Expert: Cleggsan - 7/14/2006

Question
Is there a free source that you know of for decoding pioneer car stereo wire colors.  We just got a jeep with a unit (in box) that was factory refurbished -- no instructions -- and haven't an idea what most of the wires are.  This is an older KEH500QRB  model.  

Answer
I would need the make and model and year of the jeep to get the precise answer AND the manual on the Pioneer unit - but that is what you are looking for I know!

http://installdr.com/InstallDocs/Jeep/PDF/533001.pdf

The above site gives some data for a jeep which may or many not be the jeep you are driving.  However, if you go to

www.installdr.com

you may be able to find the right vehicle, then then go to the installing wiring guide for further help in identifying the right wire layouts.

I could not find ths model number you gave on the Pioneer web pages, unfortunately.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Zcd7VeS1MeD/cgi-bin/autoinfo/InstallationGuide.asp?...

The above site is for a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, for example and shows the wiring harness kit which would come with instructions on it adaptation to aftermarket units; it may be of help.

To find your exact unit, just go to

www.crutchfield.com
and search your jeep and see if that helps.

The hands-on way is to determine which wire is which by trial and error; powering up the unit and connecting speakers to the outputs until you have one by one identified all the wires.  Place tape on each wire and tag it what it is.  Experienced people do this all the time; if you are an inexperienced person it may take a while, for sure.

Another idea is to go into the PioneerElectronics.com web and search out a unit that may be similar and of near vintage, download the owners manual and assume that the wiring may be similar if not identical to the model you have.  That could be a good solution.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/older/models/support/0,,2076_3100702...

This page would be a place to start looking.

Finally, this site may help you.

http://www.installer.com/wires/

Hope this helps.
Cleggsan