Radio Wiring Harness - How to Install like a PRO

When you install an aftermarket radio, head unit,or stereo you will likely want to make a wiring harness. A wiring harness allows us to avoid cutting the factory OEM wiring, and instead we can use a plug to adapt the new aftermarket device plug to the vehicle plug. This allows us to have a simple harness that we can plug into the vehicle to install or remove the device. But what best practices should we use? Watch to see!
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[@alfredoalequin]

Very informative and good demonstration on how to do things right. As somebody said: "there is never time to do things right but there is always time to do it twice".

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

If I didn't do this stuff myself I'd gladly pay you to do it. A true professional that doesn't take short cuts. The harness you made will last the life of the vehicle and that's what matters.

[@Mrfixdit]

advanced pro tip: stagger the lengths of each wire so no connection is wrapped against another, especially when soldering. Sometimes the soldering process will create sharp points that can penetrate heat shrink and create a short circuit, it also avoids a bulge in the wire bundle, especially if you wrap all the wires together with tape. Otherwise great job showing proper layout so everything stows properly. Best connection is a crimp barrel soldered and protected by heat shrink that has glue inside. A poorly soldered connection will actually create excessive resistance, causing the wire directly before the connection to become brittle and eventually break. this comes back to using the correct type of solder and ensuring the wire is properly sized for the distance and load. Each connection will have some sort of resistance due to the electrons having to pass from dissimilar metals, the goal is to create a connection that has the least amount of resistance, and to design a circuit with the least amount of connections.

[@kevinhooiveld4840]

One of the very few people that actually solders correctly! well done as always!

[@coleposkarbiewicz5987]

hey ma just want to say im a young and dumb kid trying to put in a new head unit, and ive watched countless youtube videos trying to teach myself but could never get the complete answer i was looking for. i came across this video and you answered all my questions and more. defintley gonna like and subscribe, thanks a lot man, your a life saver!

[@mikewoods92]

I eliminate the OEM harness altogether, and hard wire everything, fresh 12 volt battery, 12volt ignition, and all fresh OFC everything, including speaker wire, since the factory wires run thru much much to many junctions, which degrade sound I have also learned if you do use the OEM harness, It affects the idle of the car on some models Mitsubishi to name 1,it was like the cars ECU didnt like it, idle problems, studdering, so i started running everything fresh ,this way the cars computer doesnt even know a stereo is installed ,YA it is alot more work, but the extra work is really worth it in the end...but thats just me you do great work, keep the videos coming...

[@rickvulcan2126]

The best and correct soldering of any yt video on this topic. Great video. 👍

[@ConroyJointer]

Agreed 👍

[@a-75n5lee4]

IDK how many times I got the wire twisted/soldered perfectly, and then "BOOM" I forgot the shrink tube! Similar things while I was making all new brake lines I got the brake line double flared perfectly just to cut it off because it had no fasteners

[@Danman1972]

Its a pain, but if you have a pin removal tool you can just remove the wire from the connector.... slide the HS over and replace the pin. I wouldn't know anything about that though, but I never forget ;-)

[@brianrubin4263]

I know. I do that just about every time!

[@rafaelespin]

😂😂

[@computergardener]

Now that, was a masters class and how to do a wiring harness. American craftsmanship right there, bravo.

[@ATLRaines]

I've been doing this a long time and never thought to HOOK & LOOP the wires together before soldering THANKS man I needed to see a better and easier way different than my own.

[@thedamnedfool661]

the break down of the harness and the interface its self really helped me with my harness, everyother video I've seen has been confusing and not helpful at the least lol

[@SilenceFictionxD]

9:29 THIS. So much. I can't even begin to describe the amount of times I got cut from a ziptie remains that wasn't cut like this.

[@andrewdalton1436]

If the zip tie is cut and you left a sharp bevel just touch touch the bevel with flame from a lighter for like 2-3 seconds. Its way cheaper than the tool...

