(Part 2) Best car audio & video wiring harnesses according to redditors
We found 225 Reddit comments discussing the best car audio & video wiring harnesses. We ranked the 88 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
That's all I can think of for the moment. I may add to the list as I think of more cool sub $100 ham toys.
COAXSHER RCP-1, Pro Radio, Chest Harness. Lots of places for radios, cell phone, and all of the other items you want easy access to.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QUNHFM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm looking at swapping the headunit in my 2018 soon, i was looking at these guides
also idatalink came out with a new harness that makes the installation of a new head unit much easier - HRN-RR-SU2
It's difficult to find right now, but im sure places will start stocking them soon
I ordered one here but don't know when they will ship
Install a bypass
One part wires up to your ground, the other to the blue wire / amp, and the last wire to the parking brake wire on your head unit.
It will essentially trick the head unit into thinking that the brake is engaged at all times, so you don't have to mess with or splice your brake wire. Better to ruin your aftermarket radio harness than your brake circuitry. Accidentally grounding the wrong wire will cause you to get issues / burned bulbs, etc.
essential stealth accessory
And then obviously pick a head unit. We've had good luck with the Kenwood DNX695S, which has navigation, wired android auto, apple car play, and plays DVDs. It looks like a lot of parts but the only wire connecting you'll need to do is with the various harnesses listed above, and there's good documentation on what goes where. Once you get your harness all connected up, everything just plugs right into your existing Toyota harnesses.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXF5A74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W34BBK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EAYYQDO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Be careful on the last one because I was shipped the Metra AX-TOYUSB2 version of whatever and it was the wrong one.
I do not have controls on my steering wheel but I believe you'll need this harness
That's not the right harness. Your factory harness doesn't have 12V switched from the factory. It uses CAN data signals to turn on and off. You need an interface. Two options:
I just put a full stereo into a 2019 Tundra Crewmax. You can pick pretty much anything you want in terms of double din headunit, 6.5" speakers front and rear, and then for sub box I found the safest way was to buy something designed for the Tundra. The rear bench seat has a big hinge type thing that the Tundra-specific boxes work around.
Amp, or amps, will pretty much have to go under the front seat(s). I currently have an OG slash series JL 500/1 and Rockford P400, both under the passenger seat.
For the front and rear speaker adapters, go with Metra over Scosche. If you are swapping the headunit, this adapter is cheap and does everything you need - steering wheel controls, backup cam, and keeps the factory USB and aux inputs.
Truck was all around a very easy install - easy accessible firewall grommet on driver or passenger side, headunit is easy to get to and comes out easy, and the door panels are easy on and off.
Here's an amazon list of the basic install components for new headunit and door speakers.
no, but it’s easy to just use a rsx wiring harness and connect it to the harness that comes with the double din
Yes. I have a pioneer w4400nex in my 2018 wrx base model. Great headunit with wireless CarPlay. It’s relatively plug and play with a harness from autoharnesshouse. Here are all the links:
AutoHarnessHouse Aftermarket... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GD8627K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Direct wire harness for Pioneer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GBDRVX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Maestro ADS-MSW Universal Analog Steering Wheel Interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J4W10XG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Jg22Db6PFF6R1
Need this to connect FM radio to new Headunit:
Aftermarket Radio Antenna Adapter by Vehicle Aerial Stereo Converter Cable, DIN (Motorola Type) to Antenna Terminal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QNL9QQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7l22DbVWFF1K2
Need this if you want to retain factory USB port:
Metra Electronics AX-SUBUSB Multicolored Subaru 2011 & Up 4-Pin USB Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYTLW14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_do22DbN1SNNSH
This is the dash kit to make the headunit fit properly:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142SU2031B/Scosche-SU2031B-Dash-Kit-Gloss-Black.html
Those are all the harnesses/wires you’ll need to make it plug and play. The USB adapter might not work if your car has 2 USB ports in the center console. This shouldn’t be a problem anyways since CarPlay is wireless. The USB ports will still charge your phone regardless. If you have the base wrx, it’ll be fine. On YouTube there are plenty of install vids if you ever feel confused.
Edit: the guy from autoharnesshouse (Brian) is also very friendly if you have any questions about the harness, just email him.
