1. Introduction
This user manual provides detailed instructions for the installation and use of the Scosche VW01BCB Car Radio Wiring Harness Kit. This kit is designed to simplify the installation of an aftermarket stereo in select 1975-2011 Domestic and European vehicles, utilizing the factory wiring harness without the need for cutting original vehicle wires. The included crimp connectors ensure a secure and reliable connection.
Figure 1: Scosche VW01BCB Car Radio Wiring Harness Kit with Crimp Connectors.
2. Product Features
- Convenient Solution: Allows quick and easy installation of a new aftermarket stereo in select 1975-2011 Non-Factory Amplified Domestic and European vehicles using the factory stereo wiring harness.
- Seamless Integration: Ensures a perfect fit for your vehicle without cutting any factory wiring, making aftermarket radio installation effortless.
- Easy Installation: Features color-coded wires and pre-installed crimp connectors to simplify the process of replacing your factory radio. Uses the factory wiring and connectors without cutting any wires.
- High Compatibility: Designed for a wide range of models using the original factory radio harness, ensuring versatile use. Note: Not compatible with Factory Amplified Systems.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Crafted with factory quality automotive grade wires and connectors, ensuring a secure connection for optimal signal transmission and superior sound quality from your new car stereo.
- Trusted Brand: Backed by Scosche's Lifetime Tech Support and Limited Warranty.
3. Compatibility
The Scosche VW01BCB wiring harness is compatible with various Domestic and European vehicles from 1975-2011. Please refer to the fitment guide below to verify compatibility with your specific vehicle model. This harness is not compatible with factory amplified systems.
Figure 2: Scosche VW01BCB Vehicle Fitment Guide. Consult this image for specific make, model, and year compatibility.
Key Compatibility Notes:
- Audi: A4 Non-Amplified (1996-99), A4 Avant Wagon Non-Amplified (1998-99), A4/A4 Avant Wagon (2000-01), A6 (1995-97), A6 Avant Wagon Amplified (1998), A6 Non-Amplified (1998-99), A6 Avant Wagon (1999-01), A8 (1997), A8 (1998-01), Cabriolet (1994-98), TT Coupe (2000-01).
- Chrysler: Crossfire (2004-07).
- Dodge: Sprinter (2004-06).
- Ford: Focus (2004), Focus with Blaupunkt Radio (2004).
- Mercedes-Benz: C Class (2001-04), C230 (2002-04).
- Pontiac: GTO (2004-06).
- Porsche: 911 Carrera/Turbo (1996-98).
- Volkswagen: Beetle (1998-11), Cabrio (1995-98), Golf / GTI (1985-03), Golf / GTI* (1990-92), Jetta / GLI (1980-01), Passat Non-Amplified (1990-97), Passat (1998-00), Quantum (1982-88), Rabbit (1975-84), Rabbit Cabriolet (1980-94), Scirocco (1982-89).
*Installation Note for Golf / GTI (1990-92): Does NOT Retain Door Speakers. Must be Wired Separately.
4. Setup & Installation
Installing your new car stereo with the Scosche VW01BCB harness is designed to be straightforward. Follow these steps carefully for a successful installation.
4.1 Safety First
- Always disconnect the negative battery terminal of your vehicle before beginning any electrical work to prevent short circuits and damage.
- Ensure your new aftermarket stereo is compatible with the harness and your vehicle's electrical system.
Video 1: Official Scosche Installation Guide for Aftermarket Stereo Wiring Harness. This video demonstrates the process of connecting the wiring harness and installing a new stereo.
4.2 Wiring the Harness
The Scosche VW01BCB harness comes with color-coded wires to match the standard EIA (Electronics Industry Association) color code. This simplifies connecting it to your new aftermarket stereo's harness.
- Identify Harnesses: You will have the Scosche VW01BCB harness (plugs into vehicle harness) and the harness included with your new aftermarket stereo (plugs into the stereo).
