Installing aftermarket cd changer

[gniknave]

Ok I got this aftermarket Sony 10-disc changer and got it mounted and got the fm modulator hooked up to the radio (on a 90 Q45 btw). Where I'm confused is where the instructions say "ground black wire to metal point on the car", ok that's easy did that. Next it says "Connect yellow wire to +12 power terminal which is powered at all times". This is one of the ones I'm stuck on. I know the cigarette lighter is powered at all times but which wire (color) is the +12, and how do you ground the wire to it (as dumb as that may sound)? Are you supposed to poke the cigarette lighter wire (please tell me the color of the +12 cigarette lighter wire) and then wrap the wire from the cd changer around it?

Next, it says "Connect the red to a +12 terminal which is powered when ignition switch is in the accessory position". Ok, now what would be the best (and easiest) component to connect to? Help appreciated as always! The radio sucks! I need to listen to my cd's!
Modified by gniknave at 12:35 AM 11/14/2004

[maxnix]

Ok I got this aftermarket Sony 10-disc changer and got it mounted and got the fm modulator hooked up to the radio (on a 90 Q45 btw). Next it says "Connect yellow wire to +12 power terminal which is powered at all times". This is one of the ones I'm stuck on. I know the cigarette lighter is powered at all times ....

I don't think the cigarette lighter is powered at all times, especially when the ignition is off.

Personally, I would not expend this effort on a FM modulated device, other than an FM radio.

[Jesda]

I wish I could recall what wire ws spliced when they installed my previous XM radio on an FM modulator. Carstereohelp.com has diagrams I think. You can buy plastic adapters that allow you to connect one wire to the middle of another wire, intersecting like a T.

[AlabamaDan]

I've got a FM modulated CD Changer in the trunk. It's ok, but I'd rather have a Clarion that plugs in, (I've got a 94.) The only problem with my FM modulated is that it doesn't get as loud as I'd like

I'll try and look to see which wire they tapped. It was installed before I bought her.

[Q451990]

The cigarette lighter wire is switched. You really need a multimeter to check your wiring... if you have a harbor freight tools nearby you should be able to get one for $10-20. Your best bet is to find the unswitched 12v wire feeding your radio and tap in there... hopefully it'll handle the additional load.

Heath

[JT_MONEY_2004]

Forget the FM modulator if you can.Did you retain the rest of the factory system?

[gniknave]

I retained the rest of the factory system. I haven't been in the mood for a DIY lately so I think it's worth $40 to have someone do it for me instead. I'm proceeding with the plan because I just need something besides the radio on my long 1.5 hour commutes to and from work.