How to wire up and prep a new radio, dash kit, harness and steering wheel adapter

A must watch for you if you are about to install a new aftermarket stereo system in your vehicle.
A must watch for you if you are about to install a new aftermarket stereo system in your vehicle.

[@melaneeb2737]

I am forever grateful for this video! I called myself being a DIY'r because I have done wiring installs for hitches working at UHaul. So I haven't had a CD player working in my 05 Camry for quite some time and it's BORINGGG listening to the plain ol radio. So I ordered fr Crutchfield the wiring hardness and dash kit comes free. But because I'm one-and-done type chick I opted for the steering wheel adapter because I knew I'd likely HATE losing that feature. I was disappointed when I opened my stuff bcuz I thought it was like plug and play or quick connect and seeing so many wires thew me off. Watching this video completely eased my mind as I am a visual learner vs written instruction. Thank you for simplifying a task that could have easily gone wrong!! I'm going to go back at it tomorrow and do this prep work to make for an easy install. Thanks again!! :)

[@ytube1983]

I just wanted to say thank you very much for this video. Like you say "people have lives to live." It helped me to understand things that I had doubts on and in the process save me some money. Thanks again.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

you are welcome my friend

[@flowers0327]

Ll0pp

[@flowers0327]

Pizza

[@flowers0327]

Pizza

[@michaelsheline3238]

Hey sir so look i own a Saab 2006 9 3 wagon and i bought A android /Kenwood touch screen i have to put under were the cd player is because its the only spot it will fit mind u i have a small length kenwood so it would fit right forgive me for not giving you the model number but im so frusterated the question is why is it when i unplug my stock radio my car won't start ? I use to love putting in stuff until this car and I also have a steering wheel control module from auto zone which is great but when i tried to splice in without cutting the stock wire plug the other radio wouldn't turn on so now im uncertain on what to do can you please either call me an or show me a wiring diagram on h or to do this car please . I also have four twelves two amps one four channel amp by ppi n a cheap boss amp . N like three different replcement speakers for the car so please help this come out right i have a separate battery to i want to use just for my system. How would you wire this period . Thank you 2133189623 mike is my name call me

[@zhodge0]

Thank you. I am glad you started at the very beginning. It is the beginning that is most important when connecting 3 harnesses to create 1. Your talk through is straight forward and helpful

[@dmartinez9945]

I took your advice on the blue and white wire and connected to the brown wire and stated to work properly thanks for the video I will say outstanding your the man....

[@Lesscoelectronics]

thank you

[@hoogleyboogley]

Black with a white stripe... You answered my question..Thanks! I had no Idea what that wire was for. I connected all the wires and had one left over ...DOH! Thanks for the video!

[@dzytub]

Thank you! successfully installed my first stereo thanks to this video. I set aside time all weekend to learn to solder, I watched this video, then installed the radio in a few hours after work on friday.

[@arturobarroso78]

Thanks for showing us how to connect a radio, this is by far, the most well explained video I have seen, and you took the time to explain everything for people like me that don't know much about installing a stereo...

[@maximoespinosa9804]

Nicely done, thank you for the step by step. Finally someone I can understand!!

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

Very nice video ! Learned what the second jack next to the Bluetooth jack is for.Ah,A steering wheel interface harness.I just installed a single din Pioneer CD radio receiver.Again,thank you very much for the informatuon.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

cool, glad to hear it!

[@krypton25b62]

Also, I was wondering how long have metraonline been around. I already found the car model and make, and the adapter kits that are available. But the radio size, still need to work out. I learned this by watching and reading from a book. Learning it here is pretty neat. I'm beginning to memorize all the wires and the connections to it. Plus reading books too. Andrew Yoder, Mark Rumreich, all are great authors of the topic.

[@01GTSC]

Great video! I really enjoyed the way you explained the whole process in detail.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+01GTSC thanks, I try

[@stevetilk4926]

Great video. Thanks for doing this. You saved my son and me $55 and a weeks wait.

[@johncottrell6156]

Thank you, general wire colors were very helpful in not using the phone mute and other non essential colors

[@1greeny]

Fantastic video. Put in a stereo first time with no experienced (and it worked). Thank you very much.

[@Channel53official]

Great video! Im very experienced but still learned several things from this.

[@IRONSIDE_RS]

I just bought a Pioneer AVH-x7700BT and i had no prior knowledge in car stereos and i had a hard time trying to find someone decent instructions to understand the wiring and this is the easiest video to follow and helped me grasp the concept of the wiring i just installed it on my 97 civic si thanks this video i was able to complete it without spending and extra 2 to 300 dollars to get it installed elsewhere.

