose not to cut the plastic, you can tape the wires into bundles to reduce clutter.) Use the same four screws that held the factory radio in place to secure the aftermarket radio.
- Test the stereo to make sure it’s working properly. If it doesn’t power on or play audio, double-check your wiring connections as well as the battery connections and fuses.
- Mount the aftermarket trim plate and seat, then firmly press on the clip locations to secure it into place. Re-install the two screws from the factory bezel.
- Reinstall the HVAC control panel and the center console trim. Make sure each clip is properly seated before pressing them into place.
The only thing better than roaring down the highway in your Camaro is to have a soundtrack of great music. With this 2010-2015 Camaro radio installation guide and receivers such as the Spare parts vault, we have everything you need for a DIY audio project. For expert assistance, call or email the Rick’s Camaro tech team. We’ve been a leader in DIY restoration and performance upgrades since 1961 with a commitment to customer satisfaction on every order.
A Beginner's Guide to Car Transmissions: What Transmission Do I Have?
The transmission is a fundamental vehicle system. Simply put, if the transmission isn’t working, then your car won’t move. But how do you determine what transmission you have when it’s time to repair or replace it? Our Car Transmission 101 Guide has everything you need to know about this critical part.
What is a Transmission in a Car?
The transmission – known to many auto mechanics and DIYers as the “gearbox” – is what converts the engine’s rotational energy into forces that can move the car. This is done using the gear system inside the transmission, which contains several ratios to attain proper speed, torque and direction. Once the transmission has received and converted the engine output, it directs this power through the rest of the drivetrain until it reaches the wheels.
What are the Different Types of Transmissions?
There are four main transmission types you’ll find in a road vehicle. Here’s a brief overview of each.
Manual Transmission
This is the simplest and oldest type of transmission. Often called a “stick shift”, it’s connected to the engine via a friction clutch, which the driver disengages to manually shift the gear selector mechanism. Most modern manual transmissions have either five or six forward gears and one reverse gear. They’re reliable, robust and the cheapest to repair, but there is a learning curve to use them.
Fully Automatic Transmission
This is the most common transmission on the road today. Automatic transmissions use a torque converter, planetary gear set and hydraulic clutches to transfer engine power. The vehicle computer controls shifting electronically. While they are more complex behind the scenes, automatic transmissions are much easier for the driver – you simply shift the gear selector into Drive (D), Park (P) or Neutral (N), and the computer takes it from there. The main drawbacks are that more parts can fail and they are more expensive to maintain and repair.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
These transmissions operate similar to an automatic but use a different mechanism. Instead of a gearbox, CVTs have a belt that runs over a series of pulleys, which produce an infinite number of gear ratios. The engine computer controls pulley adjustment to create the best ratio for each situation. CVTs produce quicker response, better fuel economy and lower repair costs. On the other hand, the stepless acceleration may feel soulless to a true driving enthusiast. (They’re also not suitable for off-roading.)
Automated Manual Transmission
Also known as a Semi-Automatic or Clutchless Manual Transmission, these hybrid gearboxes combine the two designs. They have a similar mechanical layout to a manual transmission but do not require disengaging the clutch. Instead, a series of pneumatics, processors and actuators shift the gears, producing lightning-fast changes. Since these systems are complex and expensive, they’re mainly found on race cars, high-end sports cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
What Other Transmission Options are There?
From the baselines above, you can find many transmission models depending on the vehicle model and engine size. For example, the GM Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission developed in the mid-1960s includes models for light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty rear-wheel drive cars along with front-wheel drive configurations. Their manual transmissions come in designs for both longitudinal (parallel) and transverse (perpendicular) engine mountings.
All told, there are hundreds of car transmission styles. The 2019 Chevy Camaro alone had three offerings: the 6-speed manual MN6, 8-speed automatic MX6 and 10-speed automatic MX6. It’s critical to know which Camaro transmission model you’re shopping for to avoid problems.
What are the Signs of Transmission Problems?
Even the most rugged transmissions can eventually run into trouble. Here are some common warning signs of transmission failure:
- Rough shifting or refusal to shift.
- Delayed movement.
- Gears slipping out of place.
- A burning smell.
- The car feels underpowered compared to normal.
- Weird noises such as humming and clunking, especially in neutral.
- Transmission fluid leaks.
- Clutch fails to disengage (in manual transmissions).
- Grinding or shaking (in automatic transmissions).
What Transmission Do I Have?
If you need to repair or replace a transmission, it may take some detective work to find the model number. There are several ways to figure out what transmission is in your car.
- Check the Owner’s Manual. The manual will often say which type of transmission is installed, or at least give the options for that vehicle model. You can also find other important info such as what transmission fluid/filter are used and how often to change them.
- Look at the White Card on the Driver’s Door. When you open the driver’s door, there should be a white tag on the side with small black lettering. The transmission model number is usually located on this card along with the vehicle year, engine type and country of origin.
- Go Under the Hood. Get a flashlight and look in the engine bay. The transmission and/or transmission pan sometimes have part numbers stamped on them. For some automakers, you can also identify the transmission based on the oil pan shape.
- VIN Number. If all else fails, write down the 17-character vehicle ID number. This is on a metal plaque located on the driver’s side at the edge of the dashboard – you can see it by looking through the windshield from outside the car. Decode the number using an online database or by calling a dealership.
Camaro owners can find hundreds of transmission parts at Rick’s Camaro. Whether you need a Camaro manual transmission or automatic gearbox – or other parts such as clutches and flywheels – we have them in stock. Use the “Add My Vehicle” tool or call our experts for assistance.