Installation and connection of a car radio is necessary in the following cases:
- you purchased a used car that was not equipped with a car radio, or with a radio that did not meet your requirements;
- you purchased a new car as standard and want to install a car radio with higher performance and functionality;
- you got a good radio “by chance”, for example from a damaged car;
- The car radio is out of order.
Each of these options has its own characteristics. Conventionally, the sequence of actions can be divided into the following stages: preparatory stage, circuit installation work, testing and configuration.
1. Preparatory stage
1.1. Vehicle electrical equipment inspection
First of all, prepare the required tool:
- Screwdriver Set;
- side cutters;
- soldering kit (if not, in worst case scenario, you can do without it);
- device for dismantling an old radio.
The device for dismantling radio tape recorders is made in the form of two thin steel plates about 5 mm wide and 100 mm long. If you don't have one, you can make it yourself.
In most cases, you will find ISO connectors on the footprint. This greatly simplifies the installation of a new car radio. As a rule, radio tape recorders sold include adapters from the radio casing connector to the ISO connection.
Next, examine the junction of the connectors to the electrical wiring of the machine. If the car is new or “fresh” there should not be any abnormal connections. For older cars, you will most likely find yourself connecting the connectors to the car’s on-board network, which will probably have to be fixed. The problem is that such connections can be powered with gross violations of the safety of vehicle operation, or the insulation has become unusable.
Video - how to install a radio in a car and what to look for:
If you change the radio because it has failed, you must in any case reconnect all connections, otherwise the new radio will suffer the same fate. In addition, it is necessary to check all the speakers and the quality of the wiring; this will be discussed in the next chapter.
In the case when you are going to change a radio with increased output power, you need to look at the cross-section of the conductors going to the speakers. Modern high-quality car radios have an output power of 50 watts per channel. The cross-sectional area of the audio system wires in this case must be at least 4 square millimeters.
1.2. Development of a sketch of electrical wiring and a list of components
The next stage is drawing up a wiring sketch indicating the distances to consumers. This applies to cases where a decision has been made to replace audio and network wiring.
The positive power bus for the high-power radio will most likely have to be pulled from the engine compartment; the negative one can be connected to ground near the center console.
The most difficult part is to route the audio system wires. Usually it runs to the rear speakers along the right and left thresholds.
Video - connecting a Pioneer car radio with your own hands:
If you plan to connect an amplifier, cameras, or other additional devices to the radio, they must also be taken into account in the sketch.
The sketch must indicate the connection points for the fuses. It is better to choose them near the connection source. The size of the main fuse is calculated based on the maximum (peak) output power of the car radio using the formula:
Nominal = 2.5 X Total power of radio channels (Watt) / 12 Volts
With a car radio power of 4 X 50 W, about 50 Amperes are obtained.
- power wire with a cross section of 8 sq. mm. – 8 meters;
- connecting wire with a cross section of 4 sq. mm. – 4 meters;
- contact group for speakers – 10 pcs.;
- fuse 50 Ampere with socket – 1 pc.;
- 15 Ampere fuse with socket - 1 pc.;
- solder, rosin – 1 set;
- fasteners – 20 units;
- heat shrink 4 mm – 1 meter;
- heat shrink 6 mm – 1 meter.
Heat shrink is necessary for high-quality insulation of electrical connections. It is a vinyl cambric that shrinks in size when exposed to hot air (an industrial hair dryer, or a lighter).
1.3. Measuring the parameters of the speaker system
Next, you need to examine the installed car audio system. To do this, you will have to remove the speaker covers and look at the condition of the diffusers. Then use a multimeter to measure the speaker resistance. Standard resistance values are 2, 4 and 8 ohms (usually 4).
If anyone has forgotten how to do this: switch the multimeter to the resistance position at a limit of 200 Ohms, connect the probes to the speaker terminals. If the resistance is less than 2 ohms, you may have a short circuit in the circuit. For this reason, car radios most often fail.
In order to determine the rated power of a speaker, you will have to look at its labeling. It is applied on the back side.
