Which wire?

[JimmyJuneau]

I just installed a new Kenwood deck. I tried my best at re-doing what the previous owner butchered on the truck. However I didn't wire something up right. I think its the yellow wire that needs to have constant power going to it, so it won't lose all of its memory when the truck is turned off. My question is, is it the yellow wire that needs constant power? If so where can I get constant power from?

 

[jonrpick]

I just installed a new Kenwood deck. I tried my best at re-doing what the previous owner butchered on the truck. However I didn't wire something up right. I think its the yellow wire that needs to have constant power going to it, so it won't lose all of its memory when the truck is turned off. My question is, is it the yellow wire that needs constant power? If so where can I get constant power from?

What year truck? On my K5 the cigarette lighter socket isn't switched. I don't know when they started, but mine's an '86.

 

[JimmyJuneau]

1985

 

[jonrpick]

1985

I'd tap into the cigarette lighter wire. It shouldn't be switched. If you're not sure, stick something in the socket with it not running...like a cell phone charger or lighter, or whatever...

I wouldn't think you'd need enough power to tax the circuit in any way because, a) the radio is drawing VERY little power to maintain the volatile memory circuit, and b) you're not using the cigarette lighter socket ALL the time (at least, I wouldn't guess you were).

 

[lectric80]

My 80 doesn't have any switch on the cigarette lighter. Although the new setup is going to have two that are switched.

 

[Leper]

Yellow should be constant. Red is key-on.

 

[JimmyJuneau]

I figured out what to do. The previous owner installed a cb. It has constant power So Im going to use that wire for my radio.

 

[5280k5]

Just make sure whatever that cb wire goes to has a fuse on it somewhere just in case

 

[chevyin]

For future reference, I always run over to the fuse panel, and using my trusty DMM, simply find a circuit that is constant, and tap into that downstream from the fuse. In fact, I do this for my switched power too, I do not like using the factory harness for my head unit's power or ground.

 

[Just2Much19]

A test light is the best investment when working with the electrical system on a vehicle.

 

[lectric80]

Yes and no. There are plenty of times that my multimeter is far more useful than a test light. I carry both, but the multimeter is used more than anything.

 

[cdoggwsu]

Powerprobe, baby! I picked up a PowerProbe II awhile back and that thing is indispensable. The new ones have a voltmeter built in but i'd rather use a DMM for that anyway.

 

[Leper]

I have a PP3 on order right now. So nice. I love the ability of all of them to supply power or ground.