You just have to connect the ohmmeter to a known good ground and then check each of the wires in the car stereo harness for continuity. Connect the amplifier turn on wire the next step is pulling the radio out see our related article on car audio installation 101 and locating the amplifier turn on wire leading from it typically its blue in color.
Crossover Wiring Diagram Car Audio Car Audio Amplifier Car
How to wire a stereo system in a car. Then match the colored wires of your radio and your car and twist the wires together. To wire a car stereo start by disconnecting your car battery to avoid electrocuting yourself. Connect the car stereo wire harness to the connector that was attached to your old radio and attach the other end to your new one. Amplifier turn on wires automatically cue the amp to power up once the radio is turned on. Car stereos have eight wires for the traditional 4 speaker system a positive wire and a negative wire for the front left front right rear left and rear right speakers. Connect the antenna cable the single wire with the big plug at the end to your new head unit as well.
If you have a late model car with an integrated infotainment system it can also be very difficult to upgrade the stereo. Many car stereo wiring harnesses will have a screw type connector at the end of the ground wire. Simply wire your new head unit to the harness according to the provided diagrams and plug the harness into the cars existing audio plug. In either case there are a number of ways to improve a factory sound system without touching the head unit. If you cant locate the ground wire visually then the best way to locate the ground wire is with an ohmmeter. If your car requires an output converter connect this as well so your radio will work with your car.
Everyone has different opinions on car audio and some people just love the look of their factory stereo. If for some reason your current stereo was not grounded through a wire the diagram on the back of the wiring adapter kit will tell you you can ground the car stereo by finding a screw under there to which this wire can be attached. The one that shows continuity is your ground and you can move on. If you need to wire the stereo directly into the cars electrical system you will need to first identify 3 to 4 power wires depending on your new stereo.
Gallery of How To Wire A Stereo System In A Car
