[96M8]

I'm trying to install a headless unit in my 96 and bought this 2 channel amp.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V9G3GQ/ref=pe_175190_21431760_cs_sce_dp_1

Everything went smoothly and works but it seems like it still draws power from the battery even when the stereo cord is plugged in. So i thought maybe i can connect a standard automotive relay to use the ignition switch cord to turn the amp on and off.

http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-RLS1...R9GG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328234979&sr=8-1

So im trying to figure out how to wire everything and wanted to double check before i blew anything.

I was thinking of connecting the relay on the 12v line thats always hot. so from the battery it would go into connection 30 then 87 goes to the amp. Then the line from the ignition would connect to the 86 then the 85 goes to ground. Does everything match up the way im trying to have it work? Thanks!!!

 

[MJohnny]

Just use the wiring from the head unit connector, there should be a 12V, ground, and ACC there. Add a inline fuse. You could also use the cigarette lighter for a 12V ACC as well. That thing probably doesn't draw enough amps to do any harm. That should be plenty to power it without a problem.

http://mazda-speed.com/faq/audio/#90

Use wire taps if you're lazy, but you could always solder it. Hell, you could even buy a radio wiring harness for an aftermarket radio and have all the wires ready to go, just de-pin the ones you don't need.

 

[96M8]

Just use the wiring from the head unit connector, there should be a 12V, ground, and ACC there. Add a inline fuse. You could also use the cigarette lighter for a 12V ACC. That thing probably doesn't draw enough amps to do any harm. That should be plenty to power it without a problem.

http://mazda-speed.com/faq/audio/#90

Use wire taps if you're lazy, but you could always solder it. Hell, you could even buy a radio wiring harness for an aftermarket radio and have all the wires ready to go, just de-pin the ones you don't need.

I actually have the amp powered to the 12v wire right now. Im just worried my battery would drain if i dont use the car for a few days. So you're saying if i have it connected to the amp, it wont drain if i have nothing plugged in and playing?

 

[Tekel]

If you have it connected to the 12v on the radio harness you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't draw power when the car is off. If you are worried use a voltage meter on it to see for yourself.

 

[MJohnny]

There might be a 12V constant, so make sure you find the remote one that only turns on when the car is in ACC (ignition).

The better way would be to just use the 12V from the cigarette lighter. It only gets power when the car is in ACC.

 

[96M8]

If you have it connected to the 12v on the radio harness you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't draw power when the car is off. If you are worried use a voltage meter on it to see for yourself.

i did and its still drawing power when the car is off and there isnt anything playing. the thing is, the PO did a nice hack job installing the old head unit. the cigarette lighter also has constant power to it by the PO. :cry2:

so the relay idea really doesnt work? if it gets too complicated im just going to add a switch. but i really dont want to have to turn it on and off every time i us the car.

 

[93na]

http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=29676

this is the write up i used..maybe this will help

 

[96M8]

http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=29676

this is the write up i used..maybe this will help

i wish it did help me. the previous owner fuxxored my wiring so i dont have a 12v wire that turns hot when the key is turned.

 

[96M8]

no one can help me with the relay idea? :|