- Match Colors: Using the provided crimp connectors, connect the wires from the Scosche harness to the corresponding color-coded wires on your new stereo's harness. Ensure each connection is secure.
- Special Connections: Some wires may not connect directly to the vehicle harness, such as an amplifier turn-on wire, parking sense wire, and Steering Wheel Control connections. These may require separate connections based on your stereo's and vehicle's specific requirements. The kit includes blue K-line wires for specific vehicle models (e.g., some VWs) that should not be used with aftermarket stereos.
- Refer to EIA Color Code: Always cross-reference the wire colors with the EIA color code chart provided in your stereo's manual and the chart below to ensure correct connections.
Figure 3: The wiring harness with pre-installed crimp connectors, ready for connection.
Figure 4: Close-up view of the blue K-line wires, which are typically not used for aftermarket stereo installations.
Figure 5: Electronics Industry Association (EIA) Wire Color Code Chart. This chart helps match wire functions to their colors.
4.3 Connecting to Vehicle
- Plug In: Once the harnesses are correctly wired together, plug the vehicle harness connector into the vehicle's factory wiring and the new stereo's harness into the aftermarket radio.
- Secure Stereo: Mount the new stereo securely into the dash opening.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Test Functions: Turn on the radio and test all functions (audio, balance, fade, radio presets, etc.) to ensure proper operation.
Figure 6: Rear view of the harness connector, showing the pin configuration for proper vehicle connection.
5. Operating
The Scosche VW01BCB wiring harness is a passive component that facilitates the electrical connection between your vehicle and an aftermarket stereo. Its operation is integrated with the functionality of your new stereo unit. Refer to the user manual provided with your aftermarket stereo for detailed operating instructions, including tuning, audio settings, and feature usage.
6. Maintenance
The Scosche VW01BCB wiring harness requires minimal maintenance. Once installed correctly, it is designed for long-term reliability.
- Periodic Checks: If you experience any audio issues or electrical problems related to the stereo, it is advisable to check the harness connections for any looseness or corrosion.
- Keep Dry: Ensure the connections remain dry and free from moisture to prevent corrosion.
- Avoid Stress: Do not pull or put excessive stress on the wires or connectors after installation.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues after installing your Scosche VW01BCB wiring harness, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power to stereo | Disconnected battery terminal, incorrect power wire connection, blown fuse. | Reconnect negative battery terminal. Verify yellow (constant 12V) and red (switched 12V) wires are correctly connected. Check vehicle and stereo fuses. |
| No sound from speakers | Incorrect speaker wire connections, amplifier turn-on wire not connected (if applicable), speaker polarity reversed. | Double-check all speaker wire connections (positive to positive, negative to negative). Ensure amplifier turn-on wire (blue/white) is connected if your system requires it. Verify speaker polarity. |
| Stereo not turning off with ignition | Incorrect switched 12V (red) wire connection. | Ensure the red wire from the stereo harness is connected to the vehicle's switched 12V accessory wire. |
| Loss of radio presets/settings | Incorrect constant 12V (yellow) wire connection. | Ensure the yellow wire from the stereo harness is connected to the vehicle's constant 12V wire. |
| Steering wheel controls not working | Requires additional interface (not included with harness). | The VW01BCB harness does not provide steering wheel control retention. An additional interface may be required. |
If problems persist, consult a professional car audio installer or contact Scosche customer support.
8. Specifications
- Brand: Scosche
- Model Number: VW01BCB
- Material: Plastic
- Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 1 x 4.5 x 7.5 inches
- Item Weight: 1 Ounce
- Cable Type: Wire Harness
- Manufacturer: SCOSCHE
- UPC: 033991030220
- What's in the box: Wire Harness
9. Warranty and Support
The Scosche VW01BCB Car Radio Wiring Harness Kit is backed by Scosche's Lifetime Tech Support and Limited Warranty. For detailed warranty information or technical assistance, please refer to the official Scosche website or contact their customer service department.
Scosche Industries: www.scosche.com
