Hobbes80

I would run the power and signal down different sides of the truck... not that much more work to do it that way and it signal noise is a cancer that is hard to get rid of.

skeeterweeder

I guess I will Run the RCA Cables down the Drivers side then. I have 16' of RCA cable now. I probably will have to connect another set up to that then I guess. I will measure it all out when I get off work today. What do you think about the way I grounded my grounding wire? Sound like it will work?

airforceixi

I just finished doing an install in my truck, and there's something I noticed. The 12V Accessory power on the radio harness ONLY exists for the lowest/base model radio. If you have SYNC, 6CD, Sirius...you'll have to run a wire from the SJB at the front-passenger kick panel. You'll need to tap into a Blue wire from the largest connector right above the fuse panel. This will provide accessory power (with the accessory delay). Or, you could us an add-a-fuse to tap into a spot that has a 12V switched output as well.

Hobbes80

if that were true, then how does the radio know to turn on when you turn the key... there has to be SOMETHING there.... granted it may be harder to find and not as obvious... The harness you bought from Metra should let you know which line to use for switched power.

skeeterweeder

What's an SJB at the front-passenger kick panel? I have SYNC, but do not have a 6 CD or SIRIUS. I basically have the basic radio with SYNC. I think the switched +12V at the Metra Harness sounds like a safe bet. Maybe I will give Metra techs a call or email them and ask them. Thanks for the information.

airforceixi

Check out these two images: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1257774/Pics/AudioWiring1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1257774/Pics/AudioWiring2.jpg
First one is for a base radio. You'll see that it has a blue wire (Circuit CBP41) going from the SJB to the ACM (radio). This is what is used to turn the Base model.
Second one is for the "Premium" radio. (Note: Premium radio is not the same as Sony, Sony is an add-on to the premium radio, with different programming) You'll see that it does not have the same wire. Rather, the vehicle tells the truck to turn the radio on via the CAN bus (as seen on the lower portion of the second image). You do NOT want to tap into those.
The Metra harness is designed for use with multiple vehicles, so they include all the wires in case a vehicle needs them. In this case, it's of no use. I didn't know until I tore my truck apart and couldn't figure out why my amps weren't turning on.

NOTE: These are for a 2010 F-150. I'm not sure if the 2009s or 2011s are different, but I can't imagine they are.

I think if you have SYNC, you have the "Premium" radio. The SYNC needs to communicate with the radio via the CAN bus for certain features and the base radio doesn't have the capability to do so.

skeeterweeder

airforceixi, I appreciate the help. I was hoping you could explain exactly what you mean to me. You are speaking "Greek" to an amatuer. Think of me as a 5 year old and you are the teacher. If you could break it down "Barney Style" for me, I would appreciate it. Are you telling me that I should tap into the fuse box...........and if so, what slot? Is tapping into the harness a loss cause for me basically? Thank You. Does everything else on my diagram on page 3 look legit?

airforceixi

Everything you're planning on doing looks kosher, except you run the risk of that accessory wire not existing on the radio harness. However, if you tap into the accessory wire at the SJB, you shouldn't have any troubles because that wire is guaranteed to be there. I took your diagram and slightly modified it. Take a look:


Also, since you're just adding a sub (based on your diagram), instead of getting the BT-5520 and the LOCA25A, just get a PAC AOEM-FRD24. It has the "tap in" harness and LOC all in one, and you'd probably save money compared to buying the two.

skeeterweeder

Awesome reference. I like the visual stuff, I can better see what you were talking about. I already had the LOC from awhile ago and bought the harness (should be here Tuesday), so sucks for me that I could've had the PAC harness. I have heard nothing but great things from the Metra Harness though. So I guess I should be good to tap into that solid blue wire in the SJB? Thanks I really do appreciate the help. Ill post the pictures of my finished product when I install the harness and also let everyone know how it all worked out and sounds.

airforceixi

The Metra BT-5520 harness is EXCELLENT if you are planning to run amps for subwoofers AND speakers. However, just adding on a subwoofer, the PAC harness makes life a lot easier.

I'll be posting pictures of my setup soon, actually. I was waiting for a nice day to take pictures and looks like today's the day. Good luck with your install.