TL Spec Double Din Installation Instructions

S3 Lotus Exige Double Din Installation Instructions


What's Included

  • Double Din Surround

  • Double Din Base

  • 2 × M4 Bolts and Spring Washers (to secure surround to dashboard)

  • 4 × 3.5 mm Screws (to secure heater controls to surround)

Tools Required

  • Trim Removal Tool

    • Acceptable alternatives: plastic knife, blunt knife covered in masking tape, or similar

  • Phillips Screwdriver

  • Stereo Removal Tools (recommended)

    • Acceptable alternatives: thin metal rods (e.g. TIG wire), blunt knives



Need Help?

If you experience any issues during installation, please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.

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Installation Instructions

Step 1: Remove Heater Controls

The heater control housing is secured by two retaining clips at the top and two locating rails at the bottom.

To remove the housing, use a trim removal tool (or similar) to release the two upper clips. Gently pry until the clips clear the aluminium dashboard, then pull the housing straight towards you to disengage it from the lower rails.

Some resistance is normal. A gentle side-to-side wiggling motion while pulling will help release the housing.




Once the housing is free, disconnect the three electrical connectors.

The large black centre connector is a push-fit and can be pulled straight off; gentle wiggling may be required.

The remaining two connectors are fitted with release tabs—press the tabs in with your finger and pull the connectors out.




Next, remove the heater control circuit board from the housing by undoing the four Phillips screws.

These screws will not be reused elsewhere; to keep them safe, it is recommended to refit them into the housing after the board has been removed.




Finally, remove the two Phillips screws securing the lower bracket, then lift the bracket out.




Step 2: Remove OEM Head Unit

The OEM stereo consists of a removable faceplate, a surrounding bezel, and the stereo unit itself.

Begin by removing the stereo faceplate. Press the release button located at the top left of the stereo, then pull the faceplate straight off and set it aside.


Next, remove the radio bezel. This can be done by hand by carefully pulling the bezel forward and releasing the retaining tabs around the stereo one at a time.

Some resistance is normal.

Support the bezel as it comes loose to avoid pulling it too far and risking damage to the surrounding trim.



With the bezel removed, the stereo unit can now be released from the dashboard.

It is recommended to use proper stereo removal tools; however, suitable alternatives such as thin metal rods or welding wire may also be used.

Insert the tools down the centre of each side of the stereo to disengage the internal retaining clips.

Once released, grip the stereo from the front and pull it straight out.




⚠️ Tip: If the stereo does not release immediately, apply gentle, even pressure and ensure the tools are fully seated before pulling.

Once loose, disconnect the electrical connectors from the rear of the stereo and set the unit aside.



Next, remove the single DIN cage from the dash by bending back the securing tabs clear of the dash.

This can be tricky; you can bend the cage inwards from the centre to help remove it.

You do not need to reuse the cage with the new surround and it can easily be bent back into shape after removal.





Step 3: Fit JVC Head Unit and Heater Controls to the Double Din Surround

Once you have unpacked the head unit from the packaging, you will notice it has a double DIN sized cage and framework.

Undo the screws on the bottom half of the head unit and remove the small panels until it looks like the image below.

The head unit is designed as a press-fit into the surround.

Begin by aligning the bottom edge of the screen with the lower edge of the surround.

This will require slight force to engage the press fit. Ensure correct alignment and avoid excessive force.

Once aligned, apply even pressure to the top of the head unit, squeezing it into position.

This is best done by placing your thumbs on each side of the surround while gripping the head unit with your fingers.



Once the head unit is fully inserted, press firmly on both bottom corners of the screen from the rear to ensure it is completely seated in the surround.



⚠️ Tip: Apply steady, even pressure only. Do not force the unit, as this may damage the screen or surround.

Finally, secure the heater controls to the head unit surround using the four supplied screws.

Apply light torque and tighten only until the controls are seated flush.

⚠️ Do not overtighten.



Step 4: Install GPS Antenna

The GPS antenna features a magnetic base and is supplied with an adhesive mounting pad.

For optimal signal reception, the antenna may be mounted on top of the dashboard. However, for a cleaner installation, it can be mounted beneath the dashboard on the designated ledge.


Before mounting, remove the three clips and the plastic tray from beneath the dash to access the ledge.

Use a trim removal tool or a screwdriver to carefully pry the clips free before removing the plastic tray.



Next, clean the installation surface using an alcohol wipe or a cloth dampened with mild soapy water.

Allow the area to dry completely.

Once clean and dry, adhere the mounting pad to the ledge, then attach the GPS antenna to the pad using its magnetic base.




Finally, loop any excess cable and secure it using tape or cable ties to prevent it from becoming tangled or interfering with the head unit installation.

⚠️ Tip: Ensure the antenna cable is routed away from sharp edges and moving components.

Step 5: Install Head Unit into Dash

While supporting the head unit, feed the USB cable from the head unit through the dashboard.

The USB cable should be routed through the same opening as the heater control wiring.

This will be a snug fit initially; gently move the heater control wiring to one side of the opening while pushing the USB connector through to ease installation.




Once the USB cable is through, replace the plastic cover and three clips from Step 4, then connect the USB to the corresponding connector on the surround.

Ensure the cable is routed above the cross bar of the surround to prevent it from being trapped between the bar and the base when the head unit is installed.



Next, place the surround base in the dash tray ready to support the surround.



Connect all remaining connectors to the head unit, including:

  • Stereo wiring harness

  • Radio antenna

  • GPS antenna

  • Heater controls

  • Reverse camera (if fitted)

Carefully offer the head unit into the dashboard, ensuring all wiring is neatly fed back into the dash. Avoid bunching or pinching cables, as this may prevent the unit from seating fully.


⚠️ Tip: If gaps are present and the surround will not sit far enough into the dashboard, pull the surround out and check for wires snagging or becoming trapped before trying again.





Once the head unit is fully seated, insert the two M4 bolts up through the bottom of the dashboard, through the base, and into the double DIN surround.

Start the bolts in the threads by hand to ensure correct alignment and prevent cross-threading.

Tighten the bolts until the unit is secure.

Do not overtighten, as excessive force may damage the surround.



Installation is now complete!

Turn the ignition on and follow the JVC on-screen setup instructions.