If you change the acoustics, you need to take into account that you will have to pull the wiring through the corrugation connecting the doors to the interior. This is a big piece of work. In this case, immediately measure the diameter of the speaker seat and the seat depth.
When installing the appropriate amplifier, the choice of location is important. It doesn't cool well under the seat; you have to run long wires into the trunk, which will create additional interference. It’s better, of course, to stick with the first option.
Some car radios are equipped with line outputs. This simplifies the task: you only need to route the coaxial wires and the amplifier control wires. If there are no line outputs, an additional high/low level coupler must be installed.
In the case when you buy a radio with improved characteristics for a new car, it is more rational to stay with the standard model. Such car radios are produced by some manufacturers, for most brands of cars, including domestic ones.
They completely match all interfaces (connectors, controls, diagnostics, etc.) to the car. Their installation is extremely simple: remove the old one, install the new one, adjust the light, color and other custom parameters.
Video - installing a car radio in a car:
It is better to purchase a radio with low-level outputs (linear outputs). Then, when installing the amplifier, you will not have to interfere with the circuit.
ANDROID radios are becoming more and more fashionable. In practice, this is a multimedia audio complex with a positioning system, the Internet and other bells and whistles. There is a rational element to this. Firstly, the separate purchase of the necessary devices will cost much more. Secondly, there is no point in cluttering the car’s work area with numerous gadgets.
After purchasing all the components and the radio itself, we proceed to the next stage.
2. Radio connection diagram and installation work
This is the most critical stage. Primary requirements:
- correct development of electrical circuit;
- competent and high-quality electrical installation;
- checking reliability and compliance with the installation diagram.
2.1. Electrical circuit design
The easiest way is to rely on the standard ISO interface. Then, when replacing equipment further, you will not have to change anything.
In addition, its diagram is extremely clear. For most car radios you can buy standard adapters.
ISO connector pinout (correspondence of contacts and pins):
Typical car radio connection diagram:
Guided by this connection diagram, it is not difficult to make the correct electrical installation.
2.2. Electric installation work
First of all, you need to bring all the conductors from the devices to the connection area of the ISO connectors. The most difficult thing to do is for speaker wires, if such a need arises. In this case, you will have to remove the door trim, then lead the conductor through the corrugated hose connector.
Sometimes, for ease of connection, the wire is led past the connector. Then under the steering wheel you are allowed into the center console. Rear speakers are usually connected along the lower sills.
The signal antenna wire is usually installed by the manufacturer. It is inserted into the coaxial socket of the car radio. There are two types of antennas: passive and active (with an amplifier). Antennas with an amplifier must be used if the car is operated away from large populated areas. If such an antenna is used in a big city, it will be “clogged” with numerous electrical noises. Also, some antennas have an extension drive. For this purpose, the circuit provides a separate power supply to the antenna via the ISO interface.
The radio is powered through two channels: directly from the battery to maintain settings and memory, and through the ignition key.
Electrical connections to the speakers should be made using special contact groups. It is better to connect the wires by twisting plus soldering using heat shrink.
2.3. Standard designations for car radio terminals
When drawing up other electrical circuits, it is necessary to use the operating instructions for car radios or, in the absence of them, stickers on the case.
The International Standard provides the following conventions:
- FR+ and FR- front right positive and negative speaker output;
- FL+ and FL- front left;
- RR+ and RR- rear right;
- RL+ and RL- rear left;
- GND – common wire, body, ground;
- B+ battery plus;
- BAT plus battery;
- K30 plus battery;
- A+ plus through the ignition key;
- K15 plus via ignition key;
- ACC plus via ignition key;
- ANT plus antennas;
- SAFE plus via ignition key;
- SWA plus via ignition key;
- N/C no connection;
- LAMP, ILL, ILLUM backlight;
- MUTE, TEL pause for telephone conversation;
- AMP switch on the amplifier;
- DATA IN/OUT data input-output;
- SHIELD braided coaxial wire;
- LINE IN/OUT linear input-output;
- REM management;
- DIMMER adjusts the brightness of the display.
