I have a Smittybilt console that I am going to put a Bluetooth amp in and run speaker wires out of to use as my primary stereo. I am going to leave my nonworking factory radio where it is just because it will look better than a hole in the dash. Question is where to get power to run to the console. There is a hot wire in the dash that I am pretty sure was for the cigarette lighter that I could splice into pretty easy. Good idea of bad? I could pull the stereo, splice into its power wire and then put it back in place but rather not spend the time. Should I just run a new wire straight to the fuse box?
CK5
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Which wire for stereo power
- Thread starter aceroth
- Start date
The cigarette lighter wire is on all the time and has enough power. If you need keyed power you need the radio harness source
You need to read the installation instructions for the system. If its just an amp, then you need acc power, so that it goes off with the key, but you can listen with the engine off. If there is any kind of programming info, or a clock in the system, then you need two power wires.
One switched, and one hot all the time to keep the memory alive. The installation instructions should tell you.
If you pick up any engine noise problems, try running a wire temporarily direct from the battery to see if it stops it. If so, then you need to add a relay in that wire that is switched by the acc.
With a fuse close to the battery in the hot wire, of course.
One switched, and one hot all the time to keep the memory alive. The installation instructions should tell you.
If you pick up any engine noise problems, try running a wire temporarily direct from the battery to see if it stops it. If so, then you need to add a relay in that wire that is switched by the acc.
With a fuse close to the battery in the hot wire, of course.
One power wire is hot all the time and one is accessory on stock radio.
No, just a switched power for our trucks. Analog stuff needs no memory. I would use a switched 12v for that amp. My fuse box (89) has some unused taps that are 12v switched. Just fuse the wire.
Edit: second thought there might be two power wires...either way you want the 12v acc switched power
Cntymnty77
1/2 ton status
On my 83 I had to wire a acc keyed switch (the usual radio harness) and then the new stereo required a constant hot for the security, clock, etc. I just tapped into that cig plug and it works great.
