I just got my new Clarion DXZ946MP in the mail today - very exciting!

Now I have to install it... I have read many of the similar threads in the forums (thanks guys [and girls])...but a few questions remain...

1) This unit is a 50 W x 4 unit - do I have to run a wire to the battery or can I just connect it to the wires that previously supplied the stock headunit.

2) This unit comes with some white wire connector thing - is this what you refer to as a wiring loom? And why do you need/where do you attach the OEM loom? And where can you get the OEM loom.

3) I have read I should take the negative lead off the battery before attempting the install - are there any general car things I need to be wary off - eg central locking problems or immobilizer problems etc?

4) I am also still considering taking it to a Clarion dealer - eg Autobarn to get it installed - anyone know any good Clarion installers in Melbourne - apparently if you get it professionally installed you get an extra 2 years of warranty from Clarion (see their website)!

Once this install is complete you will note a dramatic reduction in noob audio questions!

1) That will be fine, my hu is connected to the same wires my hold one was and it hasn't faulted in 2 years :).

2)Depending on where the loom connects (Whether it plugs into the back of the hu or has cables leading from the hu to the loom, you can either use your stock loom, which would involve cutting up your nice new pretty loom, or cutting up your old loom and pluggin the old wires into the loom that came with the hu, i would do the latter personally, which is what i did :)).
3)The only reason why you would do this is just in case you "bump" the wire onto a ground in the car, which could cause fuses to blow. You can take the positive off the battery if you want, but i would just leave it on and save the power cables for last, and make sure they are all nice and connected, dont leave them hanging around without tape or something over the exposed metal.
4)I've heard way too many bad stories about autobarn/strathfield installs, no one will take as much care as you will, i suggest just installing it yourself, unless you REALLY want that extra warranty, up to you i guess :).

Head units dont draw that much current so there is no need to run a wire to the Battery..

With Car audio, if you do not have 100% confidence it is best to get your gear installed by an installer as the slightest error can result in Big Problems..

If you are going to attempt the install your self, make sure you have a guide to help you, print out the Dash Board removal guide from the net and a Wiring guide would be handy too.


Then it is a Simple Case of matching Wires with wires...

Do not leave any connections exposed.. Any electrical connection must be insulated from everything, so Electrical tape or Duct tape will do the job..

Thanks guys for your help!

Go down to Autobarn and get yourself an Aerpro wiring harness.

It's got the Clarion plug at one end (White wire connector thing), and the Mitsubishi plug at the other end(bigger white connector). Costs about $15, and you won't have to solder, join or muck around with the harness that came with the H/U. Just plug straight in at both ends.

If you need to remove the H/U later, simply unplug the harness. No wires to cut.

The extra wires that come from the Clarion plug end but don't go into the Mitsubishi end, like phone mute and remote for amps, can be taped off so they don't short out.

The Clarion harness has a terminal lug (metal thing that sits under a bolt/washer) on the end of the Earth wire. The Aerpro harness just has a bare wire. This should be the only messy bit. Buy some lugs (Autobarn, Jaycar) , crimp onto the wire and find a bolt to attach it to. Some people use the mounting screws on the H/U cradle itself.

I've got that H/U too, the harness that comes with it matches almost exactly colour for colour with the Aerpro one. Haven't installed mine yet, but I've used this document to check whether the wiring matches or not.

DEFINITELY remove Neg. battery terminal.
Double check everything before reconnecting it.
Brush your teeth after every meal. :bowrofl:
Turn car on and enjoy the sweet sounds.

Mulga has done an excellent job of covering the stuff I was unable to put into words... Well Done..

Thank you very much for your detailed help Mulga, (and TR envy and Magnat too) - I feel much more confident now!

so howd it all go? did it end up being fitted on the weekend?

Yeah an update would be cool, what hassles you had and Piccies of it !!

geez we're a pushy bunch... it's only 9am monday morning!

What can you say , we get excitied when it comes to another AMC Member getting their I.C.E put in.

Lol - I found the adapter you are talking about as you said - I am just trying to see if I can get a good Clarion installer to put it in so I can get the extra 2 years warranty - may be useful with the tocuh screen!

Otherwise I will put it in soon. I will let you know when I put it in and take piccies lol!

Until then here is a pic of my car (in negative)

OK finally got it professionally installed this weekend by Vics Custom Trim & Car Sound - Moorabbin (Ph 9555 0170). I got to watch and he used an Aerpro plug too - and I get the 3 year warranty!

I must highly recommend Vic - he did a great job and only charged me $70 for the install (including Aerpro plug) - very friendly and let me watch and ask questions!

The unit itself - DAMN it is NICE! Just using stock speakers but the difference is AMAZING... lots of customizable options but not too hard to use for the beginner either! No more blurry bass!

I am relieved - I can afford to wait before upgrading speakers - this osund quality is more than enough for me at this stage - any louder and my ears hurt lol.

All in all $600 in total well spent : ) well I reckon anyway...

Thanks again for all your help in demonstrating installation techniques etc.!

just wondering how much u paid for the HU, and were from.... soz if its posted somewere already, as i havent noticed it.

Go down to Autobarn and get yourself an Aerpro wiring harness.

It's got the Clarion plug at one end (White wire connector thing), and the Mitsubishi plug at the other end(bigger white connector). Costs about $15, and you won't have to solder, join or muck around with the harness that came with the H/U. Just plug straight in at both ends.

If you need to remove the H/U later, simply unplug the harness. No wires to cut.




Can you get this plug to fit a Sony Xplod HU?

Yes, very likely www.aerpro.com go to harnesses.

The harnesses will fit all aftermarket stereo's . Match up wires , insulate and you are done..

Here is one that will suite all aftermarket Stereo for the TE Magna part Number AP7011

The company is called Sound Master - do an internet search for them - they have good prices - but my DXZ946MP was meant to be $599 not $499 - misprint - but they gave it to me for that price...$30 of postage from NSW to VIC and $70 for install and I have a nice headunit in my car :) - with Aerpro harness.