Have you tried pressing and holding the phone button? Like for a couple seconds? That's normally how the steering wheel controls work for Siri. When the stereo was installed, no doubt the installers used one of these. They are programmable in that you can make any of your steering wheel buttons perform any function. It's also possible that they didn't program the phone button. This can be remedied, but you have to push a button on the box that is most likely behind your head unit to put it into programming mode.
OP.
Order this bypass module.
Don't watch the fucking thing while driving or you'll crash and die. And it will hurt the entire time you're dying probably.
And/or kill other people and animals and endless property damage.
And your family will try to sue me.
I am not liable.
You take this risk on your own.
Be aware they are brand specific.
Something like this should do the trick
I have a '96 XJ. Swapping the speakers in the doors is pretty simple (the harder part was fixing the broken speaker wires that snake through the door hinge...)
I just added some basic Kenwood speakers to replace the stock speakers that were full of holes and mold. The XJ, as you know, isn't especially quiet, so I didn't feel like it was worth investing in anything beyond some new speakers and replacing the cassette deck with something a bit more modern.
Any car speakers should work fine. You'll need a new harness if you swap the head unit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BG66Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yeah the HU in the Subaru’s have a terrible output. Face your subs toward the tail end of the car not towards you. As far as those CompC’s, they’re a good budget buy I suppose. They aren’t very accurate in the bass notes but they can “thump”. As far as quality tho, the surrounds are made of a foam type material and deteriorate after a while (longevity depending on weather and useage). I personally would have spent the extra cash on the CompR’s, they sound a lot better and can take more of a beating and will last longer.
I would definitely consider a new HU, and get the Maestro RR harness module and the correct SU2 Wiring Harness. If you’re going to replace a HU in a newer car this is the way to go IMO. It retains A LOT of features and actually gives you features your car may not have had thagvare pretty cool. Kenwood imo has the cleanest looking HU. You don’t need to buy the top of the line but don’t buy the cheapest one either. I hope this is a good starting point?
Edit:fixed link
This. While this harness will work (just gotta splice the red wire coming off your new radio's harness, not the one on the adapting harness, into a new switched ignition wire) it's really not recommended since you'll lose the features and possibly have the issues stated above.
This might be an elaborate way of answering your first question, but mostly I wanted to write out my experience of doing this exact thing. Also apparently I need to split this up into 2 replies.
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I have an AVH-W4400NEX and a 2012 Prius Plug-In. After buying all the stuff I needed...
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I believe I set aside a Saturday afternoon to swap it out myself, and also install a dash cam with both front and rear cameras (the car already had backup camera built in). I ended up working on this through all of the weekend, and then did some more tweaks the following weekend.
it's complicated, i did it when i first bought my 16'.
and don't let just any audio installer do it, they'll just hack the shit out of the harness.
you need about $200 in parts besides the headunit to do it properly
shit and it looks like the link to the blog on how to do it is gone :(
http://roflitsowens.blogspot.com/2015/12/2016-subaru-wrx-replacing-starlink-head.html
basically you need:
dash install kit
wire to keep OEM backup camera
30pin adapter you'll cut it in half and use it for hooking all these various things together
Maestro to retain steering wheel control, there's a cheaper version though with less features
adapter to retain USB
adapter for stock antenna
adapter for radio so you don't have to cut anything
and i'm pretty sure i'm forgetting something else.
most of these things all have to be wired into the 30 pin connector, it was much easier to figure it all out on my workbench and solder it properly then install everything, took me about 2 days to do.
There is a pioneer specific wire harness that *could* work. Check your xB's connectors to see if they are the same. Later models of this harness have the loose wires in a connector. This makes the install a near solderless plug and play. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078GBDRVX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
no its all basically plug and play. The only thing that you would need to tap wires for would be the stock backup camera. Even then you can just get harness adapters/extensions that can plug in and tap into those....Like this
I have an 07 Mustang and 04 F-150 FX4 with stereos that have identical layouts. Mustang came with satellite radio subscription for some period, and has an auxiliary input jack in the console. Same Aux button used for satellite or aux jack.
That led me to wonder if I could get an auxiliary jack for the F-150, even though it didn’t have anything connected to that input when I bought it.
