My headless wiring dilemma

Okita · 11-01-2005, 03:02 PM

Hi, my application is for a 2005 Nissan Altima without the Bose system. I'm planning to stick an Xbox in it, which obviously has RCA audio out. However, my factory head unit doesn't have an AUX input, either on the front, or on the back for a CD changer. My first priority is low cost, and my second is a relatively clean install. My first idea was to just splice in the L and R channel RCA wires directly to the wire harness behind the head unit, and put in a switch to toggle between head unit and Carputer audio input. Upon lots of searching, am I correct in saying that this won't work? The Xbox's RCA audio outputs are line level, and the wire harness needs high level to go to the speakers? Or does it not matter? Even if I buy an amplifier with RCA inputs (which I'd rather not do due to cost) I certainly can't spend the money to upgrade all the factory speakers as well, which I'm told is a must to prevent blowout with a better amp.

I'm a noob, and I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of trying to get the audio in there without spending money on components I can't afford (amp, speakers) or ultimately won't need/use (aftermarket head unit). I've used FM transmitters with a portable mp3 player before, and I think they're a little low quality, even for my standards, which is why I'm not going that route. I don't mind getting in with wiring and solder, which is why I cringe at paying >$50 for what would essentially be an adapter. Any thoughts? Is it too wacky to think about finding where the cd player's signal meets the head unit, and splice in a stereo signal there, or is that all internal? Thanks in advance for any help.

arebelspy · 11-01-2005, 03:23 PM

Lay out the $100 for a decent headunit with RCA inputs and forget about the problem.. it will pay off in the long run in terms of hassles, etc.

-arebelspy

IntellaWorks · 11-01-2005, 03:27 PM

I've messed around with a lot in my car and have been pretty succesful at getting some hacks to work... But i've also ruined a lot of good working components as well, by expirementing.

You could get wiring diagrams from any Nissan Certified dealership that will tell you what every pin on the back of your radio does and probably solder up some rca jacks. With that said, I'd save yourself the time,money,research and possibility of screwing up and buy one of these: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pie35rca6mm.html

This isn't an FM mod...

jrn6264 · 09-27-2006, 03:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by IntellaWorks

I've messed around with a lot in my car and have been pretty succesful at getting some hacks to work... But i've also ruined a lot of good working components as well, by expirementing.

You could get wiring diagrams from any Nissan Certified dealership that will tell you what every pin on the back of your radio does and probably solder up some rca jacks. With that said, I'd save yourself the time,money,research and possibility of screwing up and buy one of these: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pie35rca6mm.html

This isn't an FM mod...

That won't work his HU doesn't have cd changer capabilities. I'm in the same position he is in, the only thing I can think to do is get the BOSE HU but that doesn't help the money problem.

Will Albers · 09-27-2006, 01:12 PM

Cant squeeze water out of a stone. If you don't have twice the budget that you think it will cost, than dont do it. I hate half assed jobs that wind up costing more than if you would have done it right the first time. I'm speaking from experience here

I modified my girlfriends Toyota Matrix radio. I located the wires which ran from the cd pickup mechanism to the main circuit board. I figured out which wires were the signal and spliced into them. Now you can insert a switch and an auxiallary input.

If you read that last statement and think, "Jesus, no problem, i can do that with my eyes closed becasue of all the electronics experience I have!" or "I'm pretty smart with electronics, but I can afford to blow the thing up and buy a new one if i mess it up too bad", then do it. If not, save some money for a while and do a lot of reading.