How do I install a non-factory cd player in my venture and get power to it?

Question

I have a 2001 Chevy Venture. It did not come with a c.d. player, so I purchased a Sony, had a friend hook it up (following the basic directions) and it got power (meaning I could put in and eject a cd), but no sound and no lights on the faceplate. We thought that perhaps it was the faceplate of the c.d. player, so instead traded it in for a slightly higher quality pioneer. Hooked everything up the way it appears it should be... but nothing. No power period. Is there some trick to my car that I'm not catching? The adaptor fits both ends and the wires are matching. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Look at the red wire in the adapting wire harness and match it up to the factory plug. Is there a wire in the same pin position on the factory side? If not, then you have a GM data-bus radio, which means that the vehicle's computer data bus sends a signal to the radio to switch it on and off. Your after-market radio can't use these signals, so you'll need to find an alternate source for the accessory power input (red wire). I like to use the heavy brown wire that runs from the key switch; that's the true accessory wire in your vehicle. If you tap into this wire, be sure to put a fuse on your new wire near the connection point.

Another option would be to purchase a data-bus adapter harness, which will decode the signal from the computer and use it to generate a switched accessory output.

Answer 2

if it is indash it will take some modification but with a bit of time and the other complete installed radio -with the encasement with wire harness it will be possible, if it is a in the trunk unit there will be no problems unless the wire harness plugs are not the same, then you will have to have someone re wire it