To replace the radio on a 2010 Nissan Altima, you’ll have to disassemble a couple of dashboard panels, remove screws, disconnect some harnesses, and separate the A/C control unit from the stereo unit bracket.

The 2010 Nissan Altima is not your typical mid-sized sedan, especially if you chose the 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Altima adds some kick to the comfort and reliability that many have come to love about their Nissans. This is true of their sound system as well, with some versions of the 2010 Altima including an upgraded Bose sound system that goes above most expectations of a factory stereo.

Still, 2010 was a long time ago and technology moves fast. Even if you have the Bose sound system, it might be time for an upgrade. To walk you through that upgrade,

Jerry

(the licensed broker app for

car insurance

savings) has put together this handy guide to walk you through your 2010 Nissan Altima radio replacement. Keep reading for tips to reduce your

Nissan Altima insurance cost

, too.

$152

Average monthly payment reduction¹

2.97%

Average Interest rate improvement¹

$1,823

Average annual payment reduction¹

How to change the radio on a 2010 Nissan Altima

Changing the radio on a 2010 Nissan Altima is relatively straightforward. I will require removing a couple of dashboard panels and several screws.

The process is slightly different if your Altima has the upgraded technology package with a navigation system, but we’ll go over the extra steps required.

The exact steps for installing the aftermarket stereo can vary depending on the system you purchase. Make sure you buy all of the necessary brackets and look into wiring instructions to see if you need to alter the wiring harnesses at all.

Your new stereo should come with installation instructions to help you out.

Let’s get into a more detailed breakdown. You’ll need a panel tool, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a Torx T20 driver. Before you start, it’s a good idea to disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent an electrical short.

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Sound system coverage

1. Remove the upper dash vent assembly

The first step is to use your panel tool to remove the dash panel above the stereo that houses the three center dash vents. Simply work your way around the panel, gently prying it up until you can pull the whole assembly directly outward.

You can disconnect the two harnesses (one for the airbag sensor and one for the hazard lights) or just place the assembly out of the way on top of the dash.

2. Remove the panel below the stereo

Directly below the A/C controls is a small panel that will also need to come out. Use your panel tool to help pop the panel out. You can access the bottom of the panel from the center hand storage.

3. Remove the four housing screws

Once the panels above and below the stereo are out, you should see four housing screws: two above and two below the stereo. Unscrew them and keep them in a safe place for later.

If your Altima came with the upgraded navigation system, you have an additional step here. You will have to pry out the CD changer trim panel to release the retaining clips.

Pull the whole thing out, disconnect the harness, and unscrew the six screws securing the CD changer brackets to the dash. Pull the changer out enough to access the brackets behind.

5. Pull out the entire stereo unit

Once all of the housing screws are removed, pull out the entire stereo unit. This does include the A/C control unit. Once you have the unit out, go ahead and disconnect all of the harnesses connected.

6. Free the A/C control panel

With the stereo unit removed, you can separate the A/C control unit by unscrewing the two Torx screws on either side of the bracket.

Once the screws are out, the A/C unit will still be held in place by panel clips on either side. Work these panel clips out and start wiggling the A/C unit free.

7. Installing the new radio

From here, the exact next steps are going to depend on what you buy. Compatible installation kits will include housing for the A/C unit and will likely require some assembly. Keep all of the old components until you have the aftermarket unit installed in case you end up needing any of the original brackets or screws.

Once you have your new stereo system assembled and ready to go, the installation will simply involve following the above steps in reverse.

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The best aftermarket car stereo head units for a 2010 Nissan Altima

The factory stereo on a 2010 Nissan Altima is a double-din stereo that fits into the unique unit that integrates it with the A/C controls. Single and double-din aftermarket stereos can both be used in your Altima, but the installation process may be a bit different.

Make sure you accompany your new stereo with the appropriate installation package.

If your Altima has the Bose sound system and you want to retain the factory amplifier, the wiring harness will need to be attached to the new stereo’s front and rear preamp outputs.

If your new system doesn’t have those outputs, make sure you have a line converter to maintain the use of that amp.

To get you started on your search for a new stereo, here are a few recommendations:

Alpine UTE-73BT: $119.95

The

Alpine UTE-73BT

may not be the Lamborghini of car radios, but it is a solid option that will bring your 2010 Nissan Altima’s stereo to 2022 without breaking the bank.

This single din-radio won’t have the latest technology, but with Bluetooth, aux, and USB connectivity, you have plenty of options for accessing your audio files. Plus, with 6-channel preamp outputs, you can keep that Bose amplifier bumping during your commute.

JVC KD-X560BT: $199.95

A step up in sophistication is the

JVC KD-X560BT

. Still a simpler single-din option, the KD-X560BT adds some tech and sound quality features. For one, it has a built-in amplifier if your Altima was lacking in that department.

It also adds an input option for a backup camera so you can take full advantage of the three-inch screen.

Kenwood DDX26BT: $269.99

Up next is the

Kenwood DDX26BT

, which offers a major improvement in tech and performance without a major jump in price.

The DDX26BT gives you a nice intro to the world of modern touch screen stereos with a 6.2” display that allows you to control your smartphone using a USB or Bluetooth connection. You can put that screen to use by adding a backup camera, or even by watching videos when your parking brake is active.

Sony XAV-AX4000: $598.00

Rounding out our list is the

Sony XAV-AX4000

, a modern double-din touch screen stereo with pretty much all of the bells and whistles you want from a modern car radio.

You have all of the inputs and outputs that you need, all the essential connectivity options, plus modern features like built-in GPS, voice control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

MORE:

How to remove a CD stuck in a car stereo

How to save on Nissan Altima insurance costs

One unexpected side effect of upgrading your stereo system that many people overlook is that it can substantially increase their

car insurance

. There are two reasons for this.

One, aftermarket stereos are one of the most frequently stolen items, so insurance providers see these upgrades as adding theft risk to your vehicle. Two, most policies won’t cover aftermarket stereos, meaning you might want to add additional

sound system coverage

to your policy.

Thankfully,

Jerry

has a solution to both make it easy to add additional coverages to your policy and help you reduce the price of your premiums to offset the increases caused by your new stereo.

Jerry's

trustworthy super app

was designed to make the whole process of finding insurance a piece of cake. You can compare quotes in less than a minute, and handle all of the paperwork through the app in just a few minutes more.

The next thing you know, you’re signed up with a cheaper policy that includes sound system coverage and paying the lowest possible rate to do it.

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