Where can I find the stereo ignition wire on a 2001 sunfire gt?

Question

Hi there

I am installing a new deck in my 2001 sunfire gt. I tried 3 different wiring harnesses and none were correct. I have tried splicing the wires and have everything hooked up except the stereo ignition wire (acc). I can not seem to find it in the dash. Any help would be appreciated. The only wires that are left are 2 purples, 1 black and 1 gray. Already have 1 black wire hooked up as ground so I am unsure what this black one is for. Thanks for your time

Answer 1

There is no accessory power wire in the radio harness of a 2001 Sunfire.  It doesn't exist.  The factory radio is controlled directly by the vehicle's computer system, through a data wire in the radio harness.

When you install a new head unit in this vehicle, you have to options:

1.  You can purchase a GM data bus adapter like Metra's GMRC01.  This module will translate the data bus signal and generate an  accessory voltage for the radio.  It will also generate the vehicle warning chimes, which otherwise will be lost when the factory radio is removed.  The only disadvantage is the expense; the modules can be pricey.

2.  You can use a standard wire harness, like Metra's 70-2003 harness, and route the switched power input to a key-switched voltage source elsewhere in the vehicle.  I like to use the thick brown wire in the key switch harness, but it's not very easy to get to, and you need to install a fuse on your new wire near the connection.  You might also be able to tap into a key-switched fuse at the fuse box; the windshield wiper fuse might work.    

Answer 2

Here's a link to the wiring color code for your car. http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/GM-Wi...

The 12 volt ignition wire should be yellow, on the bigger of the 2 harnesses. The other yellow wire on the smaller harness is the left rear negative speaker wire.