[@krypton25b62]

Casio watches is pretty nice. G-shock watches are also nice. It depends on which you prefer. In high school, I just used the regular Casio digital watches they sold at Longs Drugs store on the shelves. It was about $34.00 if it wasn't on sale. I think it is on sale now, so you can buy it for $24.95 cheaper. It is pretty good and nice to use at work.

[@andreanderson6151]

I CAN ONLY ASSUME YOU SPLICED THE NEGATIVE WIRES TOGETHER WITH A TERMINAL CONNECTOR AND ACTUALLY GROUNDED IT TO METAL THANKS FROM SEATTLE ;)

[@mrcoz1764]

So far your video seems to help me alot,,,,,,,now i have to check my colors,,,,,cause i dont think they all match up

[@Moonpupils]

excellent video! Made the installation of my Kenwood a hell of alot easier.

[@sbrave]

Very nice! Thanks for showing how do the tabs. I can save $70 from a local place or Best Buy and do this myself. I bought a kit which came with a harness and antenna adaptor already.

[@wheezin_mtnbkr3576]

Crimp caps are the best, one crimp instead of two with butt connectors, plus you can mechanically twist the wires together.

[@richardl341]

Thank you very much for making this video. It is really helpful.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tigardflash]

Great video, thank you for such a complete and well done instructional video

[@chuanbowang7364]

Great video for first timers! Thanks!

[@deathlgm]

Good job explaining, really learned something here

[@szemo420]

great vid thanks for the extra info about the power antenna , im about to do an install on a trans am, thanks again

[@kinezo1961]

Came here looking for how to hook up the dimmer wire. Fail! still liked.;)

[@zacsalad3586]

Thank you! Thank you! Initially the way you set up is the way I did minus attaching the amp ground to the factory ground. My car comes with premium audio but hasn’t felt like it for the last week cus it wouldn’t produce the deep bass from the subs. Now I know what I have to go back and do. Hopefully it works. Thanks!

[@zacsalad3586]

I have also been getting some alternator whine and that’s probably the cause

[@Dehnia31]

Great video !

[@coloradomotorider8646]

Great video, very helpful. Two questions: 1. Does the orange illumination wire from car wiring splice with aftermarket stereo's dimmer orange/white wire? 2. The wiring harness from my aftermarket stereo has a REVERSE-REAR SIGNAL INPUT wire that has no corresponding wire to splice with. What does that splice with? Thank you!

[@SprayWayCustoms]

Great video...thanks for your time!!!!

[@krypton25b62]

On another video, if this was you, you mentioned that one radio harness was for the power, and one was for the speaker. In this single din, both the power and speaker is on one radio side connector. Do you some times modify it? As in upgrades. or some other add ons.

[@krypton25b62]

On another video also, you were showing the fans or electronics enthusiast how to connect a reverse green wire and add a back up camera to a car. Can you tell me what polarity should the green or back up lights from the back of the car be? (-1) or (+1) I didn't get what machine you were using. Not sure if it was a multimeter. I have a multimeter too. Use it to check voltages around the house. If this was your video too.

[@craigdundas8721]

thx brotha did this with my Jeep Grand Cherokee larado works awesome saved me a ton of cash 😎😀👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tybridges1611]

I'm doing the same thing,an having problem with the speakers

[@Lesscoelectronics]

thanks, I do it just for this reason..

[@ramibar-lev7086]

hey man i got installed stereo with built in control adapter. i just dont where to connet the wires for the wheel control. maybe yo could help me. so ive got the black one grounded, the pin 9 i got connected (it says wheel-key 1) and i got another wire says wheel key .. where does it goes? maybe its the power source? maybe you could help me please

[@Danielmorales5890]

Pues a si en chinga. Quedo todo bien explicado

[@7UpYors]

Great job on the video. Really helpful ti me since i got the same SWI-RC.

[@krypton25b62]

Cadillac. I noticed you put the pac adapter under the dash and the steering wheel. Did you only have to connect the green wire? And to what wire. I did not see it clearly. I could not get a hold of the instruction manual. single din.

[@insanechevy91]

Got a 2012 sierra dosent have back up camera or nav screen head unit it dose have on star tho but wont use it. Wondering if i can just get a steering wheel module and im looking at installing a screen and back up came do i need the gm 31 module or can i use this one you got here in the vid?

[@krypton25b62]

One other note, since this is an older car, but very much a desirable car, from what I am reading. Super hot. Anyway, how long would it take a average person who just want to install it himself or herself to complete a task? For him it was, 30 minutes, then wait 1 week or so, to begin the breakdown of the dashboard and put in the new din with the dash kit. Which would be another 2 hours. So I am counting 2 and 1/2 hours to complete the replacement, but wait one week. Is this the case?

