Confused and new!

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=5613
Printed Date: August 16, 2025 at 6:08 PM

Topic: Confused and new!

Posted By: Dustee Grey 82
Subject: Confused and new!
Date Posted: November 18, 2002 at 7:25 PM

Hey everyone, Im new to this forum, and has never installed car audio myself. I just bought a new deck by panasonic and plan to replace the OEM head unit. I am not replacing speakers, or adding a sub and amp. I'll add all those goodies later. My question may sound dumb, but I dont know enough to install the unit myself....yet. I'm asking you guru's for assistance.

When I install the new head unit into my car, do I need to do anything with a ground cable? I ask this because, I have seen other people who have dealt with ground cables, but I thought if someone is installing an amp and sub they would have to do something with ground cables. Do I need to mess with ground cables, since im just installing a new head unit? I thank you all who can help and assist me.

Replies:

Posted By: PLAYER69
Date Posted: November 18, 2002 at 7:29 PM

What car do you have?

Posted By: Dustee Grey 82
Date Posted: November 18, 2002 at 8:24 PM

A dusty grey 82 honda accord posted_image

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: November 19, 2002 at 1:35 AM

Get a wire harness from your local audio shop. These make for the cleanest and easiest installs. They'll need the make/model and year of the car, and the make/model of the head unit u r installing. Plug it in and you should be good to go.

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Squirrel
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If its too loud, then you're too old
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Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: November 19, 2002 at 6:41 AM

With some OEM head units you have a ground cable that goes to the chassis of the head unit. With others, there is a ground wire in the harness. I've never done a Honda older than about '88 or so, but all the ones I have done have the ground wire in the harness, so you probably won't need to worry about hooking up a ground.

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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two

Posted By: Dustee Grey 82
Date Posted: November 19, 2002 at 12:20 PM

Thanks everyone for the help. I went to an auto shop yesterday and found a wiring harness for my car. posted_image Thanks Chris for clarifying that ground cable mess.

MIKE