Understanding the Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram is essential for anyone looking to install a new stereo in their vehicle. This specific diagram acts as a roadmap, detailing how the aftermarket stereo will connect to the factory wiring harness of your car. Having a clear understanding of the Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram can save you time, prevent electrical damage, and ensure your new audio system functions perfectly.
Understanding the Metra 70-5520 Wiring Diagram
The Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram is a crucial document provided by Metra, a well-known manufacturer of car audio installation accessories. Its primary purpose is to bridge the gap between the wiring found in your vehicle's factory radio harness and the wiring harness that comes with your new aftermarket stereo. Think of it as a translator, ensuring that power, ground, speaker signals, and other necessary connections are correctly matched. Without this diagram, connecting the wires would be a guessing game, often leading to frustration and potential damage to your car's electrical system or your new head unit. The importance of correctly interpreting and using this diagram cannot be overstated for a successful and safe installation.
When you get your Metra 70-5520 harness adapter, it will have a set of wires with specific color codes. The Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram will then tell you exactly which wire on your new stereo's harness corresponds to each wire on the adapter. This ensures that:
- Power is supplied correctly.
- Ground connections are established.
- Speaker outputs are wired to the correct channels.
- Accessory wires for features like antenna retraction or illumination are handled.
Here's a typical breakdown of what you might find and how it's used:
| Wire Color (Metra Harness) | Function |
|---|---|
| Yellow | 12V Battery (Constant Power) |
| Red | 12V Accessory (Switched Power) |
| Black | Ground |
| Blue | Power Antenna/Amplifier Turn-on |
| White/White-Black | Left Front Speaker (+) / (-) |
| Gray/Gray-Black | Right Front Speaker (+) / (-) |
| Green/Green-Black | Left Rear Speaker (+) / (-) |
| Purple/Purple-Black | Right Rear Speaker (+) / (-) |
This table provides a generalized example. Always refer to the specific Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram that comes with your adapter for the most accurate information pertaining to your vehicle model. The diagram will often include additional notes or specific wire functions that are vital for a complete installation.
To use the Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram effectively, you will typically need a few basic tools such as wire strippers, crimpers, and connectors. The process involves identifying the corresponding wires on your aftermarket stereo's harness and the Metra 70-5520 harness adapter based on the diagram. Once identified, you will connect them securely. For instance, if the diagram shows that the yellow wire on the Metra harness connects to the yellow wire on your stereo's harness, you would strip a small portion of insulation from each wire and join them together using a butt connector or by soldering and then insulating with heat shrink tubing. This methodical approach ensures each connection is made correctly.
The Metra 70-5520 wiring diagram is your indispensable tool for integrating your new car stereo. Make sure to consult the specific diagram included with your Metra harness for the most accurate and vehicle-specific instructions. You can find this diagram within the packaging of the Metra 70-5520 wiring harness adapter itself.