- CAN, K-BUS data bus line;
- CD-IN/OUT, DVD changer connection;
2.4. Compatible with vehicle diagnostic system
If the radio is installed correctly, it should be diagnosed via the CAN bus or K-Line channel.
There are cases that after installing a non-original radio in the existing standard connector, the car is no longer diagnosed.
This happens because the ISO connector has a k-line diagnostic bus. In many car radios, especially those near China, this output is simply short-circuited to negative. Thus, the diagnosis fails. To fix the problem, you need to find the number of this pin in the car manual and cut it off.
After making all the connections, do not rush to insert the radio. Let's move on to the next point.
3. Test and adjustment
First, we check the correctness of the connections. Using a multimeter probe, we determine the presence of the required voltages on the ISO connectors. Plus on A4, A6, A7 with the ignition on, minus on A8.
Next, we measure the speaker impedance on the speaker side. Front right resistance – connect the probes to the B3 and B4 contacts. Should show 4 ohms. We make similar measurements for other speakers.
Now you can connect the ISO connectors of the radio and other connections when the radio is turned off. To measure leakage currents, you need to turn on the multimeter in the current measuring position in the open circuit of each of the fuses. Leakage currents should be no more than 300 milliamps, otherwise the radio will discharge the battery when parked.
Video - what you should pay attention to when connecting the radio to your car:
Switch the level to the front speakers. Then set the music volume, preferably classical, to the middle position. Shift your balance to the right side all the way. Turn up the volume a little. Then sharply set the balance to the middle position.
If the sound volume has increased significantly, it means that the phases of the speakers match. If the volume has changed slightly, the sound has turned into mush, therefore, the phase of one of the speakers must be changed to the opposite one.
A similar operation must be carried out for the rear speakers. Finally, for right or left side speakers. If the phases of the front and rear speakers do not match, you need to switch the wires on the connectors of two front or rear speakers at once.
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A car radio is an essential attribute for almost every driver, because listening to your favorite music lifts your mood and distracts you from unnecessary thoughts. Some motorists are content with the original factory player, but particularly demanding music lovers require a new, modern one, with an additional amplifier, speakers, and other accessories. In addition, the radio may fail or become obsolete. This is where the question of replacing this unit with a new one arises.
It should be noted that all drivers are divided into two groups of users: those who trust all processes, even the smallest ones, exclusively to service station specialists, and those for whom it will not be difficult or difficult, including equipping the car with a new radio, alarm system, and other systems.
Selecting a radio.
Radio tape recorders are different, and not only in design and number of functions, but also in size. Single-din (1DIN), or single-block car players are the most common in our time; they are installed mainly by European automakers. As for American and Japanese car manufacturers, they mostly install double-din (2DIN), or models with two blocks. Recently, due to the active development of the multimedia market, the demand for dual music systems for cars has increased, because a large radio tape recorder can accommodate many different functions, and openings for disks and USB drives. Please note that the range includes radios that are sized only for a specific car model. Choose a car radio from a reliable manufacturer; do not be tempted by the price of cheap options; usually they are of low quality and short-lived.
So, the radio has been selected. Open the box to view the device's contents. As a rule, the following are included with the radio itself:
- instructions detailing how and where to install the radio;
- wiring;
- set of acoustic systems.
If desired, you can immediately purchase additional equipment, for example, a subwoofer, equalizers, amplifiers.
How to install the radio correctly.
- Read the instructions for connecting the device. Make sure the installation diagram is clear to you.
- Carefully remove the necessary part of the instrument panel to gain access to the player installation area. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the old radio from the niche. Leave the fasteners to secure the new radio.
- To secure a new device, two methods are used - front mounting using a special frame, or side mounting. To install the car radio using the first method, remove the frame from the device body and install it in a special niche in the center console of the instrument panel. Unscrew the metal teeth so that the frame is securely fastened in the socket, connect the radio to the plug, and insert it into place. As for the second method, to fix the player, secure the block with the existing bolts, holes for which are located in the side parts of the device.
