Expert: Cleggsan - 5/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: My question is basically about the installation of the cd player.  I installed the cd player and everything is mainly working, my only problem is that the knob to control the light to the panel were the speed odometer is located, cuts my cd player off when I turn the knob, I feel like I connected a wire wrong and also the interior lights do not work when I open the door, so I think maybe I connected the wires wrong, please help me with this problem. Thanks

ANSWER: Yes, seems you have the wiring a little off!

The wiring guide for your vehicle can be seen here on page 1:

http://installdr.com/Harnesses/Ford-Wiring.pdf

If you go back and recheck all your wiring it should solve the problem.  BTW, did you use a wiring harness or just wire it on your own without the correct harness?  I strongly urge you to use a properly designated harness - which will match all the wires up the right way.  You can find such harnesses at www.crutchfield.com or installer.com or, in some case, you can find the right one at your local Walmart store in the automotive section!

Best to you,
C


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I actually wired the cd player without a harness, everything is working now, but i can still cut the cd player off when i turn the knob that lights up the panel with the speed odometer is located, besides that, everything is working now.  Thanks for you help and if you know of anything I can do to change the little problem i have let me know, thank you

Answer
It seems you have the cd player remote wire connected to the wrong place.  It should be coming off an ignition wire that feeds 12 volts when in acc or on but goes off when ignition is in the off position.  You can tell easily by moving the remote wire from the player to another connection off the ignition.  The remote current is very small because it only sends a signal to turn on the player, so any 12v line will do it.  You can connect it to the main battery terminal, for example, and it will work.  But, then you must never forget to turn the player off manually when you leave the car or it will drain your battery down!

BEst Wishes,
C