GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

GOT A NEW HEAD UNIT, THE JVC KD-BT1 (VERY NICE-HAS INTEGRATED BLUETOOTH AND USB INPUT FOR ONLY 225.00 ON EBAY). I USED THE METRA 70-2003 WIRING HARNESS AND I ONLY GET SOUND FROM THE LEFT SIDE SPEAKERS AND (THIS SEEMS ODD) BOTH TWEETERS. I TRIED RECRIMPING THE WIRES AND GOT THE SAME RESULT. THE GUY AT CIRCUITCITY SAYS I HAVE TO BYPASS AMP AND BUY NEW SPEAKERS, BUT I'M NOT REALLY TRYING TO INVEST THAT MUCH MONEY. I READ ON A PREVIOUS THREAD THAT PEOPLE HAD BEEN USING AFTERMARKET HEAD UNITS WITH THE FACTORY AMP SO I WAS HOPING SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE SOME TIPS FOR ME. COULD THE HARNESS PIN LAYOUT BE WRONG? DOES ANYONE HAVE A DIAGRAM OF THE PIN LAYOUT OR IS ANYONE ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT WIRES SHOULD BE IN WHICH SLOT? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

I think that you have everything in this thread to check your connector:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=6799Try to use the SEARCH function, it works really fine!

The factory head unit only feeds line level (preamp output) to the factory amp. The amp drives the 6 speakers in the doors, at 2 ohms. Your new head unit will likely have high level speaker outputs that are designed to wire directly to the speakers, but won't be compatible with 2 ohm OEM speakers. You'll need to use the line level outputs (if you have them on all 4 channels), and wire that to the factory amp. Or, like the sales rep said, replace that amp too. The wireing schematic will lay out the factory amp wiring.

I didn't knew that it was line level (I still doubt about it but I don't have the moon and tunes so I can't argu) Are you sure that the stock amp doesn't have a high level input?

AFTER RECHECKING THE PIN LAYOUT ON THE WIRING HARNESS THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT DOES APPEAR THAT I HAVE LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS FOR 4 CHANNELS. I'M NOT CLEAR ON HOW TO WIRE THESE THOUGH. DO I CONNECT THEM TO THE +/- WIRES ON THE HARNESS? IF SO, HOW IS IT DONE? I HAVE ATTCHED A SNAPSHOT OF THE BUSINESS END OF THE RADIO.

OKAY, I'M GONNA TRY THAT ATTACHMENT THING AGAIN.

Attached files

This is a perfect schematic for the factory amp. http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...o.gifI didn't embed the graphic here because it's HUGE.Connect the line level outputs from the new head unit to the designated inputs on the amp. I've verified that they are indeed line level, as I've tapped the two rear line level signals and split to my 860 watt amp driving the two rear subs. (Mine is an 04 M&T).

Quote, originally posted by vibe007 »I didn't knew that it was line level (I still doubt about it but I don't have the moon and tunes so I can't argu) Are you sure that the stock amp doesn't have a high level input?Yes it wants line level, but it can and will take a mid-level amplified signal from a head unit as long as you're not greedy.and using a Scosche FAI-3A adapter at $20 is a LOT less work and money then buying a new amp.I'm not saying it's perfect, or it's for everyone, but it can and will work in many cases.Diane

Quote, originally posted by Cop Magnet »OKAY, I'M GONNA TRY THAT ATTACHMENT THING AGAIN.and no one else has said it, so I will "PLEASE LAY OFF THE ALL CAPS, IT'S HARD TO READ, AND CONSIDERED RUDE"Ok, there, I'm done.Diane

man im confused. and its not often im confused about auto stuff. im about to replace my head unit soon. besides the radio what do i need? should i buy the wireharness?

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm gonna try the scosche unit this weekend if I can find it in town. I'd like to use the pre-amp outputs but they are an RCA style jack and the amp input is +/- terminals so I wouldn't know how to make the conversion. I'll post again this weekend if I can get any more work done on it. Sorry about the ALL CAPS faux pas, I'm new to the forum so I'll have to learn the etiquette as I go.

The RCA connectors are a snap. For best sound quality I'd definately use the line level connectors. The Scoche adapter you'll be amplifiying the signal, dropping back to line level and amplifying again. THD levels (total harmonic distortion) will be high (over 10%).http://www.radioshack.com/prod...earch

Quote, originally posted by RePo »The RCA connectors are a snap. For best sound quality I'd definately use the line level connectors. The Scoche adapter you'll be amplifiying the signal, dropping back to line level and amplifying again. THD levels (total harmonic distortion) will be high (over 10%).http://www.radioshack.com/prod...earchI got the RCA connectors and they were pretty easy to install. Now the sound quality is perfect but, unfortunately, the right side speakers are still silent. Also, now there is a really loud POP every time the power is turned on or the source is changed. Does the amp have fuses for the two sides? I checked the schematic you posted above and it doesn't show any but I was hoping I didn't ruin my amp with the speaker level inputs.

Quote, originally posted by Cop Magnet »AFTER RECHECKING THE PIN LAYOUT ON THE WIRING HARNESS THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT DOES APPEAR THAT I HAVE LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS FOR 4 CHANNELS. I'M NOT CLEAR ON HOW TO WIRE THESE THOUGH. DO I CONNECT THEM TO THE +/- WIRES ON THE HARNESS? IF SO, HOW IS IT DONE? I HAVE ATTCHED A SNAPSHOT OF THE BUSINESS END OF THE RADIO.If you need a +/- from your RCA outputs, get a decently cheap set of RCA cables, if you cut the cable there will be 2 conductors, the outter is the ground the inner is the +.... some creative stripping of the wire and you should be good to go...