Car stereo wiring

[Jawloms]

I've been Googling away and can't find anything very useful on this, so wondered if anyone here can help please.

 

My MkIII Golf has the permanent 12v and ignition 12v switched because VW decided to do that for some reason. I cannot get the wires out of the plug (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/ISO_connectors_for_head_unit_in_car.JPG/220px-ISO_connectors_for_head_unit_in_car.JPG) in order to switch them. Has anyone got any pointers please? All I found is someone saying "put a watchmakers screwdriver down the side", which I sort of guessed, but can anyone tell me which side or what I'm aiming at?

 

Thank you for any help given.

 

Thank you

 

Stuart

[plexer]

If you look carefully you should be able to see the latch on the side possibly looking at the front of the plug.

 

Otherwise snip the wires swap em over and resolder.

 

Ben

[Jawloms]

I've had a look but just can't see it. Which side would you take as being the front?

 

The snip and solder idea is looking more and more inevitable......

[SimpleSi]

Basically, very thin screwdriver at the top push in keeping to top then get it between metal connector and plastic case, lever down and start waggling the wire from the back.

 

if that doesn't work, try the bottom slot instead in case you've got it upside down

 

Good luck

 

Simon

[Sirbendy]

Ha, GM do the same. Pain in the arse. I have a Vauxhall and a Fabia (VW/Audi in drag), so I know the pain well... I used an adapter lead, as I want to be able to put it all back.

[broc]

If you want to avoid snip & solder there are several firms that make car-specific short wiring harnesses for after-market radios, these often have bullet connectors on the harness that let you swap connections (typically 12V supply). Or you could fit the bullet connectors yourself?

[Jawloms]

Or you could fit the bullet connectors yourself?

 

That's a good idea! Thanks.

[AMLinington]

Changing the wiring will make this hard to sell - is there not a 'converter' kit? I have one in my Vectra for my iO play device.

[Jawloms]

Changing the wiring will make this hard to sell - is there not a 'converter' kit? I have one in my Vectra for my iO play device.

 

It's a '97 MkIII Golf 1.4 absolute bottom of the range (electric nothing, doesn't even have central locking!), with rust in a lot of places - I don't think the wiring of the stereo is what will make it hard to sell

[PatRamsden]

Are you putting an aftermarket radio in?

 

If so the majority come with the ISO to Manufacturer specific loom which generally has these with bullet connectors that can be swapped around

[Mcshammer_dj]

Halfords should have the iso converter for your car

 

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_265876_langId_-1

Edited July 23, 2012 by Mcshammer_dj

[PatRamsden]

Halfords should have the iso converter for your car

 

The pic link above shows the car already has the ISO leads, but theres normally a lead from that to the radio (manufacturer specific). And these are what normally have the swappable ignition and permanent 12v feed.

 

Or just buy some bullet connectors from Halfords and swap the cables that way, then they can be put back easily and look OE

[Mcshammer_dj]

So what stereo are you trying to put in? and is it new

[Jawloms]

It's an old JVC CD head unit I got off freecycle, and as I'm putting it in a car I dislike I am kind of against spending any money on it at all, even if it is only a couple of quid. I think I'm just going to snip the wires and put bullet connectors on, that way it can easily be switched back if necessary. Thanks to all very much for your time and suggestions.

[twin--turbo]

Did the plug swap recently on the Bro's van VW T3 van.. But can't remember what I did as it's sort of instinctive now having done quite a few installs over the years.

 

Rob