installing hu

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

I want to attempt to install a new headunit on my sisters car..

98 CLK 320, what do I need? wire harness? (first install btw)

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[geowick07 10+ year member]

Wire harness, dash kit, antenna adapter....that should do it.

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

I have the dash kid, it came with a wireharness, but do I need a different one? ex like from bestbuy? and would it tell me what to connect to what?

 

[geowick07 10+ year member]

This is one of the few (and I mean FEW) reasons I like to order dash kits and harnesses from Crutchfield. You get a mastersheet with just about anything you order that has to be installed (speakers, HU, wire harness, dash kit, etc.)

I am sure if you look around, you can find that information out.

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

so a wireharness from bestbuy wont work? and actually, the car already has the dashkit installed thats why..

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

So you're saying her car already has an aftermarket radio in the vehicle with a dash kit? If that's the case, you don't need a dash kit and probably not a wire harness. You'll need to remove the existing metal casing that's in the dash kit with the metal casing from your new HU. Then the current aftermarket radio should already have a factory wiring harness adapter installed. All you should have to do is snip all the wires the other radio is currently connected to and then match wire for wire to connect to your new radio wire harness. Pay close attention to the wire colors from the factory wiring to the old HU wiring so you know how to properly connect to your new HU wiring. It's also possible the old HU and new HU use different wire colors so this may not work.

If the factory radio is still in the vehicle, then you'll need to buy a factory wiring harness adapter. Most audio shops should have one in stock.

Worst case, you can buy the master datasheet and stereo removal instructions from Crutchfield for about 5 bucks including shipping. This will give you detailed information on what each factory wire is for and also give you detailed instructions on how to take your dash apart to remove your radio. Can be very helpful with some of today's difficult vehicles to figure out.

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

well, the radio was stolen, along with the system she had inside.. so all thats left now is the connector thing..

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

well, the radio was stolen, along with the system she had inside.. so all thats left now is the connector thing..

That means you probably lost the factory wire adapter. That's where they probably unplugged it from to take it (unless they're idiots, which most probably are). Look in her car. If you have loose wires hanging arround that are connected to a plug, then they cut all the wres from your HU to your adapter and you don't need another harness adapter. If you have a plug with nothing connected, you need a new adapter. And finally, if you have no plug at all and only loose wires then they cut your wires from behind the factory plug, which would ****! And make no sense //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Since you have no reference to look at from the old HU, I'd suggest you buy the crutchfield datasheets. You may be able to google your wiring datasheet online, though.

And didn't her insurance cover this? They'd cover installation too.

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

the original plug is there, and there are some loose wires..

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

the original plug is there, and there are some loose wires..

So you have a male/female plug that has another plug connected to it and the latter plug has loose wires? If so, that's your wiring adapter and you're good. You just need to know which wire is which and crimp them to your new HU wire harness.

Also, There may be two plugs. One for power, gnd, aac, dimmer, etc and another for your speakers. But they could be all in one as well. Make sure you don't have a second plug that may be missing its adapter.

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

never ****ing mind, the plug was there before, she took it to a shop to see if they could do it, and they ended up cutting it, and they wanted $150 ??? now its just loose wires... i'll have someone install it.. ****ing idiots i swear

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

$150 is rediculous. Usually about $50 I think for an entire HU install from a factory.

You're not saying the shop cut your factory wiring OEM harness are you? As in you have no plug at all connected to your factory wiring now?

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

no plugs what so ever

 

[TurdFergueson2 5,000+ posts]

I have the dash kid, it came with a wireharness, but do I need a different one? ex like from bestbuy? and would it tell me what to connect to what?

You do unless you want to straight wire it which I would not suggest. The one from BB is the fastest option, but is also the most expensive. They want 20 bucks, but that thing can be found for cheaper.

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

no plugs what so ever

If you're sure the shop cut out your OEM harness and not the thief, I'd ***** at their manager to install your HU for free. There is no reason they should cut out your OEM harness. Unless your sis gave them permission if they didn't have your adapter in stock? If they didn't ask, they shouldn't have done it.