How Betsy's iPod tried to kill me, or, "How to run yourself over with your own car, in 5 easy steps"

Step 1

Read article about how some cars have input jacks on the back of the stereo, which makes is really easy to wire in an iPod, which would be great, because, as we all know, the FM and cassette adapters are horrible, and so is buying a new car.  Think "I wonder what kind of adapter is on the back of the stereo in the Durango?  Boy, it would be nice to just have the iPod wired in."

Step 2

Having worked on cars previously, (correctly) assume that the dash must be taken apart in a specific order.  Do a quick search online, and find the article titled "How do I remove the factory stereo from a 2002 Dodge Durango?"

Step 3

Follow the instructions: disconnect battery (this will kill all the presets on the radio, so, no--next);  turn ignition to unlock, set parking brake, put car in low gear (put on emergency brake, skip other stuff); remove steering column opening cover (yes, I have a star-patterned hex key set, disconnect parking brake lever, which is attached to panel, and set panel aside); remove two screws above steering wheel, pop off instrument panel, and disconnect wiring hubs (go back to step two, turn ignition to unlock and put car in low gear, so the instrument panel can clear the steering wheel); remove four screws and pull out stereo (done)

Step 4

Look at back of stereo.  See 10-pin connector.  Realize that this will require more internet research, and that Betsy will probably want her dash re-assembled prior to church tomorrow.

Step 5

Replace stereo and dash, reconnecting wiring harnesses and replacing screws.

Reattach lower dash panel (the screws are on the bottom of the dash, which requires laying down on the floor of the car, and reaching up to screw them in).  Reattach the parking brake release lever.  Accidentally release the parking brake while trying to reattach the parking brake release lever. Think, "uh oh!" as the car starts picking up speed rolling backwards down the driveway.  Hang on to anything possible with left hand, try to keep legs away from front tire, while pushing brake (doesn't work) and then parking brake with other hand.  Think to self, "Whew--how lame would it have been to have to explain to doctors, friends, co-workers, people in the check-out line at Walmart, that you sustained the injuries by running yourself over, in your own driveway, with the engine off, while working on the RADIO."