Which cable do I need?

[Redmaestro]

Hi All

I'm confused which cable I need to plug in my new double din screen bought from wish. It came with the right connecting cable but the other end is wire with no connectors. I've looked on ebay and amazon but cant find the right complete cable to use.

Can someone point me in the right direction? I'll try and attach a photo once I can remember how to do it.

[suzublu]

You need something like this

[Redmaestro]

Originally Posted by suzublu

You need something like this

..thanks for the reply but how does that fit into the back of my new unit?

[suzublu]

The 2 smaller plugs should fit your stereo. Unless you have something weird

[Redmaestro]

Originally Posted by suzublu

The 2 smaller plugs should fit your stereo. Unless you have something weird

Ha ha, yeah its weird!

I found this on amazon and I might take a gamble. It'll fit in the back of my unit but not sure about the connections behind my current Sony radio.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...7500YD4T&psc=1

[BRG75]

OK, I’ll have a stab at assisting you here.

If you are familiar with car audio systems, the answer is not complicated.
If you are not, then it can appear to be quite daunting.
Taken methodically however, it really is quite simple. At least at the basic level, which seems to be the case here.

Can you solder?
If not, then you can resort to a long chocolate block connector (or better, 2 x smaller ones)
Alternatively, the blue snap together connectors that are very common, can be used.
Personally, I would treat them as a last resort.

First, I’m assuming that the plug and possibly 13 wires (from your own photo) came with your head unit, and that the plug fits into your head unit.

If this is the case, then you need to identify what connector is required, for your car’s wiring loom.

If we are talking about a 75 / ZT; it will be the BMW 16 pin, or the ISO 2 x 8 pin connectors, plus 3 x smaller connectors (these are usually locked together, to make 1x 3 colour connector)

Now, because you have 13 ? independent wires, it is logical that you will have to connect them to wires (performing the same function) that themselves fit into the BMW or ISO connectors.

As you have been unable to source an adapter that fits, it is quite likely that your head unit uses a non standard connector, and consequently you’ll be very lucky to find a plug and play adapter cable.

Are all of the wires in your photo identifiable, as to their function?

There may be a tag on them (the photo does show some) or a table printed on the head unit, which identifies them by both colour and circuit (function).

You are looking for :-

8 speaker cables (4 pairs)
1 Permanent 12v
1 Switched 12v
1 Ground

and possibly :-
1 Dimmer / Illumination
1 Antenna (motor drive)

If you can identify these, then post them up here, together with the car loom type (BMW or ISO) and I’ll reply with the specific connections that you’ll need to make.
Note that you’ll still need to buy an adapter, correct for the car loom, to move forward.

If you can’t identify them, for certain; probably it’s best to get a local radio fitter to help you further.

The adapter from Amazon that you refer to is unique to Kenwood.
Please remember that all connectors have two halves (a plug and socket)
They can look similar in photographs, but will only mate if you have the correct halves.

Regards

Mike

[Redmaestro]

Thanks for getting back so quickily.....

The new connector which came with the head unit is marked up. I can identify the obvious wires (rr+, rr- ect) but there's a few I don't recognise (B+, ACC, Key, Key2, Back). There are 14 in total.

Here are some pics of my current setup. These are connected to a Sony USB player, I installed this when I bought the car 6yrs ago.

I have never soldered before but might know someone who can.

https://i1064.photobucket.com/albums...psop6ljq2x.jpg

https://i1064.photobucket.com/albums...pse1rvfds9.jpg

https://i1064.photobucket.com/albums...psuq4pmuyi.jpg

[Rogue]

Just to add that key and key2 are likely to be steering wheel controls

[suzublu]

The round pin plug is the old BMW connector fitted to early cars, changed to ISO later as nearly all radios are ISO so, you'll need a BMW to ISO connector to fit that.
Cancel that, it looks like you already have that

[BRG75]

I presume that the Sony is to be replaced by your new Double Din.

If so, your photos show that you already have all that you need to change them over.

Your car wiring loom has the (earlier) BMW connector, and plugged into it is a BMW to ISO adapter, which feeds the Sony.

You have 2 options.

1. Buy another BMW to ISO adapter, and wire your new DD straight into the wires, to replace the ISO sockets.

2. Do as above, using your existing adapters.

Option 1, is preferable, as you can always reinstate the Sony, or sell it (complete)

Can you now post up the colour v. function of your new (bare wire) cable, and let me know which option you'll choose.

Regards

Mike