[@mumihp]

Thank you so much, installed an android double din but it required me to connect the wires to my new harness. Never soldered before but you gave great tips, especiall about the tesa tape which I brought from ebay. I first soldered only the negative, constant and ignition wire, then tested it at the car, it worked so went back and soldered the antenna and the rest of the speakers wires. I tested it again, audio worked and the radio. Once I knew everything worked, then I made the cables neat and used tesa tape. One thing to remember, makes sure you put heat shrink before you solder, forgot on 2 of my wires so used electrical tape. But anyway, thank you for the clear instruction.

[@noneya3504]

Very nice video. I am getting ready to install an aftermarket radio in my grand daughers care and this was very helpful.

[@wetnreckless5150]

Great video. Been installing stereos myself for years and actually learned a better way of doing it. Thank you

[@bkruger377]

Great video Mark. Your presentation took all of the mystery out of this nest of wires and made my job much easier. Thank you!

[@justinbowen9275]

Love your stuff. Been watching for about a year now. Your F150 under seat box design is my favorite

[@gearhead366]

I just installed a new head unit. I DID do the soldering & heatshrink, but I wish I'd seen this first for the Tesa tape tip. It would have made my harness look MUCH better. Also... you might want to mention connecting to grub screws, like with a line output converter. I tightened the screws down on bare stranded wire, and had problems with wires falling out. I later found out that I should have used ferrules. I'll redo my harness at some point.

[@Atlas.X9X]

Great video. Excellent detail and reasons behind what you've done. Also, thank you for not including any music.

[@randelllmalavida]

Thank You!!! Your attention to detail and best practice is outstanding. Your heart beat is louder than all the sound systems and drums during a carnival Parade in Brazil. You are SIKWITIT!!!

[@antoniorobledo6762]

Best video on wiring I have ever seen you are the God of car audio

[@samuelhepburn2636]

Good night, I had a confidence changing event today with my mechanic, question : with the harness adapter ( for Chevy vehicles), all that is needed is to connect the colors with the harness that comes with the radio/cd player, I asked because he by passed a few wires from the harness adapter to the main harness, I really trusted this guy.!!!

[@craigpotaka8810]

STRAIGHT-UP the best wiring tips! you're the man and your vids are wicked. Cheers bro

[@KingGandhi66]

You are the man! Been searching for two weeks thank god I came across your vid!

[@68stonesfan]

Great video! I'd advise checking for continuity prior to wrapping the bundle up with the Tesa tape.

[@scotttomlinson3273]

I changed my wireharness from buttconnectors and even from just electric tape and used the solder way and it fixed it. :) TY

[@Rugged_Peaks_Media]

Thank you so much for the easy detailed video. Been looking for something to help me make my own factory radio harness so I can run wires to my amp. Awesome job

[@flavioanguiano6812]

Soldering really makes a difference. Cartoys installed my stereo when i was 18 (with crimps) and about 2 years later and a lot of bumpy rides, my negative wire came loose, i removed all the crimps and soldered the wires this time around and i swear my audio quality was noticably better afterwards

[@RYDENROAM72]

Thanks Mark. i have learned many new things in the Mobile Audio with along Steve Mead and EXO. because of all of you i have bought many different products for my sound system. and just other things like this video. on knowing how to solder the way you did. i did not know of looping and twisting together. Yes i have had made the mistake on the heat shrink and forgetting them toput on first before soldering. Again thank you for this great video.

[@DeadmanRoss]

I really liked this tutorial, as a mechanic always telling people solder is a better choice, it was awesome to see someone who also believes in doing it right, right from the start, I have troubleshot electrical issues that people have had and it is the connections made that have failed in most situations. If you are spending cash to get the toy you want wire it right so it won't fail as easy. the twisting the way you have done it looked really good, i have spread the wire like a flower then twisted together and your way looked like a better connection than mine. Thank You Sir

[@Zan_zelee]

ross lesher why do you say solder is better?

[@67comet]

I couldn't agree more : Do not cut the factory harness (Unless there's absolutely no alternative), solder connections that you want to be permanent, and last for a long time, and wrap them wires together (I've used electrical tape + a few zip ties, braided wire loom, plastic split loom, and once all I had was waxed string, so I wire tied the bundle. Just keep them tidy, secure, and protected. 'Nother good video Mark, keep up the great work (Wish I could afford half of the stuff you use).

