Installing new radio; wiring for 2006 stereo

[utdrmac]

Hey gang,
I'm installing a new head unit, speakers, amp, sub into my 2006 CRV EX. I purchased the wiring harness kit online. It was one cable. After removing the factory stereo, I am presented with 4 cables instead of 3. See attached picture. The right cable is the antenna. Bottom cable is for the airbag light. Left cable is for radio power/speakers. But what the heck is that middle one for? I don't see that cable referenced in any of my docs nor can I find anything online that talks about it. It "was" plugged into the factory unit so it has to be for something.

Any ideas?

THanks,
Matthew

[2RedV's]

Did you have the factory sub? That's my only guess.

[utdrmac]

nope. no factory sub. going to install a powered one later though.

[2RedV's]

How many wires are part of that plug?

[utdrmac]

the plug has 14. I did find one reference to this plug on an ebay auction, of all places:

ebay auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-2006-HONDA-CRV-CR-V-DIRECT-iPOD-INPUT-AUX-INPUT_W0QQitemZ150124227412QQihZ005QQcategoryZ5835 0QQcmdZViewItem)

scroll down to the diagrams/pictures at #2

[2RedV's]

14 - I wonder if that is an out connection to go to...? Kinda stumped? Speakers, 4 with 2 wires each = 8 2 power leads, 1 ground...?

[utdrmac]

i believe power, ground, speakers, dimmer, etc are all connected via the left (blue/green) plug.

[utdrmac]

i drove to work today without any stereo installed. just left the wires hanging like in the picture. on the driver side door; the window controls. the driver window button has that automatic up/down mode if you flick the switch all the way up. i can tell you that that feature did not work at all. the windows still went up/down but i lost that automatic effect. might be something to do with that plug? that would be kinda stupid to run window control thru the radio.

[2RedV's]

Did you disconnect the battery before starting the work?

[utdrmac]

yup. when i get back home, I'll hook the factory back up and see if the windows function properly again.

[2RedV's]

Aha. By disconnecting the battery, you need to reset the power window auto up/down. It is in the manual. I'll edit this with the exact instructions after I find it.

Found it, page 87 of the US 2006 manual:

If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, or the
driver’s window fuse is removed, the
AUTO function will be disabled. The
power window system needs to be
reset after reconnecting the battery
or installing the fuse.

1. Start the engine. Push down and
hold the driver’s window switch
until the window is fully open.

2. Pull and hold the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely, then hold the switch
for about 2 seconds.

[utdrmac]

what tha heck? alrighty, i'm going to add that to the list of "stupid features for stupid users" that, apparently, only Honda reads. Also on the list is the inability to lock the drivers door manually when its open (in theory to prevent stupid people from locking their keys in the car) and the 'weight-sensitive' passenger airbag sensor (presumably for stupid parents that put child seats or children in the front of the car.)

Thanks for the heads up on the window switch.

Has their been any word on what that extra connector is for and if I need to mess with it?

[2RedV's]

what tha heck? alrighty, i'm going to add that to the list of "stupid features for stupid users" that, apparently, only Honda reads. Also on the list is the inability to lock the drivers door manually when its open (in theory to prevent stupid people from locking their keys in the car) and the 'weight-sensitive' passenger airbag sensor (presumably for stupid parents that put child seats or children in the front of the car.)

Thanks for the heads up on the window switch.

Has their been any word on what that extra connector is for and if I need to mess with it?Actually, the Honda Owner's manual is chock full of good stuff, much better than the average vehicle. It is well worth a read or two.

Yes, Honda does a good job at preventing people from locking their keys in the car. That's a good idea, in my opinion.

The weight sensitive airbag sensor is a government mandate/regulation for all vehicles.