[@Hk-dm5eg]

hi i need some help with audi wiring as i can not find the right harness for the orginal audi to use for aftermarket. As audi use amplified speaker. i have checked the harness it is not simple as you have shown colour to colour. but thanks for the video very good explaining.

[@jonathanwilson3155]

Hi I am in desperate need of the harness you used for the Cadillac and can’t find one with the amplifier turn on wire yours is different I would greatly appreciate if you can tell me thanks

[@jeffsmith3157]

Excellent teaching. Thanks!

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Youre welcome, Its what I do

[@krypton25b62]

I'm learning this too as I go along with the video and the book. Are you guys familiar with Kirchhoff's first law of current and second law of voltage? I could see if the DC circuit was in a series or parallel configuration. Is it so, that all wires receive 12 volts across the wiring? If so, the amps can be figured out by knowing the resistance or ohms on every wiring or component? I'm into the electrical technical part. There was a green wire too across the SWI module. Where does this part go? Is there a green wire near the ignition or near the other wires that feeds to the module? Not sure where this is at yet.

[@josephzanders8538]

Did you connect both speaker wire’s together

[@alexanderuzoechina1384]

If your steering wheel 3.5 jack has the 3 black bands rather than 2. Will it still work properly. My motorcycle remote has the 3 black bands rather than 2

[@randym119]

Thank you for your insight, this helped a ton!

[@conradloisel5644]

I'm not sure if I missed every time I watched your video it but the wire think blu/yellow? beside the 1/8 plug is for what exactly. thank you good job

[@krypton25b62]

I noticed he used a transformer step down. This is probably off the solenoid. Of which is measured up to 22,000 volts. Is this pioneer radio/stereo the same specifications as the others on the market? The blue and Red connected were 12 volts each. The breakover voltage or minimum current needed to amplify a signal at ground, is 0.6 Volts coming off the red and blue wire I am presuming. How many volts or amps is going through the step down transformer? larger black cable connecting to the back of the stereo/radio single din.

[@cpufukr]

GREEAT VIDEO...ILL BE WIRING ONE VERY SOON...I DREAD IT!!!

[@Tanna1961]

Hi what happen if you are not using the speaker wires in the vehicle and you install an amplifier and you use RCA jacks how will you hook up that

[@jimdonnie7370]

nice lesson video..need help with two wires color.from the stereo harness wire I got dark blue/white wire labeled ILL..and from the adapter harness wire is orange labeled dash Illumination..you think I go and connect the two wires? I'm confuse because of the totally different color..and the color to color rules ...please help..

[@krypton25b62]

I was wondering where do they buy the 2 sided adhesive tape. You used black electrical tape. Or one sided, while the other side is of a different texture. Do you use only zip ties?

[@richardvantassell2525]

Thanks, This was very helpful.Rich

[@adamhodgins3217]

i have a question what if your stearing wheel does not have the buttons but calls for haveing the pac system? do i stil need it for the radio to work jw ????

[@williampennjr.4448]

How come in all the other videos, and the SWC unit instructions say to connect the swc wires into the cars harness pins but your connecting them into the wiring harness adapter? This is very confusing.

[@jeezyloc9927]

Good look I’m doing mines today 💪🏽

[@IRONSIDE_RS]

I did have a question is there a way to crimp the wires without the caps like if you use tape or something

[@debbieramirez3170]

Does the make of the stereo make a difference in installing?

[@chucksnow6497]

Hi. Thank you for the great video. I also done with that way but I just skipped the steering wheel control part cause in my stereo there’s no any jack and I don’t know where to wire that 3.5mm jack or other wire. So what should I do in that case? Thank you again

[@Lesscoelectronics]

there are other brands that program digitally, maybe look into one..

[@Jclownwalk]

What about when you a separate red wire accessory turn on? Where do you connect it to? Can I just connect the red and yellow together and connect it to the yellow from the aftermarket harness?

[@juanbal3586]

I have the steering wheel adapter already attached to my stereo. so to attach my Remote wire all I gotta do is match the colors to the steering and stereo connections?

[@ImmaculateHairline]

Is the metra 70-2001 the right harness for 2002 deville? I got one and it does not have a blue/white amp turn on wire

[@GuillermoChancey2]

So, the factory harness connector that one needs to connect the "info" wires from the SWI into,... Is that going to be right behind the stereo or will it be in the steering column, or where? I'd like to have an idea before I go pulling stuff apart and trying to splice into wires. I'm a total rookie at hooking up the SWI adapter.

