Wiring harness question

**aegray** · 01-08-2005, 12:35 AM

It occured to me that if I could take my stock head unit (vw monsoon) and move it somewhere else and run my computer's audio through it (through some adapter), it would be a lot cheaper than buying an amp or new headunit with preouts. Only problem is that the wiring harness going into the HU is short. So here's the question. I realize that I could just cut and solder to extend the cable, but I was wondering if there was such a thing as a wiring harness extension? (and if so if theres somewhere i could get something like this)

**sfay93** · 01-08-2005, 12:52 AM

Yes, there is a wire harness extender. It is used for installing aftermarket stereos. They sell them at Best Buy, Walmart, etc. for like $5-$10.

**aegray** · 01-08-2005, 12:58 AM

would it fit with only aftermarket radios or stock radios too?

**Iamthehor** · 01-08-2005, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by sfay93

Yes, there is a wire harness extender. It is used for installing aftermarket stereos. They sell them at Best Buy, Walmart, etc. for like $5-$10.

That will have the female end (the same connector on the back of the factory head unit) but will have bare wire on the other end. aftermarket headunits usually come with a male connector that fits the that particular model of headunit, then you buy the install kit that has the female connector to connect to your wiring harness

You could probably get that male connector end from the dealer then use an install kit + extra wire to extend the harness

**aegray** · 01-08-2005, 01:05 AM

Thanks.

**Optikal** · 01-08-2005, 01:51 AM

Most stock headunits have the amp built-into the headunit tho, so if you replace the headunit you must also purchase an amp (some cars however have an independent amp, be sure you know which way your car is setup before doing this).

**dingofarmer** · 01-08-2005, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by aegray

It occured to me that if I could take my stock head unit (vw monsoon) and move it somewhere else and run my computer's audio through it (through some adapter), it would be a lot cheaper than buying an amp or new headunit with preouts. Only problem is that the wiring harness going into the HU is short. So here's the question. I realize that I could just cut and solder to extend the cable, but I was wondering if there was such a thing as a wiring harness extension? (and if so if theres somewhere i could get something like this)

I have a friend that has the monson unit, and wants to connect an Ipod, does the Monson have a AUX-in? Are you going to use an adapter.

**aegray** · 01-08-2005, 10:44 AM

I don't think it has an aux in (except for the cd changer if you could figure out how to wire something up there). I was planning on just using an adapter (probably a tape).

**MatrixPC** · 01-10-2005, 10:37 AM

If you can't find the extender cable, buy 2 separate adapters. They do sell one adapter that plug into your car harness, and the other adapter plug into your radio. Finding an adapter that plug to your car harness is easy because that is the one you need when changing the radio. Finding an adapter to plug into your radio is a little harder because not many people moving a radio from one car to the other of different make and model. If you can't find the later, go to junkyard and find the same car as your and cut off the harness.