QuestionHello, I own a 1989 pontiac grand prix two door and recently my friend tried to help me by installing a new cd player, but once he had the old cassette player and equalizer out he couldnt figure out which wires are for what, even after testing. If you could anyway please tell me which colors are for what, or if you need I can go tell you the colors that are present or.....ug so frustrated, please help.
Answer
Hi robert,
Most any pro would say... "It just needs a rewire... and that is about 45.00".
So, let me explain how to do that, now.
Will need:
A simple 12v Test light.
Popper battery (9v) and some speaker wire.
Installation Kit.
Details on how to use them will follow.
Additionally, you will need a dozen or more 'Bellcap' crimp connectors to attach wires properly [and a crimper tool to fasten them]. ANYthing else, is not what I would use.
INSTALLATION KIT:
You can find an installation kit at walmart for about
10$. This will let your deck fit the dash opening correctly. And generally, you should assemble this part 1st.
POWERING THE HEAD UNIT:
You will need a 12v test light (available at a parts store or radio shack, ect).
With that priceless tool, you should be able to determine 2 of the 3 main wires needed to power the head unit. Ground the clamp end of the test light to the cars' chassis and then probe wires with the other end.
1) MemoryWire
12v Constant (tested wire always has 12v no matter what position the key is in. This is the one you will use to provide station preset memory power to the head unit (possibly a yellow deck wire).
2) PowerWire
12v Switched (That is, the tested wire only has 12v when the ignition is in the 'on' and 'acc' positions. This is the one that actually makes the deck power up (possibly a red deck wire).
As to the ground:
You should simply run a short ground wire to the cars' chassis for circuit ground. Trying to find one in a factory harness is more trouble than it is worth for the novice (trust me). Likely a black deck wire [and it is usualy long enough to make it to the chassis].
Now you have dealt with power, memory and ground. The station memory will work and it will not power off when it should be on...ect.
*NOTE:
The deck may have additional wire(s) for the backlighting (illumination) and other things like a cell phone ringer/mute. If so, attach the fused illumination wire to the ashtray light wire...ect, so that the backlighting will change when you change the dashlight dimmer.
SPEAKER WIRE ID:
The easiest way will be to use a 9v battery to 'pop' the speakers (only long enough to see whether they go IN or OUT of their frames) to see which lead is positive.
Attach some wires to the battery of different lengths so it will not drain when not in use.
Now.. get into a position where you (or an assistant) can see either the back of [or the front of] the speaker being tested.
*Tap the extended battery leads to the speaker (for 1/4 sec or less) and watch the speaker.
During this test, a functioning speaker should move one way, then return to its idle position.
If the speaker cone jumped OUT of the frame (towards interior of vehicle)the POSITIVE lead on the battery is indeed hooked to the positive for the speaker. Viola!
If the speaker moved IN towards the interior, the NEGATIVE battery wire is indeed hooked to the positive side of the speaker.
Simple, if you follow the instructions :)
*If you cannot do these tasks as specified, you should consult a local professional.
JMael
