chaotic646

I posted this in the aftermarket upgrade forum but more people read this section and I need help quick, as my dash is in pieces...

I have a 2011 XLT with the most basic stereo system I believe. No SYNC, no Sony, just the crap stock setup with CD player.

Im trying to upgrade to a Jensen VX7020 but Im not getting any power. Ive checked all fuses, double checked my wiring everything is right but the damn thing wont turn on.

The only wiring harness I could find that fit my truck is the Metra 70-5520. It plugs right in, but there is a second wiring harness that was going to my factory unit...the one on the right in this pic:



I have no idea what that second harness is for, and I have nothing to plug it in to.

The only other thing I can think of is my aftermarket unit has a DVD player and GPS and you're supposed to wire it to the parking brake so that you cant watch movies while you're driving. I have read many different places that all you have to do to get around that is ground the wire so I did. Not really so I could watch movies while driving, but because Im lazy and didnt want to try to find the parking brake wire.

Any suggestions?

michael williamson

I just went through the same problem with my truck. I had to run a separate power wire since I didn't get power through the harness either. The easiest way is to just use a test light and find another wire you can tap into for power.

chaotic646

So is it just a faulty aftermarket wiring harness or what? Do you remember which wire you tapped into?

michael williamson

The harness just didn't seem to have power coming from the truck side. I had hell trying to figure out why and after hours of trying I just gave up. I believe I just tapped into the power wire on the back of the hazard button switch.

chaotic646

Awesome thanks man. Do you remember if you used the same Metra harness as me? I can't find my test light so I'm going to run to Walmart now and grab one. I really hope that's all it is and I don't have to start sending stuff back that may be perfectly fine.

michael williamson

I used the same one but I also tried another brand (can't remember the name ) before I gave up on it. Both had the same problem.

chaotic646

Right on. Did you have that second wiring harness for your factory unit too? If do did you just leave it hanging?

michael williamson

Yep, just left that one hanging back there.

chaotic646

Well I figured it out, the power is fine but the ignition in the aftermarket wiring harness went to nothing. So I found an ignition hot wire and spliced into that. Everything working fine now, thanks again Michael!

ReactiveD

The easiest hook up is get a fuse splitter from advance and plug into the fuse panel passenger side kick panel. The radio will remain on until the door is opened. I believe i have a picture in my garage.