[@Bige4u]

Excellent... the proper and proffesional way of doing things right the first time.

[@deedolan399]

I love your videos... They are very detailed and easy to understand. Thank you for your expertise.

[@matthewshambler2644]

Great video, thanks! The little flag on the end of the Tessa tape is brilliant and so much neater than a lot of other installs I've seen.

[@mumihp]

Also, make sure before you do any cutting, soldering is you know what to do do, this was my first time ever soldering and do anything like this. I watched a few soldering videos, made sure I had all the tools I need and took my time do it. Don't be impatient. My next thing to do is to install a steering interface as my steering wheel has controls so will be doing more research hard to do that but once again, thanks.

[@the_second_amendment388]

Love the channel, I am not a professional installer, but I have completely rebuilt a few cars and trucks frame off restorations and I have my Extra Amateur radio license so wiring is pretty simple stuff for me, yet I still learn things from your channel about equipment, mounting options etc... I loved the videos on using plastics for brackets, mounting etc... I've used metal in the past and you've taught me some new options. While looking through your videos I happened across some of your early videos, so glad you dropped the "ghetto wanna be" aspect of the presentation or I never would have continued to watch and subscribe.

[@FlorianFloimair]

Another point you forgot to mention about tesa-tape is that it is also somewhat dampening, therefore reducing the chances of wire rattling against some other parts within the radio bay or wherever else you're using your own wiring.

[@DeathCap]

How to Chose the Correct Harness for you Stereo

[@ndspeedster]

@@DeathCap any shop that sells stereos should have the right harness for your car

[@justingonzalez702]

Believe it or not but Scosche from Walmart has the absolute best customer service that i have ever encountered. I got into a bind and didn't quite understand the instructions, i called the number on the package. Boom, less than 2 minutes, problem solved!

[@Cho-ray911]

Great video. I prefer just zip ties to bundle the wires together, but very clean. The tape can get sticky after time if you want to swap in another head unit or modify the harness.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+Cory Simmons use authentic Tesa Tape, it's important to get the right model number. It doesn't leave a residue.

[@BC-jg8hm]

You mentioned posting a link to the type of solder we should use?

[@RocSkater09]

You my friend are a true Perfectionist. Should be proud!

[@only1luv]

This guy is just awsome. Hes a Godsend

[@wbishop1330]

Thx 4 the tutorial. I'm gonna be installing so I needed a refresher, its been like 15-20 years since I installed a stereo. Back in day I used electrical tape for the wrap but I'm gonna get some of that tape you used. 👍✌

[@Troy_Audi0]

Way to go Mark, I use the 3/8" tesa to hold back my "Save for Later" wires same as you but a small stitch or tape.. Some times I use Female bullets to make it easy to add and disconnect too!

[@Silvercoat]

Good advice. A little bit of effort and some inexpensive parts/tools and you can make a professional reliable harness. So many times it hurt my soul when someone hacked up their factory harness because they did not want to spend $20 and 15mins......

[@raduque]

I WISH it was $20! The harness for my car (00 LeSabre) was $70-80, no matter where you went.

[@brkooduh66]

continuity after wrapping it up? probably do that before wrapping in case you have to fix a connection

[@joshdevore6165]

2000 nissan gsx stereo wiring diagram

[@chrisdrentlaw8037]

Very informative video’s, thanks for them. I am installing a aftermarket radio/gps/backup camera in my 2003 gmc envoy however I can’t seem to find the wire diagram for the dash plug so I can match the radio through the aftermarket plug adapter. HELP!!!

[@Offthehandlenick]

the crimps is my biggest mistake ever! i have started soldering my connections now thank god

[@stephensdoor6550]

Very good video, I just have one question. There is a 1/8" stereo type jack coming from the harness, and there is also a similar jack on the back of my radio. Neither one has any information to be found and both appear to be not needed. Any idea what they are for?

[@NPDogtraining]

Wow I love you I just ordered my first audio system for my car and you are a huge help 🙌🏽

[@ralphlongo1975]

I don't want to imply that you did not add something that needed to be added, because this is exactly correct on every level. I just want to add an asterisk to the video though. Before you start to dig into buying an aftermarket radio and all of the connections, make sure you don't have an amp, or some other feature, that needs to be considered in the installation. With these new cars, there can be several things that could pop up that would make your installation not come out the way you want it to.

