Electrical problems

[Calico_NC]

I just installed a new car radio and i think the factories ground wire isn't properly connected. When i hook everything up, and turn on the radio, it wont come on unless the car is started. Even then, it cuts out at loud volumes. I need to know where the factory ground wire may be located at. I think my interior lights are effected by the poorly connected ground wire b/c they are dimmer when the car is off. Does anyone have any experience with this.

[stilljester]

I just installed a new car radio and i think the factories ground wire isn't properly connected. When i hook everything up, and turn on the radio, it wont come on unless the car is started. Even then, it cuts out at loud volumes. I need to know where the factory ground wire may be located at. I think my interior lights are effected by the poorly connected ground wire b/c they are dimmer when the car is off. Does anyone have any experience with this.

Are you sure you have the switched 12V lead and constant 12V connected correctly? I had a similar problem once and that was the issue. If you’re concerned about grounding just on a separate wire to the chassis to test your theory.

[Calico_NC]

i switched the 12v connectors, and it still cuts out. Wont turn on unless i have the car on. Even though it cuts out. Where would the factory ground be located at?

[Ross]

Brown wires are ground on German cars.

[Calico_NC]

Whomever previously had the car had some sort of harness attached to the factory one, so im guessing they did it right. I dont know. They had the black wire from the OEM radio taped to a metal screw as the ground i think. I know that is probably wrong. I disconnected it and ran it to the black wire from the harness, but it still is not working correctly. I might need to buy another harness.

It looks something like this:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2002/120/h120709195-f.jpeg

[Calico_NC]

I also have this is my car but it's not connected to anything what is it? I know it's an antenna thingy, but i see no where to connect it on my radio.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2005/120/l12040VW21-f.jpeg

[Calico_NC]

could someone please help me locate the factory ground. Where does it lead to? I think the connection might have rusted over or something

[scott 4991]

The "antenna thingy" is a Right Angle antenna connector - for tight install in the rear of the radio. Plug your existing antenna cable into the end, and the other end into the radio. You can save about 2" in radio depth this way. There must be the mating connector on the radio for this to work.

sc

[fujioko]

According to Bentley, The OE radio harness has a black/white wire… not just a black wire. Anyway maybe you didn’t notice the white tracer on the black wire.

If the black/white wire from the OE harness is the one in question… well it’s the lead to the body computer system, not a ground.

I would think it serves no purpose with an aftermarket head unit. ground or float really shouldn’t make a difference.

[acidfire52]

Dim lights, cutting out at loud volumes, only working when the car is on...
I would check your battery. Sounds to me like it might be on it's last leg or worse.

[aston_jag_tech]

Make sure you have a battery charger on.

I have an after market head unit and have no troubles. I did not purchase a link lead. I fitted spade connectors since I will neva eva install a oem radio.

If you want to find that ground wire. Purchase a multi-meter(Should have if doing any elec. work) and set to ohm setting. Clamp your neg. lead to chassis. and start checking all your wires. be sure Ign. is off.

Same follows for the 12v supply. Set to DC volt and ground neg again and check all wires. Be sure charger is on. Volt may vary from 12 to 15v.