Car Stereos: MIL, jeep tj, factory stereo

Question
I just replace the factory stereo in my 01 Jeep TJ with a Pioneer deck.  I can't set the clock at all.  I have power everywhere except now the engine mafunction indicator light has come on.  What have I hooked up wrong?

Answer
Hi Melanie,

Your car's MIL is there to notify you if there's something wrong in the engine, intake, exhaust, evap, or emissions system.  Not your stereo.  If putting your stereo in caused it to come on, it's likely you simply knocked something loose or pulled a harness out of its connector -- some vehicles are known to route computer stuff through the stereo, but I don't think Jeep is one of them.

I presume you used an aftermarket harness to install the deck?  If you didn't, put the factory harness back, and use an aftermarket harness.  It is simply not worth your money and time to cut the factory harness.

Justin