Installation / Accessories Technician

Department: Service / Accessories
Reports To: Service Manager / Accessories Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Level: Experienced / Skilled

Position Summary

The Accessories / Installation Technician is responsible for the professional installation of aftermarket and dealer-installed accessories and equipment on new and used vehicles. This position performs installations according to manufacturer specifications and dealership standards while ensuring that accessories are properly fitted, secure, functional, and free from damage.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to safely work on a wide variety of vehicles and accessory systems. The technician should take pride in producing clean, professional installations that look factory-installed and meet customer expectations.

Essential Responsibilities

Accessory Installation

• Install a wide variety of automotive aftermarket and dealer-installed accessories.
• Install accessories on cars, trucks, SUVs, and other dealership vehicles.
• Perform installations according to manufacturer instructions, vehicle specifications, and dealership procedures.
• Ensure accessories are properly aligned, secured, functional, and free from damage.
• Complete installations in a manner that maintains the appearance and integrity of the vehicle.
• Verify proper operation of all installed equipment before completing the work order.
• Maintain awareness of vehicle-specific installation requirements and precautions.

Common Installation Responsibilities

Depending on training and dealership needs, installations may include:

• Running boards and nerf bars
• Bed covers and tonneau covers
• Bed liners and bed accessories
• Trailer hitches and wiring
• Roof racks and crossbars
• Mud flaps and splash guards
• Step bars
• Grilles and exterior trim
• Spoilers and body accessories
• Lift and leveling kits
• Wheels and tires
• Remote starts
• Dash cameras
• GPS and tracking equipment
• Audio and electronic accessories
• Lighting systems and auxiliary lighting
• Interior accessories
• Heated seats and other comfort accessories
• Window tint and related products
• Protective films and coatings
• Dealer-installed appearance packages
• Other aftermarket accessories as assigned

Electrical & Electronic Installation

• Safely install automotive electrical and electronic accessories.
• Properly route and secure wiring to prevent interference, damage, rattling, or exposure.
• Use appropriate connectors, terminals, fuses, relays, and wiring techniques.
• Test electrical systems and installed accessories for proper operation.
• Diagnose basic installation-related electrical issues.
• Follow vehicle manufacturer procedures regarding airbags, sensors, computers, wiring harnesses, and other sensitive systems.
• Avoid interference with factory safety systems and vehicle electronics.
• Properly reassemble all panels, trim, and interior components following installation.

Mechanical Installation

• Use hand tools, power tools, torque tools, and specialty equipment safely and correctly.
• Drill, cut, mount, fasten, and modify components when required by installation instructions.
• Properly torque fasteners according to manufacturer specifications.
• Safely raise and support vehicles when required.
• Perform basic mechanical work associated with accessory installation.
• Verify that installed components do not interfere with steering, suspension, braking, exhaust, electrical, or other vehicle systems.

Quality Control

• Inspect completed installations before returning the vehicle to the customer or another department.
• Verify that all fasteners, brackets, wiring, trim, and components are properly installed.
• Test all applicable accessories and electrical functions.
• Confirm that no warning lights or diagnostic concerns have been created by the installation.
• Ensure vehicles are free of installation-related scratches, damage, debris, fingerprints, or other imperfections.
• Correct installation issues before releasing the vehicle.
• Report pre-existing vehicle damage or concerns to the appropriate manager before beginning work.

Work Orders & Documentation

• Review work orders and installation instructions before beginning each job.
• Confirm that the correct parts and accessories are available before starting an installation.
• Document completed work accurately.
• Record additional parts, materials, or labor required.
• Communicate installation problems, delays, or unexpected vehicle conditions to the appropriate manager.
• Maintain accurate records of completed installations when required for warranty or manufacturer documentation.

Efficiency & Workflow

• Complete installations within established time expectations while maintaining quality.
• Organize work based on customer delivery schedules, service requirements, vehicle inventory needs, and management priorities.
• Work efficiently without sacrificing safety or installation quality.
• Identify potential installation problems before beginning work whenever possible.
• Maintain an organized workflow and keep assigned vehicles and work areas orderly.

Vehicle Protection

• Protect vehicle paint, upholstery, trim, glass, electronics, and other surfaces during installation.
• Use appropriate protective covers and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness throughout the installation process.
• Ensure all removed components are properly stored and reinstalled.
• Return vehicles in clean, presentable condition.
• Immediately report any accidental damage to a vehicle or accessory.

Tools, Equipment & Shop Maintenance

• Properly operate hand tools, power tools, lifts, diagnostic equipment, and specialty installation equipment.
• Maintain personal and dealership-owned tools in safe working condition.
• Clean and maintain installation equipment after use.
• Keep the accessories/installation area clean, organized, and safe.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Monitor commonly used installation supplies and notify management when inventory needs replenishment.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all dealership safety procedures and applicable workplace safety requirements.
• Follow manufacturer installation procedures and specifications.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Properly secure vehicles when working underneath or around them.
• Exercise extreme caution when working around airbags, electrical systems, fuel systems, batteries, sensors, cameras, and other safety-related components.
• Properly dispose of waste materials and chemicals.
• Immediately report accidents, vehicle damage, unsafe conditions, or injuries.

Customer Service

• Treat every customer vehicle as if it were your own.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
• Understand that the quality of an accessory installation directly affects the customer's experience with the dealership.
• Communicate professionally with Service Advisors, Sales Consultants, Parts personnel, technicians, and management.
• Assist with customer questions regarding installed accessories when appropriate.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality regarding customer vehicles and belongings.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of automotive, mechanical, electrical, or accessory installation experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow detailed installation instructions.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and electrical installation issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced dealership environment.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous dealership accessories or installation experience.
• Automotive technician experience.
• Experience installing truck and SUV accessories.
• Experience with automotive electrical systems.
• Experience with remote starts, lighting, cameras, audio equipment, or other electronic accessories.
• Experience with trailer hitches and trailer wiring.
• Experience with lift/leveling kits, running boards, bed accessories, and other truck equipment.
• Experience with Toyota, Ford, or other OEM accessory installation procedures.
• Manufacturer or aftermarket accessory installation training/certifications.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand and work for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and work in confined areas.
• Repeatedly enter and exit vehicles.
• Safely lift and carry tools, equipment, and accessories.
• Work underneath vehicles when required.
• Use hand tools and power tools repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Work indoors and outdoors and in varying temperatures.
• Safely perform physically demanding installation tasks.

Core Expectations

The Accessories / Installation Technician is expected to take ownership of each installation from the initial review of the work order through final quality control.

The technician should be able to understand the installation requirements, identify the appropriate tools and procedures, complete the installation safely and efficiently, test the finished product, and return the vehicle in factory-quality condition.

The goal is for every accessory to look, function, and perform as though it was installed at the factory.