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.

[@kevinhooiveld4840]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@computergardener]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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]

😂😂

[@wetnreckless5150]

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

[@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...

[@antoniorobledo6762]

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

[@justinbowen9275]

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

[@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.!!!

[@noneya3504]

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

[@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?

[@Atlas.X9X]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@68stonesfan]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@Bige4u]

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

[@randelmalavida]

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!!!

[@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.

[@scotttomlinson3273]

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

[@KingGandhi66]

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

[@only1luv]

This guy is just awsome. Hes a Godsend

[@craigpotaka8810]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ronalexander4955]

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

[@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).

[@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.

[@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!

[@deedolan399]

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

[@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. 👍✌

[@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

[@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!

[@RocSkater09]

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

[@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.

[@NPDogtraining]

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

[@mmyyz5]

one of the best demonstration i ever see

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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?

[@Offthehandlenick]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@takojayflames]

Awesome video, going to start my solder journey since my crimp game was weak 😩

[@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!🤓😎

[@rafaelespin]

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

[@kerrizell4701]

Very helpful. I appreciate your attention to details -it makes a first class job. Respect to you!

[@BC-jg8hm]

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

[@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.

[@gyandeeppandey6585]

Have to you say man your God of Audio Installer🙌

[@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

[@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!

[@998Arjun]

For those who dont have good soldering experience. What about heat shrink connectors with solder in them? and then tape it around like you did.

[@BADMOPARCZ]

Exactly. Soldering is the only way to do it right.

[@jeremyotero4575]

I like your video very much,,, right to the point,, just enough words,, and i like your filming,,,, and your professionalism is on point,,, thank you... Peace out,, your accent though puts you in Boston,,,,, right,,, or Ohio,,,,, is that right,,,,,,

[@mxcollin95]

Awesome video…this helped me a ton! 🤙

[@bstceltics4]

I really like your videos and I think you do really clean work, but I would of used smaller heat shrink over the wires so it shrinks tighter and instead of the tesa tape just use zip ties but thats just my preference but again your work is super clean and ive learned alot watching your videos

[@MidnightMarrow]

The tape better protects the wires, zip ties over time can cut into the wires with the vibrations and constant bumping that occurs within a vehicle. Tessa tape with a tie on top is safer in that regard as it pads it and take more time to potentially damage the shielding of the wires.

[@thechillhacker]

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

[@gunnutmike]

Great idea doubling the tape at the end. I hate trying to find the end when I have to unwrap it later.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks! Same, that's why I do this, easy serviceability

[@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?

[@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.

[@worrellsmith577]

Your have been very helpful 👍

[@browill9]

Thanks for sharing your video. It really helped me.

[@Downsolow]

Been a auto repair technician for over 12 years and never run into problems with butt connectors that heat shrink I'd you use the pliers that are made for them. After you crimp , you apply heat the plastic shrinks and fills with glue. You will never have a problem with those. But I do agree that the simple ones suck.

[@casanova0191]

Always appreciate your videos! Learn something new from you every video! Keep up the great work!

[@rickylake21]

Amazing content!!! just what i needed considering the new install im doing. cheers from canada!

[@fridaynighthikes]

Nice clean bench 👍👍 I like the spool holder for your solder! Learned something new, today it was tesa tape. Well done, clear and consise.

[@ICU2HI]

Thank you for taking the time & making your videos. VERY HELPFUL.

[@urieldelteco]

Solder is great, but a butt connector is just fine for most connections. Especially for wire harnesses. At the end of the day it's all on a plug just a few inches down. Obv solder is crucial on data connections or resistance based connections like the resistance ladder connections of a steering wheel control connection.

[@InsulinAdikt]

The problem is that most people just use pliers to crimp butt connectors. This makes a poor connection. If you use an actual decent crimp tool, the connection is much stronger. But a good crimp tool is often more expensive than a soldering iron, not to mention more people tend to have a soldering iron laying around, so that's usually a better option.

[@bruceforet815]

Very detailed and informative; thanks

[@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 💪

[@davidrobinson3453]

It's crazy you did this vedio as I did just this job last night to fit a bluetooth handsfree. Did the same but instead of the tape I used cable lace. As I've done this befor and used electrical tape but after a wile I went to remove the install and all the tape had heated up and the adhesive was just a mess so deffo a top tip is not to electrical tape

[@brianbeach6667]

I am probably a more advanced viewer on you channel but I get a few great tips from all of your videos I am it an installer but as a master mechanic I do audio on occasion definitely will use your hot tips in the future

[@insanebarz]

This video is definitely going into favorites as a how to.

[@marknowakowski6590]

Every car that I’ve ever installed my equipment in never ever were connected to any factory connections. I always wired up separate power cables to the radio and all amps so that I didn’t have any issues with factory wiring. Neve really worried about forgetting to shut down the head-unit (one button push) or faceplate removal and all my amps shut down with the head-unit. Just seemed easier to minimize my connections under the dash with main power, antenna, amp turn ons, and signal cables for front, rear, and subs.

[@2xtreem4you]

Awesome video!!!

[@jasonmarquette]

Awesome video, and excellent tips. Thank you.

[@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.

[@richardl341]

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

[@jordanwhite3152]

Love your videos! Thanks for everything

[@renatosaucedo7563]

I just wanted to thank you for the great video

[@ijazsaeed9640]

I appreciate your explanation.good job.keep it up. Thanks

[@nicksmith4808]

Just installed a 10 inch kicker in my brothers truck. When we were running the rcas and the remote wire we found out the previous owner just twisted the wires and wrap with electrical tape on the head unit. I just redid the connections with butt connectors because it was fast. His speakers used to cut out, now everything works fine. Really hurt not soldering though.

[@winkiemalala586]

thanks great video, easy to learn car radio installation 😊

[@homeytoyet1886]

excellent video!

[@Tioniker01]

Well done, sir! Answered several questions.

[@realkoko-loco]

Great-Thank You.

[@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.

[@bhaejr]

Mark. The only 2 things I would do differently is after soldering you should clean off the flux residue left after flowing the solder with alcohol. Over time the flux will corrode the connections. The other thing is if you pre-tin the wires before you hook and wrap them you will get a cleaner and stronger connections. But a lap splice would be more than strong enough and faster. I have lap spliced wires and tried to pull the connection apart and the wire will break before the solder splice does. You should look up IPC soldering practices. I use them at work and they are industry stardards.

[@ratgreen]

Was just about to comment this. Just needs cleaning.

[@brianhilligoss]

bhaejr that's only with acid flux. No electrical solder used today uses acid flux.

[@bhaejr]

brian hilligoss the most common solder is rosin core. That is a medium flux. All solder has flux in it or it wouldn't flow properly. It needs to be cleaned off with alcohol so that it will not degrade over time. I work with it everyday.

[@brianhilligoss]

bhaejr I do work with it as well every day. Cleaning of the flux is more a professional touch now a days with none acid core flux. Most rosin core is pine tar based. That will not degrade today's lead free solder.

[@bhaejr]

brian hilligoss I can show you circuit cards that come back from the field that shows a different story

[@izcoronel]

outstanding job my gut feeling tells me you have a whole lot of common sense i will follow your channel better yet i will subscribe thanks alot