Before you begin-
How to wire a wiring harness:
READY?? Let’s go, dude!
1.) Remove negative battery cable from battery:
This is simple, and is an easy step to skip, but I will tell you now that on more than one occasion I have messed up a piece of gear because I was careless and did not disconnect the battery. Be safe, be smart. Just spend the 2 seconds to unhook the battery. PLEASE!!!
2.) Disassemble dash/console head unit mounting location
To get the factory head unit out is usually a pretty easy process. Most times it only requires the removal of a few panels and screws. Sometimes these panels are held on with clips instead of screws, so you’ll want to get a panel removal tool to remove them safely.
There is an absolutely great website called http://www.installdr.com/ that has excellent guides to the installation of gear in certain vehicles.
3.) Dismount factory head unit
Once you have the panels off that surround the factory head unit, unmount the factory radio. It is often held on by bolts. If the radio is mounted on any sort of bracket or cage, remove the brackets or cage with the factory unit still intact. These brackets or cages can be useful in mounting the new head unit.
4.) Put together aftermarket install kit (if necessary)
If your vehicle needs an install kit, now is the time to put it together. Think about how the head unit will fit into the install kit, and from there to the vehicle. This is where those factory brackets or cages may come in handy. Once the head unit is secured to the install kit, and ready for install…
5.) Hook up wiring harnesses, antenna adapters, RCA cables, interface cables
Hook up all of the stuff that needs to be plugged in, such as…
Wiring harness: For power, ground, power antenna, amp turn-on, speaker power, etc.
Antenna adapter: Adapts your factory antenna to your aftermarket head unit.
RCA Cables: If you have an amp in your system, and you want to use the pre-outs on your head unit, hook up your RCA cables.
Input cables: If you want to hook up and RCA input to hook up an mp3 player or other device, plug that cable in; if your head unit offers an RCA input feature.
Interface cable: Hook this up if you have CD/DVD/MP3 Player installed in your vehicle, or if you want to hook up ipods, satellite radio and other devices
6.)Test
Okay, it’s all hooked up. You’re so excited! You’ve re-connected the battery, you turn the key, and bam! The screen turns on, and you feel good. The music sounds good, the CD plays, everything is well. Great!
What if it doesn’t work?
Check your wiring
Be sure you remembered to hook the battery back up
Be sure the unit is getting power. Use a digital multi-meter.
7.) Mount and secure new head unit
Once it is all working, mount the new head unit to it’s location. Be sure it fits well, and looks good with the panels on. Be sure it’s straight. We’re doing a professional job here, not some lame quickie job. If you have funky screws (like torx, or other odd shaped screws), try to incorporate these into your install. This will make your head unit more difficult to steal.
You also will want to mount your head unit with a backstrap. This is a long metal strip with holes that you can use to stabilize the rear of the unit. Find a place to attach the backstrap to the vehicle, then attach it to the head unit.
8.) Tweak to sound best with amps
If you have amps in your system, you’ll want to tweak them with your new head unit. The first step is to turn the gains on your amps all the way down. Pick out a well recorderd piece of music that isn’t too loud or bass heavy. Look for one with good balance. From here, be sure all of the sound enhancement effects on your head unit are turned off, be sure the treble and bass are neutral, the fader is centered, the balance is centered, and no sort of loudness control or eq preset is active. Turn your head unit all the way up, or until you begin to hear distortion. If you hear distortion, back off the volume until it is completely gone. No more adjustment is necessary. Just remember not to turn the volume past that point of distortion! If there is no distortion, go to your amplifier’s gain controls, and turn them up one at a time until distortion is heard. Back the volume up a few notches, and you’re set. Turn the volume on your head unit down, and you’re stereo is now all ready to go.
Enjoy the sounds!
