Help with head unit install - Bristol area

[rowey200]

Folks,

Having attempted to install a new head unit in my 944 at the weekend I am here seeking some assistance

I was hoping it would just be a straight swap over as there was already an aftermarket stereo fitted. Although the connection blocks fit, the new head unit won't power up - and as you can see, a previous owner has had a bit of a hack around with the wiring.

Anybody in or around Bristol who knows what they are doing fancy lending a hand. I am more than happy to pay in cash or beer I just can't face taking it to Halfords

Cheers in advance!

[scorcher]

you've only 3 leads to worry about to get power.
On the plug/connector block.......

Yellow should be permanent live
Red is switched live
Black is earth

Is your black wire from plug going to an earth wire (brown in dash loom by the looks of it)

Is the connector block the actual one for the stereo being fitted or for the stereo taken out. The wires maybe going to different (the wrong) pins on your new stereo if its for the previous unit.

Check (if you can) if you have power on the yellow and red leads from the dash side.

[jhfozzy]

scorcher said:

you've only 3 leads to worry about to get power.
On the plug/connector block.......

Yellow should be permanent live
Red is switched live
Black is earth

Is your black wire from plug going to an earth wire (brown in dash loom by the looks of it)

Is the connector block the actual one for the stereo being fitted or for the stereo taken out. The wires maybe going to different (the wrong) pins on your new stereo if its for the previous unit.

Check (if you can) if you have power on the yellow and red leads from the dash side.

^^^ This, as most stereos that use ISO connectors (black block plug) are wired up the same way.

But, once it's up and running, if you find that the stereo won't switch on/off with the ignition, swap over the red/yellow wires as some stereos swap the live/ignition feeds.

And make those connections a little safer by using crimps or solder / heatshrink.

[rowey200]

scorcher said:

you've only 3 leads to worry about to get power.
On the plug/connector block.......

Yellow should be permanent live
Red is switched live
Black is earth

Is your black wire from plug going to an earth wire (brown in dash loom by the looks of it)

Is the connector block the actual one for the stereo being fitted or for the stereo taken out. The wires maybe going to different (the wrong) pins on your new stereo if its for the previous unit.

Check (if you can) if you have power on the yellow and red leads from the dash side.

Thanks for the post

The block in the pic is for the old stereo, but the yellow, red and black wires correspond with the new block. I think the issue must lie with the original dash wires as there are a few random connections etc. I don't have a multi meter but will try and borrow one so I can check the live / switched live from the dash

[Timfy]

Definitely get a multimeter, best £5 you'll spend and will help you sort that pretty quickly.

Possibly a daft question but are you sure there's not a blown fuse or anything going on there too?

Edited by Timfy on Tuesday 4th November 08:10

[rowey200]

Timfy said:

Definitely get a multimeter, best £5 you'll spend and will help you sort that pretty quickly.

Possibly a daft question but are you sure there's not a blown fuse or anything going on there too?

Edited by Timfy on Tuesday 4th November 08:10

I've plugged put the old head unit back in the car for the time being - that works fine (but is naff). I guess I could have blown a fuse in the new head unit......I'm going to investigate further at the weekend

[LFB531]

I've got some electrical jobs to do on my rally car this coming Saturday in Timsbury (BA2 0HR), you'd be more than welcome to pitch up on the drive and we'll soon get your head unit sorted

[Benbay001]

LFB531 said:

rally car

Can i come?

[rowey200]

LFB531 said:

I've got some electrical jobs to do on my rally car this coming Saturday in Timsbury (BA2 0HR), you'd be more than welcome to pitch up on the drive and we'll soon get your head unit sorted

Massively kind offer that I would jump at....however, it now looks like I'm going to be in Devon this weekend. If things change I'll come right back to you

[LFB531]

No problem.

[jhfozzy]

rowey200 said:

Timfy said:

Definitely get a multimeter, best £5 you'll spend and will help you sort that pretty quickly.

Possibly a daft question but are you sure there's not a blown fuse or anything going on there too?

Edited by Timfy on Tuesday 4th November 08:10

I've plugged put the old head unit back in the car for the time being - that works fine (but is naff). I guess I could have blown a fuse in the new head unit......I'm going to investigate further at the weekend

Have you tried reversing the red/yellow wires? It won't damage anything and I've seen that cause new radios to not start up.