FloridaXLT

I am attempting to install a Kenwood DPX501BT in my 2011 XLT. MY factory setup was standard headunit with no amp or Nav, just Sync. I purchased the Metra 70-5521 (just wanted simple install, not interested in retaining Sync or steering controls) and hooked up all speaker wires to match the Kenwood harness. Yellow wires are matched up and black wires are matched up for ground. Originally I had red matched to red, but read about issues where the red wire will not actually turn the head unit on. It was instead suggested to find a Switched 12V source. I bought a Bussman mini fuse tap and plugged into #37 - Brake Trailer. Ran a wire from the fuse tap to the red wire off of the Kenwood harness - but have not had any luck. I have checked fuse#s: 9, 10, 26, 29 and 38 - all were good, also checked 10a fuse on back of head unit which is good as well. I am at a loss for what else I am missing. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated, as I am trying to avoid having to go to stereo shop to have it looked at. Have done several installs in the past, but never had one give me this many problems.

Forgot to mention, when I press the Eject button, I can hear the motor moving on head unit to eject disc - so Constant must be working.

Toddman38

iTrader: (5)

Have you tried connecting Red from HU, to the harness Red and running that way for a while?

FloridaXLT

Unfortunately, my original setup included the red from Kenwood harness matched up to Metra Red and this produced the same results I am getting now. If I have misunderstood your suggestion, please let me know - in case you were referring to a different red harness wire.


Another thought, to test the head unit to make sure it is working - could I hook both yellow (batt) and red (ignition) from Kenwood to yellow on Metra (battery) to see if unit at least powers on - I know it would be constant, but at least I can confirm if head unit is working?

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

Use a different fuse than 37. 38 is the one that has been suggested. You could hook it up to the constant to see if it works to test it. Also use I test light

FloridaXLT

Thank you I may try fuse #38. Additionally, during my search, I came across another thread where it was suggested to check the wire cluster above the brake pedal. I took out my test light and located a blue/white wire that comes on when key is turned. I tried to hook up with no success, however I hooked up additional wire I have been using and noticed that test light was strong when at blue/white wire, but very dim at end of additional wire. I am thinking that the additional wire is not properly carrying the signal to the radio. I am going to pick up some extra wire to test, since maybe the problem all long has been the extension wire. Out of curiosity, the extension wire is a slightly higher gauge than the blue/white on truck or red from Kenwood harness - can this be causing additional issues?

FloridaXLT

Well now that I had a little more time, I was able to resolve the issue. Tested by hooking both yellow and red from kenwood to yellow metra and radio powered on - so I knew it was working, just could not find that right source. Many of the switched power sources were weak in power, so I took apart steering column and found green/purple wire in ignition harness. Test light lit up like a christmas tree, but only when key was turned. Spliced in and now the radio is working like a charm. Thank you to everyone for your suggestions and assistance.