CD-Changer wiring questions

tmoreau · February 7, 2003

I am going to be installing my new sony 10 disc cd/mp3 changer as soon as I work out the details. I searched the web and found a diagram that shows where to get switched power in the C4 block of the MBEC (yeah, sounds smart but I have only a vauge idea what I am talking about). What I need now is a constant power lead. Does anybody have any sugestions where to find constant 12v power without splicing wire unnecasarily?

Thanks!!!!!

x6369x · February 7, 2003

tmoreau,

What type of changer are you installing? If it's an RF modulated changer (plays through FM frequency), then I'd just tap into one of the radio wires behind the factory stereo, since you'll be connecting into the factory antenna system anyways.

Here's a link to the radio wiring diagrams:

http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/GM-Wiring.pdf

tmoreau · February 7, 2003

Yes it is RF modulated. Thats what I originally thought I was going to do but since there are ways to hook in without splicing or cutting factory wires I would prefer to do that. The other thing is I would like to use these same sources later when I install aux lights or other accesories.

Does anybody know what a good source of wiring diagrams for my truck is? I found the MBEC schematic on http://users2.ev1.net/~jpendlum/ under rear fog lights.

MountaineerTom · February 7, 2003

I pulled a couple fuses in the fuse box on the drivers side of the dash, used some of those fuse tap thingys, and plugged my cd changer wires into them. One wire is hooked up to a source of constant power, and the other is hooked up to a source that has power only when the ignition is on.

Yellow wire - constant power - DRLOCK fuse (power door locks)

Red wire - hot when the key/ignition is turned to on or accessory - RD01 fuse (audio system)

I've used this set up (different fuses on the vehicles though) since '93-'94, when I had my 12 disc changer in my '91, in my '99, and now in my wife's car, as well as the current set p with my 6 disc changer i my '99 truck, with no problems.

Hope this helps.

chevy4x4trucks · February 7, 2003

Tim, you can also take a voltage tester in the MBEC and see what different parts have feed at what times. Some of them have power all the time. The one I used was just so it was dummy proofed and that way I couldn't drain my battery by leaving my CB on.

City_Slicker · February 7, 2003

My cd player is ran to the fuse box as well, no problems.

tmoreau · February 8, 2003

Thanks for the info everyone, I got the cd-changer installed. I have had over a dozen vehicles and all of them have had hacked up wiring from previous owners. I didnt want to do that to my new truck (ok its not new anymore but I bought it new). I plan on installing a scanner, some fog lights, and who knows what else so I thought I would do some research now. I like to do things right when I can.

Matthew4:19 · February 14, 2003

Never use those "fuse tap thingies"

you will bend your fuse holder and if you do it wrong you can bypass the fuse and create a fire hazard. You can go to most stereo shops and buy a Metra harness. Other brands are available but my choice is Metra. If you are using the stock radio you will need two harnesses, one will end in 70 and one 71. They will have the 70 in stock, but may have to order the 71. You will not need to cut any of you existing wires and will not have a safety hazard on you hands. Tom, I mean no disrespect, I had used the fuse taps prior to owning a stereo shop myself.

MountaineerTom · February 15, 2003

Tom, I mean no disrespect, I had used the fuse taps prior to owning a stereo shop myself.

No problem.

I've been using them for quite a while with no problems. As a matter of fact, the ones in my wifes car are the same ones that were in my old truck from when I put that changer in it back in the spring of '94.