Q&A for How to Install a Basic Aftermarket Car Stereo

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How do I know which color wires to match up?

Community Answer

Look for a wiring diagram for your car as well as the wiring diagram for the head unit. This will guide you in relation to the exact model you're using.

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Question

Do I need to connect the RCA cable and wiring harness that came with my new aftermarket stereo? If so, where do I connect it?

Community Answer

The RCA cables are for if you have an amp. If you are not hooking up subwoofers you don't need the RCA. If you are, the RCA runs to your amp.

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Question

What if the new stereo is smaller than the stock stereo?

Community Answer

You may be able to get an adapter plate for your make and model from a car radio specialist, and possibly a wiring adapter identity, if need be.

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Question

Which are the power wires?

Community Answer

Usually the red, orange and yellow leads are power + and black is the negative lead. Red and orange mostly go strait to the batt+ and yellow positive side of ignition switch. Black -- any negative earth.

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Question

I'm installing an after market radio into a 2013 KIA Sportage, and there are 3 extra wires coming out of the new radio marked brake, back, and AMP C. Where do they go?

Community Answer

They go to the brake, the back and AMP C.

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Question

What's the difference between a 12 V ignition/ACC and a 12 v battery/memory?

Community Answer

12 volt ignition means that it only gets power when the key is on accessory; 12 volt battery means it's on all the time, as long as your battery is good, and thus can store memory. For example, if you had a digital CB radio, it would remember what channel you were on.

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Question

What do I do if my car radio stays on after turning the ignition off?

Community Answer

Make sure you ignition wire is connected properly, it's usually a blue marked wire. You don't want constant power.

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Question

What is wrong if my radio has no sound after installation?

Community Answer

Check the speaker wires to see if the polarity is correct. If not, thencheck the stereo manual to see what color it is and if using a harness, check the color on the harness, then connect. If doing connections without a harness, check the vehicle wiring diagram and connect the wires into the correct location.

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