-Honest AEB
Alan Bayer is an entrepreneur and car audio enthusiast. He runs an eBay store selling car stereo install supplies:
stores.ebay.com/honest-aebs-autosound/
He also has a GREAT website with car audio articles (such as the one from above). Also on the website, learn about car audio equipment, how to find the best equipment, how to install it, and save big bucks in the process!
www.honestaebs-caraudio.com/ [http://www.honestaebs-caraudio.com/]
To subscribe to Honest AEB’s FREE Car Audio Magazine, go to:
www.honestaebs-caraudio.com/magazine.html [http://www.honestaebs-caraudio.com/magazine.html]
VocoPro V-BANK Dual Deck Multi-Format DVD Hard Drive System with DVD AVI Mp3 Ripper
|
|
ProDuplicator 1-5 24X CD DVD Duplicator Multi SATA Burner Tower System Copier $299.00 |
|
|
2006 2007 Galant Endeavor Navigation System DVD Disc #1 $50.00 |
|
|
2006 2007 Galant Endeavor Navigation System DVD Disc #2 $50.00 |
|
|
2006 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Endeavor Navigation System DVD Disc #3 West Coast CD $50.00 |
|
|
MULTI-FORMAT USB/SD/DVD/CD+G/MP3 KARAOKE MACHINE/SYSTEM SD Card/USB 2 Mic Inputs $219.95 |
|
|
Pioneer DV610AVS Multi-System DVD Player DV-610AVS $136.99 |
|
|
Panasonic System Super Multi DVD R/RW Writer Model UJ8B0 Laptop SATA $19.99 |
|
|
DYNAVIN ANDROID MULTI MEDIA SYSTEM GPS DVD CD PLAYER FOR BMW E46 3 SERIES $1,200.00 |
|
|
13 LG/Pioneer Burner 22X CD DVD Multi Media Disc Duplicator Copier System Tower $952.00 |
|
|
1-8 24X LG/Pioneer Burner CD DVD Multi Media Disc Duplicator Copier System Tower $386.50 |
|
|
Bad Timing (DVD, PAL REGION 2) MUST HAVE A PAL SYSTEM OR MULTI FORMAT DVD PLAYER $19.99 |
|
|
Farenheit Multi Media Car Entertainment Music Movie DVD System $550.00 |
|
|
ESCRIMA KALI ARNIS DOCE PARES MULTI-STYLE SYSTEM $29.00 |
|
|
3 Sony/Pioneer Burner 24X CD DVD Duplicator+500GB Multi Disc Drive System Tower $360.00 |
|
|
8 Sony/Pioneer Burner 22X CD DVD Duplicator+500GB Multi Disc Drive System Tower $552.00 |
|
|
E-system 1201 DVD Multi Recorder TS-L632 $26.86 |
|
|
14 Burner 24X CD DVD Lightscribe Duplicator+USB Multi Disc Publishing System $1,375.00 |
|
|
6 Burner 22X CD DVD Duplicator+500GB DL Multi Disc Drive Megalynx Tower System $450.00 |
|
|
1-6 Sony/Pioneer Burner 22X CD DVD Duplicator+USB Multi Disc Drive System Tower $345.00 |
|
|
15 Burner 22X CD DVD Duplicator+SmartUSB+500GB Multi Disc Megalynx Tower System $1,374.00 |
|
|
1-1 Sony/Pioneer Burner 24X CD DVD Duplicator+USB Multi Disc Drive System Tower $189.00 |
|
|
10 Burner 24X CD DVD Duplicator+SmartUSB+500GB Multi Disc Megalynx Tower System $709.00 |
|
|
1-15 Sony/Pioneer Burner 24X Multi CD DVD Disc Drive Duplicator System Tower+USB $1,209.00 |
|
|
Pioneer DV-610AVS Multi-System DVD Player (110 – 220V) $119.00 |
|
|
Pioneer DV-2022K Compact DVD Player -for Region Free Multi System – Black $59.99 |
|
|
Produplicator 1-9 Burner CD DVD Duplicator 24X Multi Media Copier Tower System $457.00 |
|
|
7 ” Car DVD Multi Media Player Stereo System, HD, GPS, 1-DIN, Bluetooth $425.61 |
|
|
VOCOPRO DVD-DUET Semi-Pro Multi-Format Karaoke System $356.12 |
|
|
VOCOPRO DVD-DUET Semi-Pro Multi-Format Karaoke System $356.12 |
|
|
pioneer stereo system 2 polk audio speakers 6 disk multi player DVD Cassette $290.00 |
|
|
1-7 SONY DVD CD Multi Discs Burners Duplicator System $360.00 |
|
|
1-9 Samsung 20x DVD/CD Multi Disc Burner REwriter Copier Duplicator Tower System $459.00 |
|
|
VOCOPRO DVD-DUET Semi-Pro Multi-Format Karaoke System $356.12 |
|
|
VOCOPRO DVD-DUET Semi-Pro Multi-Format Karaoke System $356.12 |
|
|
JWIN JD-VD135 NTSC/PAL MULTI SYSTEM DVD CONVERTER REMOTE CONTROL JD-VD135V1 $12.95 |
|
|
VocoPro V-Bank Dual Deck Multi-Format DVD/Hard Drive System 886830240935 $524.25 |
