Do I need to use the receiver's ground wire if I'm using a harness with original metal brackets?

Question

I'm installing a car cd player on my own for the first time. I'm using a wire harness to snap into the original harness that was connected to the factory CD player. The CD player I'm installing also uses the original factory installed brackets to hold the unit in place. I'm wondering if I need to use the ground wire from the receiver since I'm connecting it to the original harness using the original metal brackets (which i've read actually act as a ground). I'm hesitating to attach the ground wire since I've heard that having more than one ground can cause a "ground loop" which causes the speakers to emit noise. Any advice? Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

hook everything up except the ground see if it works, (without putting everything back together incase it dont work it would be a hassle to redo it), if it dont work connect the ground , the bracket should be ok, (i have mine grounded to a bolt under the seat since i couldnt get a good connection with the bracket)

Answer 2

Use an ohmmeter to see if there is a direct connection between your battery ground wire (the big thick black one), and the installed metal brackets.  If there is, you're good to go.  

FWIW, though, if you're using an adapter kit with plug-in connectors, I'd just follow the instructions.   Its possible to get ground loops, but I think you'll be fine unless you've got an external amp in the circuit as well.

Answer 3

just use the harness. u'll be ok. theres a neg off ur stereo harness and one on ur car harness