Caviler Radio Issue

Hey all;
I know this should go in the Caviler section and I've searched, but I know alot of people here have them as second cars. And since we're all family, I asked.

I'm installing a stereo and speakers in my girls 2000 Cavilar Coupe. Got all the speakers in no problem. The stock radio was taken out and I installed an Insignia (Best Buy brand). I cut off the harness and wired the wires to the radio harness. I always do that... don't ask.

So I get the speakers wired up and I'm left with 5 wires. 2 black, 1 purple, 1 gray, and 1 orange. I figured the orange to be the constant 12v+ wire. No matter what configuration I set up though, the radio will not power on. The security light is blinking when the faceplate is removed, but nothing. I did a quick search and seen that you need to run a wire from another ignition wire to power an aftermarket radio. Is this true? Where can I grab one from in this car? I'm not too familiar with Cavilers so any help is greatly appreciated.


P.S. - 4x6 and 6x9 Pioneers, Insignia CD player, dash kit, and antena connector all for under $150. I love my discount. It's sad they taking it away from us :-(

AH HA! I DID THAT EXACT SAME FUCKING THING!!! This is butt fucking amazing, I feel really smart right now :icon16: .

The stock Cavalier CD player is computer controlled or some shit, there is no "turn on" wire, you will need to run a fuse tap or strip a wire in the ignition. I wouldnt recommend doing the ignition wire, I've heard it can be bad. IIRC, run the power, ground, and your own "turn on" wire and you are ready to go.

Also, good call on not going to the Cavy section. They are all retarded.

AH HA! I DID THAT EXACT SAME FUCKING THING!!! This is butt fucking amazing, I feel really smart right now :icon16: .

The stock Cavalier CD player is computer controlled or some shit, there is no "turn on" wire, you will need to run a fuse tap or strip a wire in the ignition. I wouldnt recommend doing the ignition wire, I've heard it can be bad. IIRC, run the power, ground, and your own "turn on" wire and you are ready to go.

Also, good call on not going to the Cavy section. They are all retarded.

Ok that's what I figured. Where can I find a "turn on" wire? Is the cig lighter on the ignition or is it always on? Where would be a good place to tap from? Again, this is my first time actually doing electrical in these cars so I know nothing. :screwy:

Actually I think I'm just going to fuse tap the windshield wiper fuse. It'll be much easier.

So then what do the other wires do? Again there were 5. The orange is contant 12v+ but what is the gray and purple? And why 2 black wires?

I cut off the harness and wired the wires to the radio harness. I always do that... don't ask.


This is where you went wrong. Should have just bought the adapter for like $12 and you would be set. People who hack off the stock harness get what they deserve :)

This is where you went wrong. Should have just bought the adapter for like $12 and you would be set. People who hack off the stock harness get what they deserve :)

I agree. When I bought my talon, they had hacked at the harness. Damn Assholes. But I figured it out!:licka: Its not that much difficult just a PITA.

On my 02 cavalier, I forget the colors, but there where two/three wires that will just hang there because that is what the headlight and key beeper thing is for (you know, when you leave your keys in the ignition or you leave your headlights on and the car beeps to remind you that you left them in/on) So when installing an aftermarket radio these features will be unavailable, unless you rewire the stock radio in the trunk so you can keep these features....had to do this to my friends 02 cavalier (we have like twin cars...pathetic:grinno: ) **Like i said though, these were done on 02 cavliers...could be different???**

are they taking away the best buy discount? It was sweet while I had it. Got my tv dirt cheap and a few car stereos (I kept upgrading)

So I got it done today. Bought a fuse tapper and hooked it up to the windsheild wiper fuse. Got it all squared away and installed beautifully. Also hardwired radar in place too.

I finally got the lowdown on the Best Buy thing. I'm not sure if this is all over, but in the Chicago area, this is how it goes. We get stuff at cost plus 5%. We were told they were going to change it Sept 1st to just 10% off the regular price. How sucky would that be? It turns out they're changing it from 5% to 10% on top of cost. So not as good as before, but not as bad as everyone thought. I love buying $600 radio systems for $200. Good times.

ah okay. Yeah you guys were lucky then. I use to work (last year) at the one in whitehall, PA. It was 10% over cost there. STill it was a killer deal. Picked up a 30" LCD HDTV at the time for 600 bucks!

The only thing is no discount really on cd's or movies which is what I bought the most... Oh well.

Yeah, there's nothing on the cds or dvds. That's ok for me. I don't buy much of them anyways. But a couple bucks adds up to a couple $$$. Can't complain.