|
|
1-5 Burner 20X CD DVD Duplicator+SmartUSB+500GB Multi Disc Megalynx Tower System $499.00 |
|
|
1-11 Sony/Pioneer Burner 20X CD DVD Duplicator+USB Multi Disc Drive System Tower $539.00 |
|
|
1-7 Burner 22X CD DVD DL Multi Disc Drive Megalynx7 Duplicator Tower System+USB $376.00 |
|
|
1-2 Burner 24X CD DVD Duplicator+USB DL Multi Disc Drive Megalynx7 Tower System $233.00 |
|
|
TOSHIBA 22SLDT2 LCD/DVD MULTISYSTEM REGION FREE COMBO UNIT $419.99 |
|
|
1-2 Asus Multi DVD CD Discs Copier Standalone Burner Recording Duplicator System $199.00 |
|
|
1-5 LG DVD CD Multi Disc Copy Burners Duplicator System $294.00 |
|
|
DAV-TZ135 DVD Home Theater Multi-System Home Theater System- DUAL VOLT $230.23 |
|
|
3 Burner AMBA Autoloading CD DVD 220 Disc Duplicator Multi Drive System+600pkDVD $2,540.00 |
|
|
Copystars 1-7 DVD CD Multi Sata Support M-Discs Burners Duplicator System tower $339.00 |
|
|
3 Burner AMBA Autoloading CD DVD 220 Disc Duplicator Multi Drive Copier System $2,395.00 |
|
|
LG Electronics V271 Multisystem DVD-VCR Combo $289.99 |
|
|
Fred – cave man / pescherny chelovek (38 series) * Russian Children cartoon DVD PAL mulfilmy: * No subtitles * To play Russian DVD you need multi system player * d.405.79 $24.00 … |
|
|
BBC Muzzy Spanish Early Advantage Set Language Course for Children $240.00 Double case includes: Two (2) video cassettes in foreign language, two (2) video cassettes in english, two (2) audio cassettes in foreign language, a multilingual video script book, parent’s instructional guide, mulitilingual interactive CD-Rom, plus bonus video cassette Vocabulary Builder with instructional guide…. |
|
|
Doce Pares Multi-Style System Eskrima – Kali – Arnis, Volume 1 [VHS] $29.95 … |
|
|
NEW MULTI REGION BLU RAY LG BD370 CODE FREE DVD PLAYER. GUARANTEED TO PLAY ALL REGION 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 DVDs PAL or NTSC (FREE HDMI CABLE) Instant Entertainment NetCast??? Entertainment Access lets you stream instant entertainment from CinemaNow, Netflix and YouTube direct to your TV from the Internet -no computer required. 1080p upscaling No need to go out and replace your old DVD collection with Blu Ray. This unit Up-Scales standard DVDs and delivers exceptional image quality with 1080p upscaling via HDMI output. Superior Audio Per… |
|
|
Exitos-Multi Karaoke $7.49 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Belkin Conserve Socket with Energy-Saving Outlet $24.98 Conserve Smart AV Auto-Off Surge Protector. Now you can automatically turn off up to five entertainment system ponents when you turn off your TV and easily reduce standby power. The Master Outlet senses when your TV is on or off and controls power to five peripheral outlets for your AV ponents. Two outlets stay on for devices that need continuous power like DVRs. Control power to your whole entert… |
|
|
Belkin Conserve Switch, Energy-Saving Surge with Remote $37.34 Belkin F7C01008Q Surge Suppressor F7C01008Q Surge Suppressors… |
|
|
Belkin Conserve Valet with Energy-Saving USB Charging Station $39.99 Most chargers continue to use power as long as they’re plugged into the wall, even after you unplug your device. The Conserve Valet Smart USB Charging Station lets you charge all of your mobile devices in one convenient place, and automatically shuts off power, including standby power, after devices are fully charged. It even senses when new devices are added so you always get a full charge, and h… |
|
|
DVD-Soundman Multi-Format 4 Channel Portable Sound System $369 VocoPro takes a step forward in audio mobility with the DVD-SOUNDMAN portable mini P.A. system. With the built-in VHF module and included wireless microphones the DVD-SOUNDMAN expands your performance possibilities. |
