The Mach 460 sound system is a premium audio upgrade available in certain models and years of the Ford Mustang. In addition to enhanced speakers and a stronger factory head unit, the Mach 460 sound system also comes with an amplifier and subwoofer system. This provides loud thumping bass, but it also complicates the process of wiring when installing an aftermarket stereo head unit. Specific connections must be made to power the amplifier and subwoofers with an aftermarket stereo.
Strip 1/4 inch off the ends of each wire coming out of the back of your new CD player and each wire included with the wire harness using a wire stripping tool. Electrical wire for car audio is typically 18 gauge.
Connect the speaker connections on the wiring harness to the speaker connections on the CD player (see "Tips" for advice on connecting electrical wire). Typically, this is simply a matter of matching same-colored wires, for example orange to orange, but consult the wiring guides from both the wire harness and the CD player to make sure. Connect positive front right to positive front right, negative front right to negative front right, and so on.
Connect all of the ground wires together from both devices. There will typically be about five ground wires in total, possibly more if your CD player has other functions such as GPS or DVD.
Connect the amplifier wires (typically blue and blue/white) from the wiring harness to the remote control wire from the CD player. This will ensure that the Mach 460 amplifiers receive power.
Wrap all exposed wire with electrical tape. Be thorough on this step; exposed wiring can cause shorts and/or damage.
Test your wiring by connecting the plastic plug from the wiring harness to the plastic plug in your dashboard. This will require removal of the factory head unit if it is still in place. If the stereo works properly, proceed with the installation as directed by the instructions for the stereo system. If not, check for loose wiring connections and consult the wiring guides from both devices.
