Powering my car radio

Discussion in 'Automotive Electrical' started by Peadar McFadden, Nov 1, 2014.

  1. Yeah hi everyone.

    I've come here as a last resort having tried every other option. I'm new to all this stuff so go easy on me :)

    I bought a new pioneer car radio today and i'm attempting to install it. I got the necessary adapter/harness for it and connected it to the existing harness coming from the dash, however, the radio won't power on. There's this extra red cable coming from the adapter I bought which I'm assuming is the power cable (why the adapter doesn't just take power from the existing setup i'll never know), anywho..where do I connect this red power wire too? Can i splice it with the power cable going to the cigarette lighter? Do i connect it to the fuseboard, and how would I even start doing that, or do i connect it directly to the battery, assuming I can miracously drill a hole from the engine compartment into the interior of the car resulting in busted knuckles and scratched bleeding fingertips. Thanks in advance.