I just purchased an Alpine CDA 9833 for my 2004 F150 FX4. This HU requires you to wire it directly to the battery with an amp wiring kit. I'm wondering whats the best place to run the wire through the firewall to the battery?

 

You should have a grommet in your firewall that you can use. Look just above the steering column for a soft rubber plug. If you find it, pull it out then cut a hole in the plug just wide enough for your amp wire. You should be able to route the wire to the battery once you get it under the hood. Just follow the paths of some of the other factory wiring - most of them are either going to or coming from the battery / alternator.

Mike

 

Nice HU. Kinda thinking about one myself, cruthchfield has a deal on em.

 

how big is the wire that goes to the battery

 

I got it installed last night, this thing is awesome. The wire is 10 gauge. I went through the grommet above the brake pedal and them came up and ran it through the factory wire loom that goes across the top of the firewall. I am very satisfied with this unit. Got it shipped for $299 @ crutchfields.

 

Does the dash kit from Crutchfield come with the tray or slot that fits below the stereo. I have seen this on alot of aftermarket installs but i have also seen the flat plastic panel with the stereo right in the middle. I like the look of the tray/slot below the stereo. Just wondering if that comes with the kit. I am so close to ordering the alpine.

 

Sorry, i should of looked more carefully on Crutchfield. It does come with the slot. Please disregard my laziness.

 

Tray/slot on the bottom

 

MX81, a few install questions. i just got 9833 from Crutchfield. I havent started installing it yet but I was looking at the wiring harness. Now keep in mind I have never installed a car stereo before. I matched up the wires on the ford harness supplied and the alpine one. They all matched up fine. Does the yellow alpine wire connect to the yellow wire ford harness or does it go directly to the battery. Also, the yellow wire is the same size as the others. I bought the 10 guage kit. Obviously the 10 guage wire is thicker. Do i splice these together? Also, do i connect the black ground wire to the ford harness or run it directly from the alpine to a ground location. Did you solder or use crimps on the wire? Thanks for the help. I should call Crutchfield but i know you just installed yours.

 

The yellow wire from the Alpine harness should be soldered or spliced to the 10 gauge wire that goes to the battery.

And since your running a 10 gauge power wire, I would splice a piece of 10 gauge on the black ground wire coming from the Alpine and ground it in a good spot.

Whats the point of a big power wire if your going to use a small ground. The power has to get back to the battery through the ground wire, and that small wire would just restrict it.

If you can or know someone who can solder, do that instead of crimping.

 

Thanks for the info. I bought a solder gun today and have been practicing. I figure if i can solder copper plumbing pipe i can do wire. Seems failry straight forward. I think i can do most of the soldering outside the car except for the power wire and ground. Thanks again.