|
|
DVD Duet Home Karaoke System $349 80W Semi-Pro Multi-Format Karaoke System. Combining the DUET our best sounding and best selling 80 watt semi-pro system with our popular multiformat player the new DVD-DUET is able to play almost any disc format. Pre-out jacks enable connection to external sound system. |
|
|
DVD-DUET 80W Semi-Pro Multi-Format Karaoke System - $349 With so many different disc formats available today, you need a multi-format system. As always, Vocopro delivers! Combining the DUET, our best sounding and best selling 80 watt semi-pro system, with our popular multiformat player, the new DVD-DUET is able to play almost any disc format. You’ll be able to sing along with your collection of CDG and VCD Karaoke CDs, MP3 compilations, or output DVDs to a video monitor. You can even do a slideshow of JPEG photos. The top quality DVD drive is so shock resistant that the DVD-DUET can be played in moving cars, RVs, planes and boats (110 or 240V AC adaptor required) without skipping! As always, there is a 12-step Digital Key Controller, which changes the key of background music from any disc to match the natural range of your voice so you can sound like the pros. The five-band graphic equalizer enables you to fine tune the tone to fit anyone’s taste. We’ve included two professional mics, and two microphone inputs each having separate volume controls. So you can sing duets with a perfect mix. The dual cassette deck makes recording your performances or dubbing from one deck to the other simple, and you can use the cassettes, AM/FM tuner and disc player just like any stereo system. The four 2-way speakers provide a quality stereo sound big enough for most Karaoke parties, but VocoPro left you room for expansion, too. Want more power for your party? Just use the pre-out jacks to connect to an external system and rock the house with all the features of the DVD-DUET. All you need is the passion for Karaoke and a television to get started. |
|
|
100-Watt DVD Home Theater System $82.94 The RCA RTD396 DVD Home Theater System offers all the excitement of 5.1 channel surround sound at an affordable price! Youll experience all the action of your favorite games and movies with 5 satellite speakers and a passive subwoofer. The RCA RTD396 DVD Home Theater System is rated at 100 watts for big, clean sound!Features:DVD Section:Play DVD, CD, JPEG file, CD-R & CD-RW discRepeat, program and resume playbackLanguage, sub-title, multi-angle selectionVarious OSD languages available (English/French/German/Italian/Spanish /Swedish /Portuguese)Screen format: Normal / wideVideo system: NTSC onlyAmplifier Section:Dolby digital5.1 channel5 Satellite Speakers and Passive subwooferOutput power – 100W Total max.Front Panel:LED Indicator, Standby/On, DVD, AV-IN, AUX-InControls Keys, Standby/On, Open/Close, Play, Stop, Function, Volume + Volume -3.5mm AUX-In JackRear Panel:Component Video outComposite Video In/outCoaxial digital outAnalog Audio In/outSpeakers Terminals |
|
|
UltraSlim Enhanced SATA Multi-Burner – DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM drive – Serial ATA $135.99 IBM UltraSlim Enhanced SATA Multi-Burner – Disk drive – UltraSlim Enhanced – DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM – 8×8x5x – Serial ATA – plug-in module – 5.25″ Slim Line – for System x32 |
|
|
Dvd Multi Drive F/Cf-31 $289.99 DVD MULTI DRIVE F/CF-31 |
|
|
GIG-STAR Professional Multi-Format Entertainment System $459 100W Professional Karaoke Jam-Along System Package. Efficient 4-speaker cabinet design pumps 100W total power (peak to peak). All-in-one system design perfect for live gigs portable use and DVD home entertainment. |