I found the part I needed, then had a local car stereo shop install it, since it involved some disassembly and reassembly. It ended up being a lot more complicated than they expected, and took a lot longer, but they honored the price they quoted.
IIRC, the part itself wasn’t that complicated. Almost like a red/white (RCA) to 1/8th. The end that plugs into my phone/mp3 player runs through the glovebox.
BUT - lately, instead of that, I have been using a Bluetooth adapter that broadcasts to FM. I had a couple that were lousy, but the current one works better than the hardwired aux line in the F-150 (which sometimes crackles). It’s a lot cheaper and can move from vehicle to vehicle. Only downside is when I am too close to an FM station broadcasting at that frequency.
ETA - I think I went through the same “feature is there” circle. Technically, the aux button is there, and would function if there was an accessory connected to it for you to “select” by pressing that button.
The back end of things might have been through a part like this that then connected to a red/white to the piece that connects to a 1/8th jack (maybe this) or whatever you’re trying to connect.
Do you mean this? http://www.amazon.com/PAC-RadioPRO4-Replacement-Interface-RP4-FD11/dp/B0072LCXW8
I just used a wire harness from Amazon that said Ford Focus 2010. It looks like a generic harness.
I don't want to take a wire out of the vehicle factory harness :(
I put a Pioneer 4100 NEX in my 2011 Prius II. It can use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Here are the parts I used to install it.
For the steering wheel controls
I also installed the [OttoNavi Prius Backup Camera] (http://www.ottonavi.com/Toyota-Prius-2009-2013-Back-Up-Camera-p/ty0913pr-kdcmrcxx.htm) but is out of stock now.
2nd opinion is
dash kit
Metra 99-5827B Double/Single DIN Radio Installation Kit for 2012-Up Ford Focus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MQEMJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_talZCbWPK7JVZ
navy retention harness
Metra XSVI-5524-NAV Retention Harness Ford 11-Up https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005F4IQ9S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zblZCbZVWRJA4
antenna adapter
Metra 40-EU10 Antenna to Radio Adapter Cable for Select 2002-Up BMW/Volkswagen Vehicles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000329HEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tclZCbR6HBJ30
steering wheel interface
Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4PJC9K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hdlZCbQ0R4SGG
I can't find the metra kit but this one looks better because the lights suck on the metra.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016BHLXPG/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_NwAszbQW1CR2E
Wiring kit. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005F4IQ9S/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_FyAszb0JBBCZX
Antenna adapter. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000329HEK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_wzAszbZ7H9B5C
Steering control
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4PJC9K/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_SAAszbE43ZAKY
Do you mean the belt-like strap across the chest?
Or something like this: http://www.amazon.com/True-North-Stealth-Radio-Harness/dp/B0046C0HEC
There are so many types. I would look on gear websites for EMS/Police, etc. Or contact the maker of you radio.
So, there is a little extra work involved to wire up the factory amp, but it's pretty straightforward. Basically, what you'll end up doing is using the new head units RCA pre-outs to get the signal to the RF amp (rather than use the head unit's internal amplifier). To do this, you need to get a special adapter to convert the factory harness into an RCA connect (or, you could technically attach RCA connectors to the factory wiring, but that's kind of hard to undo should you ever want to put the stock setup back in).
Anyway, here's what you need:
I know Scosche (and probably others) make the dash kit, and there's a few options for steering wheel control interfaces, but I've had good luck with Metra products. For the amp harness, the Metra is the only one I could find.
Metra 70-7551 Amplifier Integration Harness 995-2005 Nissan and Infiniti https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007WTF5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oxSZAbCKDZJPD
That's the one you need if you have the factory Bose stereo.
I've just changed out my factory stereo with a new Alpine deck and couldn't have been happier on how easy it was. As long as you have the right wiring harness (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007KPRK6), dash adapter kit (http://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-6505-Dodge-98-UP-Pocket/dp/B0007WTFB6) and antenna adapter (http://www.amazon.com/Metra-40-CR10-Chrysler-Antenna-Adapter/dp/B0002BEQNE) then you'll be happy. You can buy all three from Amazon for less than $20.
