2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission My stereo needs a 20amp circuit

[BSowers]

I just picked up a 97 2500 auto 4x4 club LB with 196k and it is still stock. So far I love it albeit I have to put out a milk crate for my daughter to get in the rig. .

The previous owner just had the hydraboost replaced for $1200! pheeeeewGlad it wasn't me.

I haven't seen any signs of leaks any where and the transmission shifts respectfully. Oo.

(sheeeeeeeoooot, I just drove my boss' 99 5sp with EZ and new injectors... . it hauled butt up a 16% grade!) :--)



Here's my question

I'm in the process of replacing the stereo head unit and need to know if there is a 20 amp lead/circuit in that vicinity not used by anyother device? My head unit requires this. Would I have to go out to the pdu under the hood? Is there a wiring diagram available online?



Thanks, Brian

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I pretty positive there is anything like that under the dash.



I'd look into installing one of those devices from Genos where you can easily add accessories. Or, if you like to tinker, make you own... You'll be glad you did once the modification bug has hit you hard.



Dan

 

[Dkevdog]

I would run a lead directly to the battery. Don't mess around with PDC... ... ... . especially with the need for 20amps. If you're worried about it being constant, you could run it with a relay. That's exactly what I did for mine. I ran a 10gauge wire direct, link it up through a relay to the ACC on the ignition, and installed a mini (6 position) fuse bay under the knee bolster.



Kev

 

[C. Harlan]

What I would do, is run a relay... Run the power wire straight to the battery, but use a relay, therefore you can have it turn and off when the key is turned... if you wire it straight to the battery, you will have to manually turn it off everytime. . I did this in my 91 Ram, but It got to be a pain in the but. Just a thought for ya to ponder.



-Chris-

 

[BSowers]

Thanks for the relay idea.

Fortunately the head unit just needs it for the built in amp and switches off on its own. . hmmmmm any handy bulkhead feed throughs on the firewall?

Someone else (Tim Taylor) suggested to tap the #16 fuse. Would anyone out there have a wiring diagram they might fax me or email?

 

[C. Harlan]

if you are wanting a power wire, just use the red one, if using an aftermarket stereo wiring harness... use that one for the relay... That should do the trick. . I hope that is the answer to your question. .



-Chris-

 

[BSowers]

Chris



I can't hook it to the green/white stripe one?



That would be to easy. This unit requires 15 amps so a dedicated 20 amp circuit is needed.

 

[Cooker]

I have never dealt with an aftermarket head unit that requires a power supply other than the power provided in the OEM wiring harness for the radio. I just install a higher end Alpine last week in a friends truck and the OEM wiring harness it powering it just fine.



Just curious what brand/model head unit you purchased? I really cannot see the need for a dedicated 20 amp circuit for the amplifier on the unit. But things have changed some since I was doing this every day.

 

[BSowers]

AHHHHH Problem solved and stereo installed. The wire has been run through the firewall and connected to the battery. I also discovered which wire clicked on the infinity amp. Oo.

The unit is a Blaupunkt San Francisco and sweeeeeet. It'll automatically adjust for ahem road noise.



yaaaaaaawn... I got to bed at 3am. WELLLL at least my boss'll understand, he owns a 99 2500.



NOW what kind of speakers to replace the factory rattlers?

 

[C. Harlan]

not to hurt your feelings, but when I worked at a Car audio place back in High School, Blaupunkt's had a high return rate, and were quite defective... I am not saying this to be ugly, but learned that Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, and Eclipse are about the best 4 units to go with. . remember that if you short change it on the first go round, it will come back to catch you later down the road. . If you can, Honestly, I would take it back, and get a more reputable unit. . I purchase a new head unit every year for my truck, and have never settled for less than the best! I just thought I would give you a little input there!



-Chris-

 

[rweis]

As for the wiring, the Painless like I have are 4@10 amp on each of 2 relays. Not to say you could not double one of them, but not really heavy enough. Direct wire when it gets into the 20 amp range is better I think.





Bob Weis

 

[BSowers]

Charlan



"Back when I was in HS" leaves it wide open and I'm gonna swing.

Back when I was in HS 8 tracks were the thing, Cassettes were new! Oo.



Brian (who works at a college and the freshmen here weren't even a twinkle when he graduated. )