Pioneer HU install help

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Oct 16, 2006
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Location
Reidsville, NC
I am installing the 720 BT in my 98 LC, amazon shows a couple different harnesses so not sure which ones I need. I need a power and a antenna harness, I believe!! Thanks!
 
Thanks Pablo, that will def help! Does anyone know of a adaptor instead of chopping up the factory wiring?
 
I think that will work Root! Thanks!
 
OK, I have the Metra, trying to connect it to the Pioneer harness. Yellow-constant volt is connected and so is black. I have orange from Metra to orange/white (pioneer) for illumination. There are only 2 wires left besides the RCA's, a blue and a blue/white. So, blue/white (pioneer) goes to blue (metra) . Now, I have the red left , manual says to connect it to ignition switch but I only have a blue/white left(metro-amp turn on)!!!!! HELP! Thanks
 
Do you not have a red wire in the Metra harness? It should have all the signals/wires listed in the Metra "instructions". If not, then either get a replacement, or you'll have to splice into the factory harness for the Accessory signal (pin 3 of the factory and Metra harnesses).

http://www.metraonline.com/files/products/INST70-8112.pdf

One thing I have noticed with Pioneer, is that they (sadly) don't have a signal for antenna power. People typically tie the car antenna power signal (Metra - Blue) into the Amp Turn-on signal (Metra - Blue/White). Kenwood stereos on the other hand, do power the antenna, but only when FM/AM is selected; very smart.

Hope this helps.
 
I used a different brand because of the Metra notes from Mud missing that wire...i think I ended up buying a Best Kits BHA8112 off Amazon...

Yes, just confirmed I used that part above.
 
Do you not have a red wire in the Metra harness? It should have all the signals/wires listed in the Metra "instructions". If not, then either get a replacement, or you'll have to splice into the factory harness for the Accessory signal (pin 3 of the factory and Metra harnesses).

http://www.metraonline.com/files/products/INST70-8112.pdf

One thing I have noticed with Pioneer, is that they (sadly) don't have a signal for antenna power. People typically tie the car antenna power signal (Metra - Blue) into the Amp Turn-on signal (Metra - Blue/White). Kenwood stereos on the other hand, do power the antenna, but only when FM/AM is selected; very smart.

Hope this helps.
Root...No red wire on the Metra, I did notice the orange says "ignition switch" on the wire but the instructions say this wire is for Illumination!

As far as antenna power, the instructions say this...." When this unit is on, control signals are sent thru the blue/white. Connect this cable to the system remote control of an external amp or the vehicles auto-antenna relay control terminal. Never connect the blue/white to the power terminal of an external amp. Also, never connect it to the power terminal of the auto antenna."
 
Could I do red -pioneer(connect to terminal controlled by ignition switch 12vdc) to blue metro (power antenna)? Then have blue/white to blue white.
 
Just talked to Metra...he says to hook up blue and blue/white (metra) to blue/white pioneer. Also, connect red pioneer to orange (metra), then I would have to run my own illumination wire!! Really....i thought this was plug and play!!
 
Are you sure you got the Metra 70-8112? This one is for 92-99 Toyota with factory amp. It has the needed wires to make the radio functional. However, it is missing the illumination wire, but it's not needed with the touch screen radios. The JVC head unit I got automatically dims when dark so the illumination trigger isn't necessary.
 
Are you sure you got the Metra 70-8112? This one is for 92-99 Toyota with factory amp. It has the needed wires to make the radio functional. However, it is missing the illumination wire, but it's not needed with the touch screen radios. The JVC head unit I got automatically dims when dark so the illumination trigger isn't necessary.
Yes Warrior, I do have the 8112, I have everything together except the illumination wire, which wire is that on the 15 pin stock hu, I have read different thoughts.
 
20160205_120715.webp 20160205_120724.webp
This is the factory 15 pin setup, which wire is illumination wire?
 
The Best harness has the correct wiring. For some reason it seems Metra left out illumination.

I can't recall which OEM color is illumination, but it may vary from year to year. I'll try to remember to come back here and update when I get home and check my wiring manual.
 
The Best harness has the correct wiring. For some reason it seems Metra left out illumination.

I can't recall which OEM color is illumination, but it may vary from year to year. I'll try to remember to come back here and update when I get home and check my wiring manual.

Thanks Supra, I have it installed without illumination wire connected for now. I do notice a lot of buzz or interference in the radio I suppose I need a filter as well!?? Ehh...should have just paid a pro!!

Also, the antenna doesn't go all the way up, Im sure this is because I had to combine the two wires and it may be not getting enough voltage. FM reception is poor but hope it improves once I receive my adapter to run my rear antenna with the front.
 
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The buzz is caused by a ground loop. The head unit is powered through the factory amp creating the loop. I have a slight engine running buzz, and I am waiting for two RCA isolators to arrive, which should remedy the situation.
 
The buzz is caused by a ground loop. The head unit is powered through the factory amp creating the loop. I have a slight engine running buzz, and I am waiting for two RCA isolators to arrive, which should remedy the situation.

What did you order?
 
Wow, that's pretty bad that Metra doesn't include the red ignition wire, especially since it's in their own documentation.

Antenna was likely reset when you disconnected your battery, so try the antenna up/down switch on console (next to the clock) and see if it goes all the way up.

I agree with the ground loop isolators that 87warrior referred to for the RCA cables. I ended up removing my stock amp and driving the speakers from the head unit because of the ground loop buzz, but I never tried the isolators.

I have only run the front telescoping antenna, remember to plug it into the head unit! Ask me how I know.... The rear antenna is a diversity antenna for diversity tuning. Most aftermarket head units are not capable of diversity tuning, hence the single antenna input. While people claim to get "better reception" with the Y adapters, it won't be the same as factory FM tuning. That being said, I've had no issues with reception on the single most antenna when fully extended. Definitely worse reception with it retracted, as you observed.
 
Wow, that's pretty bad that Metra doesn't include the red ignition wire, especially since it's in their own documentation.

Antenna was likely reset when you disconnected your battery, so try the antenna up/down switch on console (next to the clock) and see if it goes all the way up.

I agree with the ground loop isolators that 87warrior referred to for the RCA cables. I ended up removing my stock amp and driving the speakers from the head unit because of the ground loop buzz, but I never tried the isolators.

I have only run the front telescoping antenna, remember to plug it into the head unit! Ask me how I know.... The rear antenna is a diversity antenna for diversity tuning. Most aftermarket head units are not capable of diversity tuning, hence the single antenna input. While people claim to get "better reception" with the Y adapters, it won't be the same as factory FM tuning. That being said, I've had no issues with reception on the single most antenna when fully extended. Definitely worse reception with it retracted, as you observed.

Thanks for your help Root! I am disappointed in the Metra harness and may end up returning it for the Best. I didnt think about the antenna switch and will give it a try. The radio also makes a terrible sound when turned off but hoping the filter will remedy that....if I keep the Metra.
 
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