Zune Connection to 2005 with Single CD Factory Stereo

[dimjempsey]

My wife has a 2005 Vibe with a single CD factory stereo (C1 according to the sticky post - http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=21818). I just bought one of these (http://www.soundgate.com/uploa...1.pdf - picked it up at buy.com for $90) so that she can connect her Zune to the aux port on the stereo. I also picked up some T-Tap connectors from RadioShack. From reading the other threads in this forum, I have a pretty good idea what I need to do. I've already had the HU out of the dash and know where everything goes. My questions are around the power connections for both parts of this kit. (Forgive me if these are dumb questions.)First, on page 2 of the instructions, there is a warning that says to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Is this strictly necessary, or just a CYA precaution on their part?In step 3 on page 5, is it sufficient to screw the ground lead to the metal stereo case, or should I splice into the ground lead on the main stereo harness as suggested in other posts? Also, they explicitly DO NOT recommend using the +12v constant from the main stereo harness. Again, is this just a CYA precaution, or is this something I really need to worry about? If I shouldn't tap into the main harness, any suggestions where I should tap into?In step 4 on page 5, should I tie the ground lead to the exact same place as I grounded the other component in step 3, or does that matter? For the +12v switched power source, should I tap into the wire that's going to the cigarette lighter, or is that not switched? Or is there a better option?Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide!

[dimjempsey]

bump...anyone? I'm hoping to do this work this weekend, so any advice is appreciated.

[dimjempsey]

Well, I did half the job...I connected the AUX part, but I'm waiting to hardwire the power for the Zune connection until after Christmas so my wife can decide where she wants to store the Zune. I did not disconnect the battery while doing the work. I ended up splicing into the +12V on the main wiring harness and connecting the ground wire to one of the lower screw terminals when mounting the HU back in the dash. When I get around to wiring the power for the Zune connection, I'll probably just splice into the wires for the cigarette lighter (assuming that is switched with the ignition).

[NibCrom]

I guess no one else owns a Zune. But glad you figured it out!

[Toasted7]

I own a Zune... I just couldn't be any help with this topic.

[dimjempsey]

I did some more work on this today. I pulled out the center console to see what my options were for running the wires from the aux jack (now velcroed to the top of the HU based on another recommendation somewhere in the forum) to the Zune connection, which I want to place inside the center console.I have two connections I need to make from the Zune connection (power and A/V). The A/V cable supplied with the device is only about 2 ft. long and is too short to run the distance between the HU and the center console, so I bought two RCA to RCA couplers. Using those along with a 6 ft. RCA patch cable, I am able to make the run with room to spare. I fed the patch cable down through the dash on the drivers side, and I think I'll be able to run it under the carpet tomorrow if I run a fish tape from the console end to the dash end.For the power connection, it turns out that even though Toyota/Pontiac decided to reduce costs by removing the center console power port (+12v cigarette lighter), the wiring harness is still there under the center console. I plan to splice into that harness for my switched +12v and ground for the Zune connection. I'm thinking I'll take the rubber plug that they filled the power port hole with and I'll cut a slit in the middle. Then I can run the A/V cable and power cable through the slit in the plug and into the center console.I plan to run the A/V cable under the carpet (if possible) and finish up the power connection tomorrow. I'll post back when I'm done to let everyone know how it turns out (or if I had to make any changes).

[keithvibe]

anytime you work on ANYTHING electrical on your car you should disconnect the battery.If you don't you run the chance that you will send an electrical spike threw the system and fry something, that will only cause more problems in the future.You are correct about the power port in the center console but the wires are still there for you to connect to.I have my LED's connected to that.