- When installing the radio yourself, take care of the neat appearance of the device in the instrument panel. As a rule, the installation kit contains a decorative frame that is attached to the panel and hides possible minor defects created during the work process. If you need to install a 1DIN radio in the hole created for a 2DIN radio, the empty space can be filled with a special shelf or a frame with plugs.
Connecting the radio.
The player can be connected either using wires, but without connectors, or using ISO connectors.
A very important point in the entire procedure for installing a radio on your own is the type of connection connectors that your car is equipped with. In fact, there are three options, it all depends on the brand of car:
- ISO connector;
- another connector developed by the automaker's designers.
- lack of connectors and wiring.
In the third case, if there is no wiring, you will have to stretch it yourself, removing the upholstery of the car. The car's wiring system provides for the connection of positive wires to the head units, and the yellow wire is always energized and is responsible for the memory of settings, and the red wire is responsible for powering the mechanisms, and is de-energized when the engine stops running, so that the turned on radio does not cause the battery to discharge.
If the car is equipped with a wiring system with ISO connectors, then connecting the radio is very simple - you just need to connect the mating parts of the device and connectors, and also insert the antenna plug into the corresponding socket. According to the ISO standard, there are two types of plugs: black, which is responsible for powering the radio, as well as its additional functions, and brown, which provides audio output to the car's speaker system.
In cars with non-standard size connectors installed by the automaker, you will have to cut off the connectors and connect each wire separately, or install adapters, which are usually included with the player. Installing adapters not only increases the safety of the radio, but also makes it easier to connect new devices in the future. When connecting wiring, you should be especially careful, because incorrect connection can lead to a short-circuit in the system.
Some manufacturers provide “standard audio preparation” in their cars, that is, simplifying the connection of the playing device and speaker system. Before installing the radio in the car, the car buyer should clarify how this simplification was made: by laying the wiring, or by installing acoustics, rear or front. After successfully installing the radio in your car, before putting on the instrument panel cover, be sure to check its functionality.
Thus, installing and connecting an audio system to your car is as easy as .
Installing a radio - video instructions
During the time that a car enthusiast uses his car, he is constantly ready to improve something and make changes. One of these improvements can be considered the installation of a radio. Considering that old cars were rarely equipped with a standard system, this issue is acute. And new cars can rarely boast of a high-quality system, so many people wonder whether to change the radio. We will tell you how to install and connect everything correctly to make it safe in this article.
Nowadays it’s rare to find a car that doesn’t have an audio system at all, because music can brighten up the road. It prevents the driver from falling asleep, which is not an unimportant plus. In modern audio systems, you can listen to music from well-known media, such as a flash drive, disks, or telephone. In addition, more expensive models can be equipped with full screens, with video support, TV viewing, and even a navigation function. Of course, such equipped modules are much more expensive and require special skills from the owners, which many do not have, and are forced to turn to specialists for connection.
But those who choose a budget option can easily handle the connection on their own. If hands, as they say, grow from the place from which they are required, then problems with installation should not arise. After all, it is enough to have a minimal understanding of how the car’s electrical system works, to be able to connect wires, and to have a little accuracy.
How to connect?
To work, you will most likely need pliers, a screwdriver, electrical tape, a multimeter (optional), and also care when dismantling the decorative panels of the interior. When replacing an old radio with a new system, there should be no problems, because the speakers are installed, all that remains is to simply replace the device itself. All you have to do is check the integrity of the wiring, as well as the correct connection of the speakers.
The only problem may arise if the new audio system has different connectors for connection. But, as a rule, there is a single world standard, namely the ISO connector. But, if something happens, you can always buy the required adapter; there is plenty of such “good” in stores and markets. It is possible that the new radio already comes with several adapters; carefully inspect the contents of the box.
When you first connect the radio, pay attention to which wires are suitable; they must be made of oxygen-free copper, with a corresponding cross-section of 2-4 mm.
