2006 PTC Stereo Install Problems

[JOEMAMA]

I just tried to install an aftermarket radio and it won't power up. I have installed several aftermarket stereos in the past, so I have a good grasp on how the install works. I double and then triple checked all of the wiring, fuses, etc and still no luck.

I'm wondering is the accessory wire is oddly wired, since the factory radio stays on when the ignition is off (until the door is opened).

Can anyone help??

[zapwizard]

There is no accessory wire on the 2006 PT Cruiser radio connection.
I found this out when I did my Car PC install. The factory service manual confirmed it.

If you bought a wiring harness as I did at say Best Buy, that harness has a wire listed as acccessory, but if you look at the cable coming from the car, there is no wire in that position.

The factory radio is turned on and off via a serial bus that connects a lot of the car systems.

So you will have to find an accessory wire somewhere else in the system.
Such as the wires powering the +12volt outlet.

[JOEMAMA]

Thanks for the help - I tapped into my 12 volt plug just above the cup holders.

[calflan]

Good info Zapwizard, thanks. I was just doing an install on m y PT and same result / question. Constant power to the radio with key out.
Did the same as Joe and tapped into 12 VDC outlet above cupholder.
FYI - Cupholder in console (rear 12VDC outlet) is always HOT - constant 12VDC, not controlled by car off - key out.
Timing for this post was perfect guys, thanks again.

[zapwizard]

Originally Posted by calflan

FYI - Cupholder in console (rear 12VDC outlet) is always HOT - constant 12VDC, not controlled by car off - key out.
Timing for this post was perfect guys, thanks again.

And if you want that center console to be ON/OFF here are my instructions:
Center console power outlet

[mhsalgado]

Okay-I'm installing my new after market head unit the second it comes in mail tomorrow. I also have an 06 PT. I bought a Scosche DCCR03SRB / DCCR03SR Wiring Harness Interface Plug for CAN Bus Vehicles. Since I'll be using this wiring harness instead of the generic one, will I have also have to tap into another 12v source? Also, last question...since I bought this really expensive harness that is supposed to utilize the CAN bus interface, will I still have the digital data that displays the current radio station, input, etc? Hope so-that's why I spent the 80 extra bucks instead of going with the common wiring harness that would have come free with the head unit.

[zapwizard]

It looks like that Scosche adapter is specificaly a +12volt ACC generator, using the CANBUS signal from the car's computer. So you should not need +12volts ACC from somewhere else. As far as digital interface etc... unless someone here owns that interface, then you would have to ask the manufacture.