Metra C5 interface wont power up

andrewdonald1 · 03-21-2010, 10:38 AM

Gents: In prep for my DD NAV install. I installed the Metra interface for the stock BOSE speaker system.

Metra instructions mentioned powering this up 30 seconds ahead of the NAV unit.

I plugged it in today: turned the power on to ACC or ON on the ignition switch for the car, but the Metra module power light did not come on.
I have both factory adapters plugged into the factory stereo wiring harness' (the two main ones, there isn't a adapter on the Metra for the small one).
From what I can tell, ground, acc and battery power is going into the little black box for the Metra, but the main metra control module is not showing power.
I did ground the ground wire coming out of the Metra black box that goes to the radio (but I did not hook up the illumination or power wiring that is supposed to go to the new radio). Still nothing.

I am thinking that maybe the PCM is not recognizing the Metra and is not providing power to the factory radio adapter. I haven't thrown a meter on the power out to the new radio to see if it is available, but my gut feeling is the Metra module should power up regardless if there is a load downstream of it.

Am I doing something wrong?

markcz · 03-21-2010, 11:42 AM

Others have made comments about the lights on the adapter not doing anything before.

Plug it in to the dash harness then use a meter on the red and black wires coming out to see if you have power with the car running.

andrewdonald1 · 03-21-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markcz

Others have made comments about the lights on the adapter not doing anything before.

Plug it in to the dash harness then use a meter on the red and black wires coming out to see if you have power with the car running.

10-4. I'll check after I finish pulling power to underneath the lower passenger dash area.

PS: I ended up mounting up a couple fused power blocks and mounting on velcro up in the area beside the HVAC fan.

One for 12 volt constant, another for 12 volt accessory.
Both have grounding blocks as well.

Though is: I'll mount the xm nav/ipod adapters/camera power adapter underneath the passenger seat for now as part of phase I.

Phase-II I may relocate these modules if I decide to make/modify a low profile box behind the seat to accommodate the amp/crossovers, etc. Either way: I've can accommodate anything I need now for circuits plus I have future expansion, and its all fused. Nice and clean.

I'll try and take a picture today.