[@10Raccoon]

What is the best way to connect those other two wires from the interface? You said they had to be connected in the car and that is the part I am struggling with on my install.

[@kylescottjohnston]

Awsome wire strippers. I've never seen any like that. Looks like they save a lot of elbow grease. Thanks man

[@rogueghost2012]

Pro Scott Klein Tools, $30 at Home Depot haha easiest and most efficient strippers I’ve ever used!

[@ronalexander4955]

I agree with soldering, however, solder sleeves have been my recent go-to.

[@sethg8501]

What is your take on the newer butt connectors with solder already built in?

[@ericcanine8000]

Thanks Mark. Good quick video for a refresher. Starting a new job in the mobile audio/video/fabricating. I’m always referring to you CAF Channel. Thanks again!🤓😎

[@aqibmansuri1062]

Could you use lever wago connectors to splice a line output converter? Or is the only option to solder in a tight space from a car seat.

[@BoltRM]

Fyi, wire holding station @2:35 , found one at Harbor Freight (usually called 'Holding Hands') for all of $6! Also heat shrink assortment for $4 💪

[@shannonhigginss]

Thanks a lot for this video. There are only a couple spots that do installs here in town and they charge an arm and a leg.

[@anthonyguilianoii8836]

When you find someone good, knowledgeable and trustworthy it is worth the extra money. But there are a lot of dirt bags out there. Have them do a small job first, and see how it goes. Any little thing that you do not like...then try the next place/guy. Because if something is a little wrong on a small job, then expect larger problems on larger jobs.

[@mmyyz5]

one of the best demonstration i ever see

[@r.t.7925]

How (where )do you connect the light green wire for the hand brake ? It say must be connected to the power supply side of the parking brake switch. Do you have example of that ?

[@nickrdgz9323]

I need make a wiring harness from scratch, do you have any videos on that? Specifically for Boss a marine raido MGR450B

[@rafaelespin]

Very helpful! Thank you. I’m about to follow this steps. On my Sony Cdx M750

[@joespringsteen]

Where is the link to the tools you use which you mention at ~2:30? I don't see it in the video description. In particular, it would be helpful to know what kind of TESA tape, what kind of solder, what size heat shrink, etc.

[@ep9478]

Do you have a video on how to deal with that parking brake wire?

[@artramirez3506]

Mark, your thoughts on posi-lock barrel connectors? I've used those with good success over the years of upgrading factory headunits to aftermarket equipment. Also, tessa tape FTW!

[@242castro]

Good day do u have any 2011 Cadillac dts aftermarket radio installation videos?

[@gyandeeppandey6585]

Have to you say man your God of Audio Installer🙌

[@madeleinewestbrook9228]

What's type of solder are we supposed to use? I couldn't find the link

[@bigbrdbeats8958]

Does the blue adapter harness connect to the stock harness in the vehicle?

[@SantanaGTv]

Quick question for the steering control module you only need to connect the red and black and the auxiliary connection?

[@leightonelliott3140]

I've done many stereos in all my cars and wish I would have watched this video. However you tube was not even a twinkle in some ones eye when I started. Now I want to redo my wiring.

[@fataxe1]

I personally prefer to solder, but a crimp is technically the more secure joint. The heat shrunk crimps are also pretty great if you stagger them.

[@rashidadotson1100]

If I’m using heat shrink do I need to solder as well?

[@穗羊下凡]

Thank you for the info. What is the difference between with and without the steering interface device?

[@TheZangetsa]

The brown wire which was left unconnected in the steering wheel control where does it go? Where it should be connected?

[@dgmaravilla]

Hi Mark.. a have a question!!! My harness color are different then the normal ones I have a 2016 honda accord sport I would like to know which is which.. how can I find out?

[@matthewmanning4743]

What if I don't have a heat gun can I use the solder then the butt connectors to cover it?

