I'm going to install a CD player this weekend in the stang.

The wiring diagrams in FAQ are messed up at the bottom so I have a small question.

I am planning on using the esiting radio wiring for the ground and 12V switched power source. I was planning on using the wire going to the cigar lighter for the constant 12V. Can anyone verify that the cigar lighter wire is always hot?

 

On most Mustangs the cigarette liter wire is always hot, however some people like to change them and this my have done in your cars past. Easiest way to tell is to get a probe light. Ground the alligator clip and then push the sharp tip in to the wire, if it comes on with the key off than it is hot all the time. If yours has been changed and with the key still in the off position, go to your fuse box and start touch ends of the fuses with the probe once you find one that lights the bulb in the probe than you know you have a hot source.

 

Cigar (cigarette) lighter test:
1. With ignition off, push in lighter.
2. Wait.
3. Pops out - good.
4. Still waiting -
5. Still waiting -
6. Still waiting -
Jim

 

Jim, your comments really make me laugh. Sometimes we all over look the simple things.

 

Me too. I tend to forget the addage - 'K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple, Stupid'.
Jim

 

Thanks for the help guys.

My intial thought was to try the test Jim mentioned, but low and behold I have no lighter to push in, only a socket.

I'm at work right now, so I'll jsut get the ahndly voltmeter to make sure when I get home.

BTW, does anyone know which wire is positive and which is negative going to the radio?

 

Thisis very funny .Iam glad other can find humour in something people post. Thanks for making me laugh!!!!!

 

Being you did say which radio, the original Ford radio uses no ground wire, a single black for power and the blue with a red tracer for the light. Usually an aftermarket radio uses a red wire sometimes with a fuse and a black wire for ground. There are two other power wires for the aftermarket type, one for constant voltage and one for the light.
If you choose to use the Ford three socket connector you will need some 0.187 in dia pins. There are two behind the instrument cluster (yes, you need to remove the instrument cluster) that are flat and yellow. See the FAQ section for a drawing. The stock radio has a single conductor extention marked C5DB-18A919-A.
Jim

 

I guess I will use the single black wire for the switched power (will make sure it is switched).

Splice into the cigar lighter for constant power.

Make my own ground.

Connect the illumination wire to the 12V switched so its always lighted or connect to light switch.


I have installed a lot of stereo's, but none of the wiring diagrams I have contain the radio wiring.


Thanks for the help.

 

NO SPLICES ALLOWED. You can use a number 10 stud ring lug and slip it over the back of the cigar lighter's push on connector.
Jim