Installation is a breeze too - stereo manufacturers have standardized on cable colors so hooking everything up to the harness was easy. To get the factory stereo out it takes popping out the vent with a screwdriver, 2 phillips head screws hold in the front fascia and then that pops out. 4 phillips head screws hold in the stereo and one 10mm nut on the back of the stereo. This pops out easy. Then you plug the new wiring harness in, plug the new antenna adapter in and screw the new stereo in the dash adapter back into the holes. Pop everything back into place and you should be good to go.
super_noodle has good points about the factory speakers - you definitely want to replace those as well. Super easy job as well as long as you have the right harness adapters (Amazon is a great place eh?)
Good luck and let me know if you need any more advice or assistance.
It really depends on how much you shop around. For example, here's quick amazone prices:
Dash kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-6504-Dash-Dodge-98-Up/dp/B0002BG6RI/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411179366&sr=8-1&keywords=02+dodge+neon+dash+kit
Wire harness:
http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Reverse-Chrysler-Vehicles-Connector/dp/B0007KPRK6/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=02+dodge+neon+wire+harness
Antenna adaptor:
http://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Antenna-Harness-Aftermarket-Adaptor/dp/B000KL4HN0/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411179465&sr=8-2&keywords=02+dodge+neon+antenna+adaptor
So maybe $35 or so extra dollars. I know Crutchfield used to include all needed parts with most radios, so maybe something to consider. I still think a modulator would be the least expensive route for what you want.
This. Don't hack up the car's wiring harness.
https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-HA08B-Aftermarket-Receiver-1998-2006/dp/B0007KK2G0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506657887&sr=8-2&keywords=2004+civic+stereo+harness
$6, the wires are color coded for 99% of aftermarket head units. You just wire the HU harness to the adapter harness(ideally by soldering, but crimping will work too). Then you just plug it into the car harness. If you want to put the stock stereo back in, you just unplug the adapter harness.
When you pull out the stock stereo you should see a large round plug with 7 prongs. If you see this, then you have the infinity sound system. If not, then you don't have it.
This is all you need if you don't have the infinity sound system.
This should be all you need if you do have the infinity sound system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgNp5zQkKuw seems like it will come out in less than a minute. What I dont know is if I can just swap in a new deck or what wires I need? Its a 2002 Mitsubishi Monter LS Sport. Also the video mentions grounding which I have no clue about. Is this what I need? http://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-7001-Harness-Mitsubishi-1992-Up/dp/B0002BG6DM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1462838894&sr=1-1&keywords=Wire+Harness+Mitsubishi+Montero+Sport
Check out metras site. I tracked one down for a 94 this way. Then search for the part number on Amazon, it was only like 6 bucks or something!
EDIT: found it, https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1002-Harness-1988-96-Speaker/dp/B0002BG66Y
Already have one in the cart, but what is the cable pictured on the left for?
The one you linked is to keep those chimes and radio on until the door is opened.
If you don't care about door chimes and warning chime for lights and key in the ignition then just buy the cheap dummy plug like this one:
The red wire goes to a key-on source in the fuse panel as with gm class 2 data there isn't one at the radio. Most people use the cruise control or the windshield wiper fuse. If you do that, do it right with something like this.
If this is an ls sport, it has amplified rear speakers which I THINK requires a different plug.
Hi! sorry for the late delay. I have successfully installed a single dim radio. Besides some fun, materials you will need:
-A toyota wiring harness. Anyone will do (1987+) this will take your stock radio harness and allow you to connect an aftermarket radio without having to hack up your current truck. (this is good in case you ever need to go back to a stock radio)
I have installed a JOYING 8'' touch screen, single dim radio. PLEASE buy this unit, as hino's stock holder for the radio is specific for their unit, and does not have a typical radio style / slide in radio harness. there are pan screws that hold the radio in.
Get this radio:
https://www.amazon.com/Android-1024x600-Navigation-Bluetooth-Hotspot/dp/B01MCVP5HD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1491391353&sr=8-3&keywords=joying+single+din
Get this harness:
https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Harness-1987-Up-Speaker-Connector/dp/B00009UHKW
you will need m4 bolts (x4) to hold the radio in.
You will need to have a grinder to grind down some dimples in the stock radio holder, so the new one fits nice and flush.
Here's some images!:
http://imgur.com/a/lOJOy