Connecting a car radio
Let's look at the most basic connection examples. There are only four of them, each has its own list of pros and cons; based on them, decide for yourself what will be more important for you. Any modern radio has two positive wires, yellow and red. The main wire, this is the memory, is responsible for saving all the radio settings; most often it is connected to the “minus”. The red wire is the “power” wire, it is responsible for turning it on. There is also a black wire (negative) that is connected to the body.
Through the ignition switch
This method is considered the safest and optimal. Each radio comes with instructions that describe this type of connection. But, despite the positive aspects that most car enthusiasts agree on, there is also a minus, namely the inability to listen to music without the ignition or engine on. Connecting according to this scheme is the simplest; you need to connect the yellow wire (plus) to the positive terminal of the battery. The black wire is to the ignition switch, it is responsible for turning it on. And minus to the weight of the car. With this type of connection, you don’t have to worry about the battery running out.
Directly
This type is the most common due to ease of installation. The black wire is connected to the ground of the car, the yellow and red wires are connected together and connected to one positive terminal. You can listen to music even without the ignition, but do not forget that this method leads to battery discharge, even when the radio is turned off.
Connecting to a button
With this method, we make the connection using the ignition. The only difference is that the red wire will not be connected directly to the lock, but to the button, which in turn goes to the battery positive. The advantage of this type of connection is obvious: it is possible to turn off the current to the radio during long-term parking. It is also possible to listen to music without ignition.
Via alarm
Drivers often wonder if they turned off the music when they went shopping and came home. The principle of connection is that the audio system will be turned on and off by the alarm. This type of connection also reduces current leakage, since when an alarm is set, the radio is automatically disconnected from the power supply. In order to connect you will need two relays with five contacts and a pair of diodes. You can find a specific installation diagram on the Internet for each car, because the type of connection may differ significantly. Since different cars and alarm types have their own color scheme of wires.
Conclusion
Regardless of the type of connection, remember that you must include one fuse (10-20A) in the circuit. Perhaps it is already provided in the car itself or in the radio of more expensive models.
Most car enthusiasts who have changed several cars have had to deal with the process of replacing a car radio or installing a new device. The head unit of the speaker system is changed during the car audio tuning process, in case of critical damage to the car radio.
Car audiophiles must install a new, high-quality car radio when purchasing a used or new car. Many basic models of domestic cars are sold with the “audio preparation” option. This means that the dashboard is equipped with a niche for installing a head unit (with electrical wiring connected), and speakers are installed in the door panels.
Many car enthusiasts install car radios in specialized car repair shops, but the simple installation process is accessible to any driver who can hold a screwdriver and knows the basics of electrical engineering. Some installation nuances affect the operation of the head unit. How to connect the car radio in a car will determine its full functionality, ease of use, and the safety of other car mechanisms.
Procedure for disassembling an old car radio
Before connecting the radio in the car, you need to remove the old head unit. To do this you need:
- Remove the decorative frame. If you are going to sell a car radio, all operations must be carried out carefully, without using brute force. Plastic fasteners break easily.
- Remove the radio casing. To do this, there are special grooves at the side ends through which the spring clips can be pressed out.
- Carefully disconnect the electrical wiring connector and compare the connectors of the old and new head unit.
- If the old speaker system does not have a connecting connector, you need to carefully disconnect the wires. You may need to mark the car wiring cables with colored electrical tape.
- Remove the old skids. To do this, you need to press out the spring antennae with a screwdriver.
Installation of a new device
Using an adapter
To insert the body of the new car radio into the dashboard niche, you need to repeat the dismantling operations in the reverse order. In new cars with “audio preparation”, it is enough to compare the connectors of the head unit and the car wiring of wires from the battery and speakers. Each of the well-known car audio brands uses connectors of its own design, which differ in configuration
If the connectors of the car electrical wiring and the new car radio match, it is enough to connect them and insert the head unit housing on the slide into the niche. For mismatched connectors, you will need to purchase an adapter, which is available for all models of car speakers.
