Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation and use of the Metra 70-6522 Radio Wiring Harness. This harness is designed to integrate an aftermarket car stereo into select 2007 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Ram, and Volkswagen vehicles without cutting the factory wiring. It ensures a clean and reliable connection, facilitating the installation of your new radio.
Product Overview
Image: The Metra 70-6522 Radio Wiring Harness, featuring a gray 15-pin connector on one end and multiple color-coded wires on the other, ready for connection to an aftermarket radio.
The Metra 70-6522 harness is a 15-pin connector designed to plug directly into your vehicle's factory radio harness. It provides connections for power, ground, and four speaker channels, allowing for seamless integration of an aftermarket head unit.
Key Features:
- Integrates aftermarket radio with factory amplifier (if applicable, 15-pin harness).
- Powers 4 channels.
- Plugs directly into the car harness at the radio location.
- Simplifies installation by eliminating the need to cut factory wiring.
Setup and Installation
Before beginning installation, ensure the vehicle's battery is disconnected to prevent electrical shorts.
Required Tools:
- Wire strippers/crimpers
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- Soldering iron (optional, for more secure connections)
- Multimeter (for verifying connections)
Wiring Diagram and Connections:
Match the wires from the Metra 70-6522 harness to the corresponding wires on your aftermarket radio's harness. Refer to your aftermarket radio's instruction manual for its specific wiring color codes.
| Metra Harness Wire Color | Function | Aftermarket Radio Wire Color (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 12V Constant Power | Yellow |
| Black | Ground | Black |
| Red | 12V Accessory/Ignition | Red |
| Blue | Power Antenna/Amp Turn-On | Blue |
| White | Left Front Speaker (+) | White |
| White/Black | Left Front Speaker (-) | White/Black |
| Gray | Right Front Speaker (+) | Gray |
| Gray/Black | Right Front Speaker (-) | Gray/Black |
| Green | Left Rear Speaker (+) | Green |
| Green/Black | Left Rear Speaker (-) | Green/Black |
| Violet | Right Rear Speaker (+) | Violet |
| Violet/Black | Right Rear Speaker (-) | Violet/Black |
Connection Steps:
- Carefully strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of both the Metra harness wires and your aftermarket radio's wires.
- Twist the corresponding wires together securely.
- Solder the connections for maximum reliability, or use high-quality crimp connectors.
- Insulate each connection individually using electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.
- Once all connections between the Metra harness and the aftermarket radio harness are complete, plug the Metra harness into the vehicle's factory radio connector.
- Reconnect the vehicle's battery.
- Test the aftermarket radio's functionality (power, speakers, fader/balance).
Important Note:
Some vehicles may require an additional connection for the 12V Accessory/Ignition (Red wire) if the factory harness does not provide a switched 12V signal. In such cases, you may need to locate a switched 12V source in the vehicle (e.g., from the fuse box or a cigarette lighter circuit) and connect the red wire from the aftermarket radio to it. Consult a professional installer if you are unsure.
Operating Instructions
Once the Metra 70-6522 wiring harness is correctly installed, its operation is integrated with your aftermarket radio. The harness itself does not require separate operation. Refer to your aftermarket radio's instruction manual for details on its specific functions and controls.
Maintenance
The Metra 70-6522 Radio Wiring Harness is designed for long-term reliability and requires no routine maintenance. Ensure all connections remain secure and free from moisture or physical damage. If the harness is ever disconnected, inspect the pins for corrosion or bending before re-connection.
Troubleshooting
No Power to Aftermarket Radio:
- Verify the 12V Constant (Yellow) and Ground (Black) wires are securely connected and receiving power/ground. Use a multimeter to check voltage.
- Check the 12V Accessory/Ignition (Red) wire connection. Ensure it is connected to a switched 12V source that provides power when the ignition is on. If not, locate an alternative switched 12V source.
- Inspect all fuses related to the radio and accessory circuits in the vehicle's fuse box.
No Sound from Speakers:
- Confirm all speaker wires (White, Gray, Green, Violet and their black-striped counterparts) are correctly matched and securely connected to the aftermarket radio.
- Ensure the aftermarket radio's amplifier turn-on wire (typically Blue or Blue/White) is connected to the Metra harness's Blue wire (Power Antenna/Amp Turn-On). This is crucial for vehicles with a factory amplifier.
- Check the aftermarket radio's settings for fader, balance, and mute functions.
Intermittent Power/Sound:
- Re-check all wire connections for looseness or poor insulation. A loose connection can cause intermittent issues.
- Ensure the Metra harness connector is fully seated into the vehicle's factory harness.
- Inspect wires for any signs of damage or pinching.
Specifications
- Model: 70-6522
- Brand: Metra
- Connector Type: 15-pin
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches
- Weight: 0.8 ounces (22.68 g)
- Compatible Vehicles: Select 2007 and up Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Ram, Volkswagen models
- Functions: Integrates aftermarket radio, powers 4 channels
Warranty Information
For warranty details regarding the Metra 70-6522 Radio Wiring Harness, please contact Metra Electronics Corp directly. Warranty terms and conditions may vary.
Support
If you require further assistance or have questions not covered in this manual, please contact Metra Electronics Corp customer support.
You can often find additional resources, including detailed wiring diagrams and vehicle-specific installation guides, on the official Metra website: www.metraonline.com.
Image: Metra logo with the tagline "THE INSTALLER'S CHOICE".
