Car Stereos: factory stereo color codes., radio wiring harness, technical support resources

Question
i had recently bought a tv for my car but i cant find the factory set up anywhere. im just wonderin if i can somehow get a layout or a diagram of the factory radio wiring harness because if i could find that i could hook it up.

Answer
Hi Jonathan,

Your best option is to buy a wire harness adapter for your vehicle.  This allows you to connect an after-market head unit without any cutting or guess-work for the wire colors.  It also allows you to do most of your wiring on the workbench, instead of inside the vehicle; so you're more comfortable and less likely to blow fuses.

As far as finding your factory wiring information, one of the best resources I know of is Crutchfield.  This is very well-known online electronics retailer, and they have some very good technical support resources available on their site.  Go to www.crutchfield.com and click on the "support" link at the top, then search for your vehicle year and model.  Often you can find a diagram of the factory radio plug, including the pinout and all wire colors.

Hope this helps!

Brian