how to find ground

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=14078
Printed Date: May 15, 2024 at 2:29 PM

Topic: how to find ground

Posted By: NiceGuy818
Subject: how to find ground
Date Posted: May 27, 2003 at 8:43 PM

Is there a universal way of finding the ground for the headunit for all cars? Always does anyone know a site that has the Audio OEM colors (other than streetdreams.com). Thanks Guys

Replies:

Posted By: IronCy
Date Posted: May 27, 2003 at 8:57 PM

If your not using a wire harness, find any piece of metal that is attached the to frame of the vehicle, use a wire brush to remove any paint, you now have a ground. As far as universal, no, every make is different, some makers dont provide a ground in the harness, those radios get a ground once the radio is screwed into the dash--or through the antenna---or a combination.

-Cy

Posted By: mobiletoys2002
Date Posted: May 27, 2003 at 9:47 PM

I say make your own ground it is a much better connection than any factory ground anyways. Factory grounds are usually shared between multiple componenets in the car and can introduce noise into a system so make your own and youll be good to go.

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: May 27, 2003 at 11:02 PM

Here's a link to the 12Volts Vehicle Information Database

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com

Posted By: chasesaccessori
Date Posted: May 28, 2003 at 7:44 AM

Or........

Just use a meter and test the wires. Make sure that when you think that you have found a ground to turn on the headlights and turn the dimmer to see if it goes away.

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(owner/installer)
Chase's Accessories
Ridgecrest, CA
in business since 92

Posted By: NiceGuy818
Date Posted: May 28, 2003 at 11:51 AM

To see what goes away? How do I use a meter to find that? Thanks

Posted By: IronCy
Date Posted: May 28, 2003 at 7:23 PM

He is saying that you could test a wire that rests at ground--headlights/dimmer, but once you turn them on--the wire now has 12v on it---so using that wire as your ground would be bad news. Either use the factory supplied wire in the harness, or make your own---dont waste time looking for other wires. Too much work IMO.

-Cy