[@krypton25b62]

I have the book, on Stan Gibilisco. He is supposed to be the best in the business. Good book. Electronics.

[@bobo6263]

nice video Lessco

[@realitystrat]

questions: Why do we need the ignition AND the constant wire to test the unit? why not just the ignition wire? How much current does the constant wire draw? Seems like it would drain the battery if it is working 24 hours a day. thanks!

[@amdomag]

The constant wire is directly connected to the power source without any inline switch. This provides the necessary power to sustain headunit use. The ignition wire is also connected to the power source but through a switch. Power only passes through when the switch is set to ON. This provides signal that triggers the internal headunit power on/off switch. This is a safety thing. I would think that this is required by the insurance commission.

[@11.9lsupercharged4]

two questions one if I'm running two amps, do I have to connect the remote wire in the pac or just from the head unit or splice it from their connection, two can I split the aux port or mic port so I can have the mic and steering wheel controls and an aux port

[@christopherbackus9541]

I am confused trying to install my after market radio, i have used a diagram that i found on the internet to hook most of it up and it work for the most part... Except when i go to switch on my dash light and/or headlights my radio shuts off and wont turn back in until i turn my lights off, and even then the radio is reset, it is being done in a 1986 chevy nova cl

[@candykane9594]

what pioneer stereo is that...looks good...may buy one for my truck

[@ALCHEMIST5288]

Will this exact same setup work for a 03-04 DeVille without Bose Soundsystem and with OnStar! Or am I forced to get a very specific one? I don't use OnStar and the car has factory amp & 10" sub in rear window deck

[@DiestlerVonGrim]

can you give me a full list of all the items in this video. Because i have a 2004 cadillac deville. same specs. and this is my first stereo install. so if i do the same set up as you and follow your videos i should be fine.

[@johnle7469]

What GPS head unit do you personally use for day to day driving ?? And what do you think of the head unit any pros or cons and what head unit do you think I should get for my car ??

[@Lesscoelectronics]

For portable gps I like garmin, for an installed gps I like jvc's stuff.

[@johnle7469]

Do you have any specific JVC head unit model to look at ??

[@johnle7469]

Also what Clarion head unit would you consider is best ??

[@philipsweeney7935]

Great video that, very informative 👍👍👍👍

[@krypton25b62]

How long did it take for you to put it in the Cadillac? I figure if I take my time, I would finish in one day. 8-12 hours. And with all the right tools and material. Would this be the correct time for a beginner?

[@rafaelrosas2918]

Is the pac swi-rc same as the rc-1 or is different ?? I can not find the -rc

[@clowns76]

thanks I just installed it and I turned off car and the radio was still on will it going off after some times I installed it temporarily and I know if it still on I still need to get an antenna adapter because we you and I have is different than the factory unit which is a Chrysler do you think when I put all together with the antenna it'll turn off after so many minutes because I have another car that the accessory stuff stays on for at least another 5 to 10 minutes and then everything shuts down radio power windows all app

[@robertahlholm6412]

91 toyota 4runner wire harness cut- has factory amp , not using-in cut harness 2 hot wires (grey&blue-yellow) grey is 7.5 fused -bl-yllw 15amp from dome-Q; yellow from radio to grey or bl-yllw? also have a cut black&red-cut white&green & a green w/segmented grey-where do they go?? also cased in grey&red sleeve are 2 wires red&white-and a grey sleeved 2 wire black&white??? these are also cut..any help with cut wires mentioned would be huge help..

[@moemedimartin7648]

i am struggling to source constant 12v power wire & ignition wire from factory wires of stereo. I found 3 wires that has power, 2 works with ignition & the other wire works without ignition key, but in no time the power disappear. In my country, you cant get wiring harness plug & therefore we have to do it manually. I am using Automotive Circuit Tester, is it ok to do this as opposed to the multi-meter?

[@clowns76]

can I install the black to the other black or do I have to install it to a medal frame in dash

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+robert bonham wire to wire is perfectly fine.

[@davidkrogermeier5600]

If all the harness has is a blue power antenna wire,is that what I connect my blue remote amp wire to?

[@briansohl7115]

First off, great video sir! Really appreciate your comprehensiveness! I recently purchased an identical radio (coincidentally) for my 2000 Grand Marquis. I was curious about what you did with your ground wires. Some sites/instructions/videos I have seen, they drill holes to the chassis, then attach that wire as a ground. However, you just wrapped up all your grounds in a crimp cap. What is the difference, and do you know if I would be able to get away with your method in my situation? Much much easier than drilling holes and trying to attach my ground to my chassis! Thank you!

