New Pioneer Deck - Question Re: Parking Brake

[twogts4us]

I just finished installing my new AVH-P4400BH into my 2004 Mach 1. Everything went fine except it won't play a DVD because I didn't connect the parking brake wire. (I wrongfully assumed if I didn't connect it, it wouldn't matter.) Looking at the parking brake, there doesn't appear to be anyway to easily access it. Can I hook this wire up somewhere else to fool the deck into thinking the parking brake is engaged? (Yes, understood, I'm risking my life if I decide to watch videos as I drive..!!)

 

[trinity_gt]

In the manual there is mention made of the parking brake interlock (page 6/112). The interlock requires that you "(1)apply the parking brake, (2)release the parking brake and then (3) apply the parking brake."

If this is so you're not going to be able to just tie that wire to a single level (12V or GND). You'll need to wire a switch to allow you to do the on-off-on thing.

 

[txredgt]

What trinity said, older models only needed to be grounded but newer models need more than that.

 

[twogts4us]

Thanks guys...but what a PITA. OK, so if I decide to go the route of installing it as instructed, where the heck is the parking brake wire? They say it's connected to the parking brake itself, but how do you access it? Don't tell me I have to remove the entire console...

 

[txredgt]

Thanks guys...but what a PITA. OK, so if I decide to go the route of installing it as instructed, where the heck is the parking brake wire? They say it's connected to the parking brake itself, but how do you access it? Don't tell me I have to remove the entire console...

Removing the console is easier than you think. I want to say its 3-5 bolts holding it together minus the shifter bezel. 1 is inside the arm rest and 2 will be behind the shifter bezel you remove. I'm pretty sure the wiring for it though runs along the inside of the console and is visible when you remove the shift bezel. That's also where the cig lighter power is run. To me it would be easier if that was the case vs having to get under the car from that side.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

This is what I used to bypass the INA W900 in my truck. It seems to be one of the more common methods....

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5257_PAC-TR-7.html

 

[twogts4us]

Well I took you advice txredgt, and pulled the console. As you mentioned there are 2 screws behind the shifter bezel, then 2 more under the arm rest. I propped the console's ass end with a circa 8" piece of 2x2 wood and quickly found the lt blue and black wire from the pass side.
My next question is regarding the 2nd piece of the wiring harness they (Crutchfield) provided. It's the smaller of the 2 connections and has 2 RCA jacks and 2 blue wires coming out of it. It's unclear whether I need this for the factory Mach 460 amps to function. Any (more) advice?

 

[twogts4us]

Here is a pic of the wiring harness...again, I am talking about the smaller of the two...the one with 2 RCA jacks. If I do have to plug this into the car's existing harness and into the stereo, what do I do with the blue wires?

 

[twogts4us]

And a pic of the stereo's rear...

 

[twogts4us]

DISREGARD - issue resolved. A quick call to Crutchfield told me that the harness connects to the SWL and SWR RCA jacks, and the blue wires tie into the blue/ white striped wire from the Pioneer harness. I'm now rockin'!

 

[txredgt]

DISREGARD - issue resolved. A quick call to Crutchfield told me that the harness connects to the SWL and SWR RCA jacks, and the blue wires tie into the blue/ white striped wire from the Pioneer harness. I'm now rockin'!

Awesome! Now let's see the purdy side of the head unit!

 

[twogts4us]

Awesome! Now let's see the purdy side of the head unit!

Here ya go. I like the lack of knobs and buttons...just a thin strip along the bottom. Very clean looking. This is a great deck...good clean power, and smart, logical menus and navigation. I love it.

 

[twogts4us]

Dammit - my wife likes my new stereo so much she just ordered one for her Pathfinder.

 

[txredgt]

Very nice! how much did it set you back?

 

[twogts4us]

$499 each...(times 2 now!) Free shipping, no tax, and free wiring harness/mounting kit. www.crutchfield.com

 

[twogts4us]

UPDATE -

After buying the second deck for my wife's Pathfinder, I decided I must find a way to bypass the parking brake switch. The best solution was to install a simple 12V relay ($4.99 each at Advanced Auto). You will also need female terminal connectors and some wire. I spent $22.43 for 2 relays, a spool of 16g wire, and a box of 20 terminals, more than enough to do both cars. I can't take the credit for this solution - there are several YouTube videos and write-ups for it - the best one I found is HERE.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

....Johnny Knoxville installs car stereo's!?!

 

[twogts4us]

LOL - yeah, he's a character for sure - but the explanation was very clear and concise. I retrofitted it into my Mach and also installed the new Pioneer deck and the 'relay solution' into my wife's Pathfinder this past weekend and it worked perfectly in both vehicles.
I also must say that I was very happy with my purchases (and the Tech support) from Crutchfield. I'll recommend them and will definitely buy from them again. They took the worry out of doing it myself.

 

[jetmech807]

Well you've had the new decks for a little while now. Still like 'em? Pretty well sold on one of these, just wondering how the experience has been.

 

[txredgt]

twogts4us

Wanna let us know what you think of the unit after a month or so?