Stereo Install Question

[hulk311]

OK, so I just installed an aftermarket stereo however the display is not lighting up. The CD ejects so I know it's working. Problem is, the dimmer control wire (orange/white) from the head unit, I am having a hard time finding the stock stereo dimmer wire. Does anyone know what wire it is? I did not use a harness to connect the two sets of wires, I just taped them.
Also, I don't care if the head unit display is able to dim, I just want it to display!

 

[Nelsonmd]

OK, so I just installed an aftermarket stereo however the display is not lighting up. The CD ejects so I know it's working. Problem is, the dimmer control wire (orange/white) from the head unit, I am having a hard time finding the stock stereo dimmer wire. Does anyone know what wire it is? I did not use a harness to connect the two sets of wires, I just taped them.

IIRC the clock dimmer is the green wire, but that is purely off my memory. I tapped the clock dimmer for my FMU and it dims perfectly. Check out rock slide FMU thread (link in my build thread, in my sig). He shows the wiring and should have the dimmer wire in there.

 

[Doc2012]

i did not use a harness to connect the two sets of wires, i just taped them.

GET A HARNESS!!!!

They're like 10 bucks, and they are easy as hell to make sure everything is right. Just match up colors, solder or connect how ever the hell you do, wrap in electrical tape or SHRINK WRAP, and it'll work. I've installed dozens of radios, and never had a problem with the radio not working, as long as it's done right.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, the harness kits are pretty easy, but if you are good at soldering, that's not bad either. Definitely use heat shrink instead of tape. Tape is for amateurs. Harbor freight has some good cheap heat shrink kits. Investing in plenty of heat shrink and a proper soldering station is totally worth it.

 

[BigRogers]

So I got a new stereo from crutchfeild and they sent the wiring harness and all the other goodies I need for the install. My question is should I remove the stock amp? Or buy a harness that will fit the connection coming from the amp?

 

[Drcoffee]

When I installed a Kenwood HU the RCA plugs gave me trouble with static. Something to do with grounding. I ended up removing the amp altogether.

For anyone who is interested, I found all different colors and sizes of heat shrink tubing in 3' lengths at Fry's Electronics for $1.30 each.

 

[rajuncajun]

Seriously, get a harness.
If you installed it and you have an amp built-in, remove the old amp or just bypass it completely. The wires harness coming from the stock amp will be different and could be difficult for one to figure out the colour coding correctly.

Whatever you do, pls don't just twist and tape. For the cost of some crimps/shrink/marrettes, you could save yourself many headaches of loose connections and potentially popping fuses.

DC is unforgiving.

 

[BigRogers]

Yeah ended up talking it through with the crutchfield support. They said to totally remove it. Up and running bluetooth technology is awesome. Stevens all the music and pandora off my phone. Not to mention the talking capabilities.

 

[hrt4me]

Yeah ended up talking it through with the crutchfield support. They said to totally remove it. Up and running bluetooth technology is awesome. Stevens all the music and pandora off my phone. Not to mention the talking capabilities.

I'm right down the road in Lewisville, so when I get around to updating my own head unit, then I may have to pick your brain a bit re: the install...