I'm trying to install an aftermarket headunit into my car, right? and the switch power doesn't work. I'm wondering, should i find somewhere to tap into switched power (i have no idea where or what wire to tap into) or should i tap into the battery power? i know that would make me able to turn on my radio all the time, but is there anything bad about it? any downsides? any suggestions?? need help asap guys! i know you guys are fast!! let's go! thanks!

 

i just wired it directly to the battery-nothing wrong about it really,depends on the headunit,some have displays that will not turn off completely just by maunaly turning the unit off,so it will drain your battery[or if you forget to turn it off].also,if you wanna listen to the radio,the power antenna wont have power going to it exept when the ign. is on,so you could not listen to the radio when the key is out.you should have some swithed power there somewhere-grab your voltmeter and go to town!the cig.lighter might be switched-cant remeber,but maybe u can splice into that.also,if you run a direct wire to the batt.,u should put a fuse in there.good luck
david

 

IMO
If you connect it directly to the battery the downfall is if you forget the radio on it will drain the battery after a period of time.
Why doesnt the switch power work for the original radio. Did you check the fuse to see if it is blown.
I dont know what other wire Could you connect to in the dash.

My 2 cents
Al

 

ok... well i'd go under the dash and look for wires that are switched, but i don't have a voltmeter... does anyone know which color wire or anything is a switched 12 volt wire? thanks a lot guys

 

anyone?

 

a "someone's gotta know this" bump

 

my headunit has display(s) that don't turn off when the power is turned off (and when the car's on)... so i think it would drain power, unless i took off the faceplate every time i leave the car... damn, i need to find a 12v wire that's switched...

 

Are you sure you're using the right wire? The stock stereo's constant 12V is a blue wire with a red stripe and the accessory (ACC) feed is blue with a white stripe. You will need to use both of these on any head unit. If you can't get power at these wires check the fuses. There's no need to start hacking up the wiring.

 

very very good point... the wires are correct... but then i forgot to check the fuses... so i looked, i know you guys are gonna think, what a god damn moron, but then... i opened up the fuse box and hey look! i don't have an audio fuse! plug it in, and hey look, it works!

thanks for the idea nz whew...