Stereo Installation Hints and Tips

So I am tacking my install of a Kenwood Excenlon X993 tomorrow morning. Any last minute hints and tips on things I should know? This is my first stereo install I am going to tackle myself so paranoia is starting to set in.

I think the thing I'm worried about most is getting the wiring harness correct and then finding a place to run the bluetooth mic.

The wiring harness has a LOT of wire. Did you guys trim your wires down? I bet if I crimped it all together now my wiring harness would be over a foot long!!

If you have any awesome tribal knowledge, pass it along!!!

 

Did you purchase a wiring kit that would plug into the existing connectors of the truck's wiring harness?

 

Yeah, I have the full set of gear that Crutchfield includes with their installs. I'm ready to go!!

 

Be careful with tools around the gray plastic part of the dash. It scratches really easy.

The hardest part of my HU install was changing the clock/hazard light part from the OEM radio to the dash kit. It was just a PITA to get out. Just keep fiddling with it, but be gentle. Using a very small flat screw driver to gently pry the clips open helped me.

 

It should be a simple process to match the color of the Radio Harness wire to the color of the truck harness wire for each wire needed. I would solder the connection and insulate with shrink wrap tubing.

A big plus is documenting the colors and connectivity on paper prior to starting.

 

X2
Mine was a real PITA. I think it helps to have 3 hands to do the job.

 

As others have said, just match the colors and you'll be good. Getting the damn clock out is the hardest part.

I wouldn't shorten the harness though. Reason being is that the ORM harness wires are short and wont let you pull out the unit very far before having to unplug it. Keeping the wires a little longer makes it easier to put in. You should have plenty of room in there anyways. There is lots of room UP so don't focus on stashing the wires DOWN.

 

Ok, good deal. Now I just need to figure out Bluetooth Mic placement. I'm poking around at other people's installs, maybe I can figure out how to get it all the way to the driver side pillar!!

 

I actually ran mine up the passenger side A-pillar (over the glove box) and along the ceiling and terminated it just out where the rear view mirror exits the headliner. I did this for three reasons.

1. It's the same distance from the driver as the A-pillar so it will sound the same.
2. It's fairly well hidden up there.
3. The passenger can talk just as well as the driver.

If it's the same parrot mic that most units have just sandwhich it between the wire cover for the mirror and the headliner. It will stay put.

 

I clipped my bluetooth on the head liner to the left of the driver visor, bordering the windshield, ran the wire to the left, down the A-pillar and under the dash

 

That does sound a whole lot easier. No problems whatsoever with the sound quality, talking way over from the driver seat? Do you have a pic so I know EXACTLY what spot you're talking about?

 

Uhhh, I had to pull mine out (they sent me a bum Pioneer unit) when I sent it back. The sound quality was great. I think most units you can also turn up the volume on the mic too if it's ever an issue. I'm pretty sure the distance is similar so there shouldn't be much difference at all. Besides, there will be less sound reflections than if you mounted it in a corner.

 

I mounted mine in the compartment under the radio on the drivers side corner. It does ok from what they tell me. You can adjust the mic volume on the 993. Congrats on a great headunit! I put mine in that compartment b/c it was easy to install right there at the radio. I may move it later if I get time but it seems to be ok there.

 

Lot of panic for nothing. Install went off without a hitch.

"That was easy!"

 

Pictures!!!
Anyway, good thread!! This should be sticky!!!
Good Job

 

WTG and Congrats. The first install is always the hardest. One more install and you will be a pro.

 

I'm going to eventually post a full writeup with quality pics, but there's a blurry taste from the cell phone.

 

Looks really nice and the color matches the existing interior illumination.