To find an adapter in retail or at a car market, you cannot remove the connectors from the car radio. The easiest way out would be to photograph both connectors and write down the exact markings of the car radio model.
Connection without connector and adapter
In order to independently connect the wires if there is no connector in the car’s speaker system, you need to remember the color pinout of car speakers, which is used in standard systems.
The following are connected to the car radio:
- yellow cable (from the positive terminal of the battery),
- black wire to vehicle ground, red (to ignition switch).
Wires of the following colors and purposes depart from the head unit:
- purple (plus right rear speaker);
- purple with black stripe (minus right rear speaker);
- gray (plus right front speaker);
- gray-black (minus the right front speaker);
- white (plus left front speaker);
- white-black (minus left front speaker);
- green (plus left rear speaker);
- green-black (minus left rear speaker).
Expensive car radios use non-standard connectors with additional outputs.
The head unit can be equipped with the following outputs:
- MUTE (mute function, can be automatically associated with connecting the “hands free” option);
- REMOTE (used to connect an external amplifier, additional speakers, subwoofer to the head unit);
- ANT (regulates the automatic extension of the car antenna in cars equipped with such a device);
- ILLUMINATION (reduces screen brightness when driving, when stopped, increases display illumination for ease of adjustment).
If you feel that you cannot figure out the complexities of connecting an expensive device on your own (there are no Russian-language instructions for the car radio), it is better to contact a specialized car service.
You can see in detail how to properly connect a car radio in the video:
Errors when connecting a car radio
A common mistake is to connect the yellow power wire not to the battery, but to the ignition switch or cigarette lighter. This error is not dangerous, but it reduces the power of the head unit and the sound quality (increases the amount of interference and interference).
The most dangerous mistake when installing a car radio is incorrectly connecting the positive and negative terminals of the battery. Such a connection burns out the electronic circuits of the receiver, radio, and speakers. If you select the wrong power supply terminals (connecting the red wire to the battery), the car radio may discharge the battery during long-term parking.
When independently tuning the electrical wiring of the speaker system, you need to use not aluminum wires, but a multi-core copper cable with a cross-section of 3-4 square millimeters. On the cable from the “plus” of the battery, you need to install an additional fuse (with a capacity of 15 - 20 A), which insures the head unit from excess starting currents.
When installing car audio yourself, you need to avoid excessive lengths of wires and their intersections. A twisted, bent wire can quickly fray, causing a short circuit. Crossing wires cause electromagnetic interference, noticeable in wheezing and crackling sounds from the speakers.
If the niche in the car's dashboard is larger than the dimensions of the car radio body, you need to fill the side slots and the bottom gap with sheet foam or polyurethane foam. This will eliminate the rattling of plastic and metal and vibrations of the speaker system.
By taking the time to install ISO connectors and fuses, searching for adapters, and marking wires, in the future you can easily replace the radio with the latest model.
A correctly installed radio will give you many pleasant moments and will brighten up the hardships of long periods of driving or parking in city traffic jams.
The head acoustic unit is included with the machine or installed separately. The connection of the radio is carried out by the owner of the car independently or in a specialized center. The operation of not only the multimedia center, but also the electrical system of the car depends on the correctness of the procedure.
Connection diagrams
The connection of the car radio to the vehicle's on-board network is carried out through standard wiring or connected directly to the battery. The power system must ensure uninterrupted operation of the equipment regardless of the volume level. The power supply circuit uses an additional cord to ensure that the settings are saved when the key is removed from the ignition.
The diagram attached to the factory documentation of the car radio indicates the purpose of the power cables:
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- with black insulation - used to ground the radio casing to the car body;
- with a red protective layer (a yellow cord with a larger wire cross-section is used on parts of the radio) - to supply positive power to the amplifier;
- with a yellow insulator - to recharge the memory unit (a constant supply of a positive signal of 12 V is required);
- with blue protection with a white stripe - for supplying power to an external amplifier (for example, an antenna or sound).
Before connecting the car radio to the on-board network, you need to analyze the documentation and select the preferred connection scheme. To facilitate installation, the cables are color coded according to the ISO standard. An incorrect choice of switching scheme can cause equipment to turn off during operation or distortion of the broadcast sound.
Through the ignition switch
The connection diagram for the radio through the contact group of the ignition switch is possible if the device has an intermediate ACC position. The power wire for grounding (with a black insulator) must be hooked up to grounding elements (for example, to special bolts and nuts welded to the body). The cable is secured using contact plates, which are installed on the exposed area. The quality of the grounding determines the operation of the equipment at high volumes; if the contact is poor, the radio may turn off spontaneously.
Only a cable covered with a layer of red insulation passes through the contact group of the ignition switch. On some vehicles, it is possible to connect the cord to the cigarette lighter socket or socket for additional equipment, since power is supplied to the units only after turning the key in the ignition switch. When making such switching, the parameters of the protective fuse should be taken into account; the rating of the insert should be sufficient for the joint operation of the cigarette lighter (or additional devices) and multimedia equipment.
The yellow cable is led to contacts where positive power is constantly present.
If the wire is connected to the lock, the equipment settings will be reset to factory values each time the ignition system is turned off.
The connection point for the yellow wire depends on the car model; it is recommended to route the cord to the battery installation location.
After the ignition is turned off and the key is removed from the keyhole, the power supply to the power circuits of the multimedia device is stopped. Only the elements that ensure that radio frequencies and equipment settings are stored in memory remain energized. The switching technique ensures minimal energy consumption by the head unit when the vehicle is idle.
Installing a standard radio in a car requires switching only through the contact group of the lock. The cables used by the manufacturer are designed for the power of the built-in amplifier, which ensures reliable operation of the equipment. If the owner intends to replace the factory equipment with a device with improved characteristics, it is recommended to evaluate the compliance of the cable cross-section with the power consumption.
Direct to battery
A scheme for connecting a car radio directly to a battery installed in the engine compartment or in the luggage compartment has become widespread. The connection method is the most reliable, but the car owner must forcibly turn off the head unit when parking the car. A working amplifier can discharge the battery in 8-10 hours; it will not be possible to start the power unit with the starter in the morning.
Before connecting the radio to a DC source, you need to lay the power cables. The cords are routed from the instrument panel through the car interior and engine shield; the route is laid away from moving elements and heat sources. If there are no suitable holes in the engine shield, then it is necessary to drill the parts and install rubber seals. To ensure operation of equipment equipped with an external amplifier and subwoofer, the use of a copper multi-core cable with a cross-section of 3-5 mm² is required.
The cables are connected to the battery contact pins using special terminals, which are then coated with a protective compound. A fuse is installed in the positive line; the rating of the device depends on the power of the connected components. The fuse link is mounted at a distance of 300-400 mm from the battery contact connector. Installing a multimedia complex without a protective element is strictly prohibited.
Using a button instead of the ignition switch
Connecting the radio via a button allows you to control the power of the head unit without installing the key in the ignition. With this connection method, the red wire (positive power) is led to a switch that is mounted on the front panel or center console in the car. Installation and connection of equipment involves laying additional cables and using a button that can withstand current up to 10-15 A (depending on the power of the amplifier).
After pressing the button, the multimedia equipment is turned on; a yellow cable is used to save the settings in memory. The cord is led to the battery or attached to the positive wire of the car circuit, which constantly carries voltage. The disadvantage of the technique is the need to control the position of the switch when parking the car.
Via alarm
A security alarm can be used to connect a multimedia head unit to a car. An additional 5-pin relay is included in the equipment circuit, which breaks the power supply circuit of the radio when the security mode is activated. The switching unit is placed in the gap in the power supply wire to the amplifier; a protective fuse rated for a current of 10-15 A is installed in front of the relay. To turn off the power to the musical equipment, the external blocking control output (negative pulse) is used.
Installation of the radio and connection to the on-board network through the alarm unit is recommended to be carried out in a specialized service. If switching is incorrect, the head unit continues to consume current up to 200 mA, which leads to a decrease in battery capacity. Some security systems require the installation of an electronic unit built on low-current transistors and additional resistances. The design of the module depends on the output logic of the car alarm.
