Help! wiring power for '02 VW GTI

[mxdoomer]

CarAudio.com, need your help!

I just finished an installation in my '02 Volkswagen GTI 337. I did a complete system (HU, amps, speakers, sub, etc.).

VW's do not have an accessory position on the ignition switch. Somehow a computer on the car signals the factory HU to stay powered on when the key is switched from on to off, and then signals it to power off when the key is removed from the ignition. Thus, the factory wiring harness has a constant power cable, but doesn't have an accessory power cable. Currently, I have wired the switched power wire to an empty switched position on my fuse panel. The HU powers off when I turn the key to off - which is better than it having constant power all the time. However there is no way for me to play the stereo without starting my car - or at least turning the ignition to on.

I have received advice from different sources.

o a large electronics chain told me to "splice into the ignition" for this accessory power. The guy seemed like an idiot, so I didn't ask him to explain what he meant.

o someone on VWVortex.com said to go to my fuse panel and using a voltmeter find a position that remains on when the ignition is shut off, and then turns off when the key is removed. Then use a wiretap to use this source - HOWEVER, someone told me that there could be noise on my system from taping into a fuse like this.

o someone from a local, small shop told me there should be a wire like this in the wiring harness - I know this is not true.

It sounds to me the best way would be to tap into another fuse on the panel.

Questions:

1) What’s the best way to do this?

2) Did the bonehead at the large chain know what he was talking about? If so, how do I do this?

3) If I wiretap into another power lead off my fuse panel, will it cause noise on my system?

3b) Does the switched power wire on my HU draw a lot of power, or is it just looking for an indication of power (acting like a switch for the deck)?

3c) Will this switched power wire on my HU draw a lot of current, and how will that affect the device that is already connected to this position on the fuse panel? Will I have to change the amp rating on the fuse in this position?

Additional information:

My new HU is a Sony MEX-1HD (10GB Hard Drive Unit). I cannot find any documentation that specifies how many amps the switched power wire on this deck draws.

Please help me! I hate to have my car idle just to listen to some tunes.

Also, you can email me at mxdoomer2002@yahoo.com

Thanks for your help!

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[Gauntlet 5,000+ posts]

Originally posted by mxdoomer someone on VWVortex.com said to go to my fuse panel and using a voltmeter find a position that remains on when the ignition is shut off, and then turns off when the key is removed. Then use a wiretap to use this source - HOWEVER, someone told me that there could be noise on my system from taping into a fuse like this.

Sounds like the way to go....it shouldn't cause any noise if done correctly. But if it does, come back and here and we can try to figure out the problem...

 

[spyd3r 10+ year member]

I have a VW Golf VR6 '01 and Im positive they have an accesory position on the ingnition key. I've done other model VW's for friends and they all had an accessory position. I don't remember the german color code for the radio wires, but there is an acessory turn on wire in the VW harness. Just pick up a wiring harness, won't have to worry about the color code. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

BTW, I love VW's and the way the dash is setup. Makes it a snap to install headunits. And having two dins is another advantage. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif