Radio Question. I'm Puzzled

[boss_358]

Hi everyone. I just joined this site because I have one of the first major puzzles on my 1999 ZX2 that I cannot solve. I'm hoping someone may have gone through this procedure and can give me some insight.

As I stated I have a 1999 ZX2 that I am replacing the factory stereo in. The original was the premium system with the 6 disc changer in the trunk.

I have the whole installation kit which replaces the whole control plate where the radio is. It came with all of the adapters for the power harness and speaker wire harness. But this is where it gets tricky.

Before fully installing the stereo I did a quick hook up to test function ect. Well the original factory power harness plugged right into the mating adapter. But the harness for the speakers was much more complex due to the CD changer I imagine. Needless to say the speaker harness that came with the kit wasn't even close. Upon further inspection I noticed another harness which looked correct plugged into basically nothing but a dummy harness on some of the dash bracing.

That turned out to be the "other" harness for the speakers, for models without the 6 disc changer I would imagine. Here is where the problem begins. I turn the radio on and everything seems fine. The only problem is I only have front speakers. Everything is hooked up as it should be and I go through everything trying to figure out why the rears are not working. I have narrowed it down that it has to be something in the factory wiring. Everything worked fine with the factory radio but then again, it was using the other plug.

I am going to call to see if there is another harness to hook into it but was wondering if anyone has run into this and how did you remedy it? Cutting the factory harness is not an option. I have owned too many vehicles that have had the harnesses butchered beyond belief and I like to take better care of my vehicles than that.

Thank you for any input.

[dareall]

Boss_358,

you are using the correct plugs to install an aftermarket stereo. If you are concerned about keeping the factory wiring intact (especially if you ever decide to sell it and reinstall the factory setup), you will need to set up the stereo differently than what the directions say.

I am assuming that you purchased a kit that is manufactured by Metra (part 99-5720). This is a good looking adapter and is made better than the rest of the aftermarket adapters. The instructions only mention the install for cars that do not come equipped with premium sound. For premium sound equipped cars, you will need to reconnect the "dummy" plug*. Additionally, you will need the premium sound adapter and the adapter to bypass the ford external amplifier (found beneath the drivers seat)**. This link will show you a picture of what I am refering to:

Ford/Mercury Factory Stereo Integration Package 1997-up Ford Escort / Mercury Tracer with Premium Sound at Crutchfield.com

the adapter for the amp is partially pictured on the lower right.

this link will show the one you may have instead:

Ford/Mercury Factory Integration Adapter 1997-up Ford Escort1997-99 Mercury Tracer at Crutchfield.com

As you can see, these are two very specific parts with two different prices to reflect the differences. This is the way to go to maintain your factory wiring.

I hope this helps, good luck.

* this "dummy" plug acts as a return for the speaker output into the factory amp. If you did not disconnect the power to the amp before connecting the speaker connection, you may have caused damage to the new head unit. (The amp puts out 80 watts of power).

** If you have a box mounted beneath the passenger seat, DO NOT touch it as it is the controller for anti-lock brakes (if equipped).

[dareall]

Boss-358,

I just got back from the local autozone. They carry the metra part you need. It includes the harness adapters and the bypass for the amplifier. I think the part number for this is: RW-FDPS. It sells for $16.99.

[boss_358]

Dareall, Thanks for your posts and all of your replies! I should have posted right away but I did find the solution. It was an Easy fix that cost about $20.00. It turns out all I needed was the Metra 70-5600 adapter for premium sound systems. Everything works great as far as the stereo is concerned. No if I can just figure out why my factory foglights will not work!??

[tonyb1978]

Originally Posted by boss_358

Hi everyone. I just joined this site because I have one of the first major puzzles on my 1999 ZX2 that I cannot solve. I'm hoping someone may have gone through this procedure and can give me some insight.

As I stated I have a 1999 ZX2 that I am replacing the factory stereo in. The original was the premium system with the 6 disc changer in the trunk.

I have the whole installation kit which replaces the whole control plate where the radio is. It came with all of the adapters for the power harness and speaker wire harness. But this is where it gets tricky.

Before fully installing the stereo I did a quick hook up to test function ect. Well the original factory power harness plugged right into the mating adapter. But the harness for the speakers was much more complex due to the CD changer I imagine. Needless to say the speaker harness that came with the kit wasn't even close. Upon further inspection I noticed another harness which looked correct plugged into basically nothing but a dummy harness on some of the dash bracing.

That turned out to be the "other" harness for the speakers, for models without the 6 disc changer I would imagine. Here is where the problem begins. I turn the radio on and everything seems fine. The only problem is I only have front speakers. Everything is hooked up as it should be and I go through everything trying to figure out why the rears are not working. I have narrowed it down that it has to be something in the factory wiring. Everything worked fine with the factory radio but then again, it was using the other plug.

I am going to call to see if there is another harness to hook into it but was wondering if anyone has run into this and how did you remedy it? Cutting the factory harness is not an option. I have owned too many vehicles that have had the harnesses butchered beyond belief and I like to take better care of my vehicles than that.

Thank you for any input.

canyou send me some pics of the factory harness i'm sure i've got the right awnser for u car audio tech

[Darken]

Hi,

Its funny, I just decided to change out my stereo, having not had the CD changer work for over a year, and getting bored of the radio I changed my stereo out, and had the exact same issue, and was glad to find this post.

I went out and got the amp bypass cable, but it only fits one of the 3 connectors to the amp, its the one that goes to the speakers.

the cable I got was the 70-5513. I currently have the 70-5600 kit on order, but worry I am going to be in the same situation with the amp not bypassed.. so Boss_358 - did you still have to bypass the amplifier when you installed the 70-5600 kit?

thanks

[dareall]

the kit bypasses the amplifier. this is a necessary step if you wish to use the factory wiring. If you wish to wire this yourself, leave the power side intact and use an adapter. From there you can wire the speakers, amp or whatever you wish to add.