Method of connecting head equipment via a double relay and a security complex unit:
- Connect the yellow cable from the battery through pins 30 and 85 of the first relay, and then route the cable to the player.
- To contact 86, located on the first relay, lay the signal cable from the central locking control unit (negative pulse).
- Connect contact 87A of the first relay to plug 30 located on the second switching block. Contact 86 from the second relay is connected to the car body.
- From plug 85 on the secondary relay, the wire is routed to an external amplifier or antenna.
- The red wire goes through the ignition switch and the diode. Then the circuit is connected to pin 87, located on the second relay, and output to the head unit block.
Installation in the car
Installation of the radio begins with the removal of the decorative plugs covering the mounting socket in the center console. To mount the head unit, metal clips are used, which are held in the instrument panel by bendable antennae. If the car was equipped with a 1 Din-format radio, and you plan to install equipment with increased dimensions, then a box for small items is removed from the console. It is not possible to install a 2 Din standard player on some machines, or the installation of a new console will be required to accommodate the unit.
To install a radio instead of the original equipment, it is necessary to install adapter brackets that allow you to attach the tape recorder to the power frame of the dashboard. Installing a non-standard radio requires the use of a decorative frame that allows you to fit a rectangular front panel into a hole with beveled edges or rounded corners (depending on the type of car). The additional element is installed by hand and does not require modification of standard parts from the machine.
Connecting speakers
Connecting the radio to a car equipped with standard acoustics does not require laying patch cables. The owner will need to directly connect the plugs to the mating connectors on the head unit or use an adapter. If speakers are installed simultaneously with the installation of multimedia equipment, then signal cables will need to be laid. Depending on the design of the car, acoustics are installed in the doors, instrument panel or shelf located behind the back of the rear row of seats.
To connect the acoustics to the head unit, a special-purpose stranded copper wire coated with an elastic insulator is used. On the speaker body there are positive and negative contacts with symbols. The connection diagram for the car radio provides for connecting loudspeakers in compliance with polarity; connecting negative cables into a common bus is prohibited. Since the wires come without a chip, it is necessary to provide a plug that will ensure a reliable connection.
Antenna connection
Once the power cables and speaker patch cords have been connected, the antenna plug should be reinstalled. On some cars, the cable with the connector is folded deep into the instrument panel; the owner needs to pull the cord to the installation site himself. Standard antennas are equipped with frequency filters that eliminate interference and increase the range of signal reception from repeaters. The factory unit is connected using a plug that is installed in the mating socket on the back of the car radio.
If the car is not equipped with an antenna, then many owners connect an active type device that is mounted on the windshield. The built-in amplifier requires power, which is provided by the output in the player's jack, marked AMP or REM. After connection, the junction point is protected with insulating tape. At this stage, the procedure for installing the radio in the car ends; the owner can test the operation of the equipment.
Checking the connection
After the installation of the car radio is completed, you need to connect the battery to the car's on-board network. Then an attempt is made to activate the multimedia head unit. If the wires are connected incorrectly, you will not be able to turn on the device; if the insulation is poor, a short circuit may occur, which will blow the fuse. To restore functionality, you will need to remove the device and replace the fuse link with a product with an identical rating.
Then it is recommended to check the correct connection of the power cords according to the colors of the radio wires. Incorrectly connected cables must be carefully disconnected and then reconnected correctly to the car radio. If the display lights up when you press the power button, then the power supply to the equipment is connected correctly. If there is no sound (regardless of the position of the control) or the amplifier periodically turns off, then you need to use a tester to check the integrity of the cables going to the speakers.
If there are no malfunctions during the operation of the equipment, then the connection of the car radio and installation of additional components are considered complete. If the owner cannot find the cause of the malfunction, it is recommended to send the car to a service center. Operating a vehicle with faulty electrical network components leads to melting of the wiring insulation and a fire.
