In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

[aldentre]

I purchased a sony marine CD player/speaker combo and I'm ready to install it. I was hoping to get some help identifying the numerous wires behind the dash. My only concerns are finding 1) an "accesory power" wire that is only powered when the ignition is switched on, 2) an "all-the-time power" wire, and 3) suggestions on where to run the ground cable.

I have a crestliner sport classic 1685 running a minn kota 2hp electric motor w/ 4 batteries.

Hope you can help. Thanks!

 

[gwaidman]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

You should be able to pull a switched +12v source from the ignition switch. I would look for a constant +12v from your fuse panel, or consider running a seperate line from your battery bank. If you do this, install an inline fuse (the radio probably comes with one) as close to the battery as possible. This will insure that should the wire get pinched down the line, it will blow the fuse and not be 'hot' and able to create larger problems (ie fire). As far as the ground goes, you can run a seperate wire to your battery, or tie it in at another common grounding point. You may have to do a little digging. Cheers!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

Most people don't wire their stereos to the ignition switch as that means you'll need to have the key on for it to work while you are anchored. Most just join the switched and non switched inputs together and wire them to a constant 12v source, that way the stereo doesn't lose it memory when turned off. The only problem is that you need to remember to turn it off when you leave or it can pull your battery down over time. If it has a removable face plate then taking that off will be even better. Get a 12 volt test light or a multimeter to check for power sources under the dash. A smentioned above, if running a new line straight from the battery fuse it near the battery.

 

[burroak]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

Since your stereo unit has s switch, run the (+) from the fuse block with a correctly sized fuse, probably 3 amp or less. Most fuse blocks have a dedicated tab for a stereo. As to the ground, you can home run it back to the battery; a (-) buss bar; or to the closest black wire, if it is a ground.

 

[aldentre]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

Thanks guys. A question about the fuse box mentioned in the last response. Is there a fuse box directly behind the dash typically? Also, is the wire color always consistent? Am I looking for a red wire for power?
Thanks again.

 

[burroak]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

Thanks guys. A question about the fuse box mentioned in the last response. Is there a fuse box directly behind the dash typically? Also, is the wire color always consistent? Am I looking for a red wire for power?
Thanks again.

It is typically a fuse block. What kind of boat are you installing the stereo? I have a simple but complete wiring diagram that I will send you if you will PM me with your e-mail address. I would just attach it to a reply but it's an Adobe pdf. file and is too large for this site.

It indicates the colors of the wire, the fuse sizes, and the layout of the circuits.

 

[aldentre]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

Thanks Barroak, the diagram was very helpful. I had a free accessory switch on the dash so I tapped the constant power wire in before the switch, and I tapped the switched power wire in after the accessory switch. Now the accessory switch turns the player on/off, but I still have constant power so I don't lose my presets on the unit. Works great!

 

[burroak]

Re: In-dash CD Player wiring. Help Needed!

Thanks Barroak, the diagram was very helpful. I had a free accessory switch on the dash so I tapped the constant power wire in before the switch, and I tapped the switched power wire in after the accessory switch. Now the accessory switch turns the player on/off, but I still have constant power so I don't lose my presets on the unit. Works great!

You are very welcome.