[@gordonmcconachie2492]

How do you connect key 1. And. key 2 up for the steering control

[@ForeverSilent004]

What temperature do you set your gun at and what gauge solder wire do you use?

[@wesnall6796]

Relatively new subscriber. Came here for some soldering tips. Is that really all there is to it? Use the soldering iron to heat the wires and then touch the soldering wire to the target? How long do I leave it to cool before pulling the heat shrink over it? I’m doing an install for a friend soon, and I haven’t done one in a few years. Have never done it “correctly” and have always just used butt connectors.

[@sasharidley7370]

Hey Mark I’m putting on my aftermarket Kenwood but I’m not sure how to remove the harness w/o damaging something any tips?

[@rayben3972]

Will I be able to run a remote turn on wire for an amp off the 12v red wire?

[@scottorsbon608]

What temperature does the gun need to be to heat the wire up enough to melt the solder? I bought a Weller that advertises 900 degrees, but it will not melt the solder.

[@thechillhacker]

Thank you for providing how to do it properly. Can you believe Crutchfield was recommending bloody vampire taps!?

[@shawnyanzee9972]

Where can I find the reverse wire in a 2016 Ram 1500? Trying to figure out where to connect me purple and white wire

[@jimmazz2819]

I want to install a bluetooth speaker system with a sub woofer in my 2006 Honda Helix 250cn. Any ideas how to wire it to power source ?

[@wa-z5450]

Can you please make a video of which wires connects with each other because you only connected the yellow ones and I'm lost of what to do with the rest of the wires I have a cadillac Deville 2002 and the radio is a pioneer

[@v-to_godly343]

How do you wire a DVD player to by pass the parking brake? It's a Boss dvd with the PAC RP5-GM31 for steering while controls? Do I clip the wire right from the back of radio or is it after the PAC wiring interface? Thanks

[@bezzie4839]

hi Mark Can you do an install on a 2019 Sprinter with 7" MBUX head unit. I have a 6ch converter, amp and two door speakers and two tweeters

[@BaileysCustomAudio]

Not sure if you have already done a video on using your factory head unit and add after market processors and amps. I will scroll through you previous videos if you have not that is one that would be awesome Matt! Thanks in advance.

[@BaileysCustomAudio]

I also forgot to mention that the stock system is a Bose hi end with a sub woofer in the center console that I will be keeping for a front stage and the rear subs will be the same size as in the center console and I will be replacing that woofer with the same kind that will be in the rear. Most likely CT Sounds and amps so would you run all 5 woofers off the rear subwoofer amp or keep the center console on the stock amp? Help me out Matt

[@hkc6140]

Where do you put the patch lead on the head unit?

[@A.C.71]

Wish he had a link to what heat shrink size , type (3to1 etc) to use on these wires

[@JerryJ26]

I'm about to install a new BOSS head unit (w/cam and RP5 adaptor) from Crutchfield in my 09 Impala and been watching a lot of these types of video. This one has been the best by far, and having been an aircraft mechanic I can appreciate the the fact that you soldered your joints the right way. Now I have to figure out how to tap into the car harness for the parking brake, reverse and dimmer. Any hints on that?

[@byakku1]

what kind of solder did you use? You didn't include the links to the things you were using in the video.

[@Sanborne]

What temperature do you get your soldering iron up to?

[@Tenn2tx]

I have a blue and a blue/white. Then I have a orange and a orange/white. Do I connect those or no?

[@sylvesterlanteon321]

Hello I just watched your video. I have a question I have a 07 Chevy Silverado I want to change the factory radio and I want to know where can I find an aftermarket wire harness adapter and steering wheel adapter for my radio. Thanks look for ward to your comment.

[@julianvandersteen2303]

How is it that you can make such a great video and not ever explain the lime green parking brake wire that was right there in the frame the whole time?! This is the one answer I’m looking for and I’m not finding it anywhere! So frustrating!!

[@antoniocruz1520]

Hello there I was wondering if you can help on how to conect the parking cable to a not parking. I know it's a safety issue but I was wondering if you can help me with it . By they way you do an amazing job at what you do. Thanks for the help.

[@rashidadotson1100]

Can I use heat shrink tubing without soldering it?