To replace the radio in a 2013 Nissan Altima, you’ll have to remove the upper dash vent assembly, pull out the receiver/climate control unit (and possibly a factory nav, if you have one), and unscrew the brackets holding your factory radio in place. Only then can you replace it with a new OEM or aftermarket unit.
Most critics would agree that, as far as car audio goes, the sound system in the 2013 Nissan Altima isn’t bad. Nine Bose speakers deliver audio around the cabin—but what happens when the radio itself breaks?
That’s where Jerry
comes in. A licensed insurance broker
app, Jerry is here to walk you through the basics of removing your broken stereo—and finding the perfect new upgrade. Today, we’ll cover the best aftermarket stereo head units and affordable OEM alternatives, plus, how you can find Nissan Altima car insurance rate
savings. How to change the radio on a 2013 Nissan Altima
To replace the radio in your 2013 Nissan Altima, you’ll have to remove the upper dash vent assembly, pull out the receiver/climate control unit, and unscrew the brackets holding the factory radio in place. If your Nissan has a built-in factory nav, you’ll have to take an extra step to remove it before you can get to your radio.
Before you get started, you’ll need to make sure your car is off, the parking brake is engaged, and the negative battery cable is disconnected to avoid any electrical mishaps. Then, grab a Phillps screwdriver, a panel tool, and a T-20 Torx screwdriver and follow these steps:
1. Remove the upper dash vent assembly
Start by using your panel tool to pry up the edges on your Altima’s upper dash vent assembly. The panel and assembly are secured with retaining clips that easily release with the edges loosened. With the panel off, remove your vent assembly and place it on the dashboard for safekeeping.
Be sure not to disconnect the vent assembly from the wiring harness as you remove it. If you aren’t intimately familiar with the wiring harness itself, attempting to disconnect it from the vent assembly could inadvertently release an airbag sensor—and that would require a professional fix.
2. Remove the climate control trim panel
With the upper dash vent assembly removed, you should see two Phillips screws. Remove them first, then set your attention on the lower climate control trim panel. Use your panel tool to pry up the edges of the trim panel—this should reveal an additional two Phillips screws that you’ll also need to remove.
3. Remove the factory nav (optional)
If your Altima came with built-in factory navigation, you’ll have to remove that before you can access the radio itself. If your car doesn’t have the built-in nav, you’re off the hook for this step.
Otherwise, take your panel tool and Phillips screwdriver and disconnect the CD changer brackets from the dashboard by prying open the CD changer trim panel and removing 6 Phillips screws.
With the screws removed, you can pull out the CD changer just enough to reach the bracket behind it.
4. Remove the receiver/climate control assembly
Next comes removing the receiver/climate control assembly. With the trim panels and screws removed, you should have an easy time pulling out the assembly unit and disconnecting it from the wiring harness.
5. Remove the radio
You’re almost ready to remove the radio! First, take your T-20 Torx screwdriver to the pair of T-20 screws located on the back of the receiver trim panel. Once you’ve loosened and removed both screws, use your trusty panel tool one last time to pry up the edges and release the retaining clips.
With the panel removed and the CD changer pushed forward, you should be able to fully access your Altima’s radio. All that’s left to do is remove the eight T-20 screws that secure the receiver to the brackets and the whole unit should pop free.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully removed your 2013 Nissan Altima’s radio. And now comes the fun part—choosing a replacement.
The best aftermarket car stereo head units for a 2013 Nissan Altima
Not sure where to start looking for a replacement stereo? A new OEM Nissan Altima radio can cost upwards of $1,000—but if you’re looking to upgrade your audio experience, now could be the perfect time.
Whether you want an unfussy audio upgrade that checks all the basic boxes, an affordable OEM alternative, or a totally amped-up multimedia system that lets you customize your vehicle’s sound, we’ve got you covered with top-rated recommendations.
Best all-around stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Pioneer MVH-S522BS
If your audio style is practical and easy to use, the Pioneer MVH-S522BS
checks all the basic boxes: iPhone and Android compatibility, Bluetooth, navigation access, USB ports—the whole shebang. And with a price tag of just $140.00, it’s practical for your wallet, too! While it’s not the fanciest or loudest replacement radio on the market, it’s a solid no-fuss choice—and its max 31-band EQ is enough of an audio upgrade for you to still appreciate your car’s new sound.
Best stereo with GPS navigation: Boss BE10ACP-C
A ten-inch touchscreen monitor makes navigating your Nissan easier than ever with the Boss BE10ACP-C
radio package. This radio is compatible with iPhone and Android, letting you hook up your phone for hands-free calling, messaging, navigation, and more. The cherry on top of the Boss radio is its dual camera inputs that give you the option to further upgrade your Altima with a rearview camera! Best budget radio replacement: JVC KD-T920BTS
With the JVC KD-T920BTS
, you don’t have to sacrifice audio quality for the price. With built-in Bluetooth, Alexa voice control, a 13-band graphic equalizer, and customizable settings, you can enjoy all the features of a modern radio at a price point that won’t compromise your wallet. And if that’s not enough, your JVC radio comes protected with a 2-year warranty. Best stereo with a backup camera: Jensen CAR110W
The Jensen CAR110W
’s 8-band equalizer, subwoofer volume control, and custom presets let sound shine—but an upgraded audio experience is far from the Jensen’s only perk. If upgrading your Altima is a top priority, you can’t beat this radio’s built-in backup camera with a license plate bracket, which lets you safely back up in any crowded lot with ease. How to save on Nissan Altima insurance costs
On the whole, Nissan Altimas are generally less expensive than other vehicles to insure—but if you drive one that’s nearly 10 years old, you’re bound to see problems pop up. On top of the added expense of sourcing parts for older vehicles, you’ll also want to consider keeping an upgraded sound system covered with sound system protection
. If you want to save money on your Nissan Altima car insurance, the Jerry
app is a good place to start. A licensed broker app, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand car insurance
companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy! And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes each time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
“I was how easy it was for me, as someone who has an older beat-up truck, to get insurance without going through a lot of trouble. I would recommend anyone try Jerry
, since it’s free!” —Melissa I.
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