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Brian Sohl either way, ground is ground. dont get paralysis from all the alnalysis

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Brian Sohl if there is a ground in the factory harness, I just use that.

[@OlympusTiger]

i have an opel corsa(2004). Could you tell a site to find all these? the three sites you show on the previous video dont have this make(neither vauxhall)

[@Ilikecoolmovies]

I have 8 speakers wires from after market stereo but my nissan wiring harness has only 4 wires. I have 4 speakers. I have the wiring harness adapter which has 6 wires but of course 2 of them dont connect since the wiring harness only has four wires. I guess you have to cross connect some of the wires. Any links to how this would be wired?

[@handicapitation3250]

My aftermarket stereo supports steering wheel controls, but doesn't have the mm jack. It hooks up with wires. Seeing as how I already bought the PAC adapter, is there still a way to hook this up?

[@tassap9355]

Yeah i was looking for this haha thanks mate!

[@coryblakealbertson8788]

so I installed a CD player in my friend's car. he don't have a amp or subs. but after about 15-25min his CD player cuts of. and he has to turn the car off then back on to get it working again. I THINK he also said it does it only when the volume is around 30-40.. he thinks a wire is loose or I hooked it up wrong. and I think it's the CD player that it's just defective. have u heard or had this problem b4. please give me feedback asap

[@Terrnaz]

Hello! Thanks for the awesome video! But I have a question, why do you put positive and ground wire together instead of ground to ground, and positive to positive. WIll there be a difference in these two methods or will it be the same resault as it makes a circuit? (I dont have too much knowledge in this department) Hope you can clear things up for me, thanks yet again for the awesome video :) !

[@loidasongahid3959]

Hello Where is the services channel is in youtube or a website?

[@vmchabla]

Great video. Quick question, the new radio I bought came with only the standard hardness for the new radio. I need to buy the hardness for the original plug? Thank you.

[@jameswoolley6401]

vmchabla yes, you can get these from any good shop, you would need a wiring kit and maybe an in dash kit for your deck.

[@krypton25b62]

I'm for you if you are a graduate from California Institute of Technology. Or if you made this website. Those are electrical engineers making these Pioneer kits. Check the same one here on Best Buys stores. Same deal.

[@christophercarrillo4885]

Great how to video, I have a 05 tahoe , I ran stuck with a PAC gm11 and BOSS double den, I have a key A/Key B/ Key Grnd and not sure what to do with them and help?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

why not call pac technical? theyre at pac-audio.com they help if you call them.

[@MrEightball_Not]

I see some people use crimp connectors (like yourself) and there's other who swear by soldering. Which one would be the best to use when wiring up a aftermarket system?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Diontae Ford soldering is actually better, however 90% of people dont know how to do it properly. the other problem it when it comes time to remove the stuff, have fun unsoldering it all.

[@gabe4846]

+Diontae Ford soldering has a better connection but has better chance of breaking and will have to be resoldered so crimping is just as good u still will have a very strong connection you would never be able to tell the difference

[@josecontreras5043]

Hello friend good morning would be the precedurefor the Chevrolet silverado 2008

[@sudith86]

great video

[@candykane9594]

I need your help please. Having a hard time finding the wiring harness and dash kit I need for 2005 GMC Sierra. Went to Metra and cant find which one I need. Would you mind to see if you can help me find what I need. Found the PAC ok. Rest I am confused.

[@AxiomPinstripe]

every video i saw on youtube has the harnesses connected differently that i have in my car... I can't figure it out...Here, as the other videos the wires are connected between themselfs and on the one end two plugs on the other side one plug...In my car i has two plugs on one side but the wires need to go into a harness directly that comes out of the car(it is the other way arond)...how do i connect that?

[@johngouker878]

RED wire , ACC power .Does the red wire have to be connected ? I'm doin an install into a 85 Toyots p/u . I used the yellow and went directly to the constant power feed , the brake light 10amp feed . I did the same on everything else as you did when connecting everything . I undid the batt - lead before starting . After everything was connected i re-connected the Batt. Nothing works ! Aw Crap ! Now what ? The Stereo came out of a 83 bmw 320i and worked well before i took it out !

[@burnout4life129]

Quick question- if I'm wiring an aftermarket pioneer, and I've got Bose and OnStar. BUT- I'm not using a SWI.... The red 12v that goes thru the SWI still gets connected to the pioneer harness, even though the (swi) plug isn't being connected to anything? Using pioneer deh-x 4000bt PAC OS2x interface 2006 trailblazer LS