Found these mysterious wires in my Z

SouthArk370Z

A wire gauge chart (search for "AWG chart") will tell you diameter of wire, gauge, ampacity, &c (make sure you look for the number of strands in your wire as that will affect measured diameter). A dial caliper or micrometer will tell you what you have.

Edit: Some electricians/audio-installers can give you a close estimate by eyeballing it.

Edit 2: There is a power distribution block on the front left side of the battery. It may make a better place to attach the power wire than the battery terminal. Oops. Looked at the pics again and you are using the block. Doh!

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Vaibe

So do I need the fuse inline thing?

Also, another question about the first wires (http://i.imgur.com/uEvPU0P.jpg)

Seems like those are coming from my center console, which I think means that they're connected to the Pioneer HU or they're coming from the aftermarket Polk components that are installed in the doors. Would those hook up to an amp as well? Would the four wires be for tweeters and two components? Makes sense to me.. haha

SouthArk370Z

It will work without a fuse but it won't be safe. Put the fuse as close to the battery as possible.

Without knowing more about what goes where, all I can tell you are some generalities:
Zip-cord, is usually used for speaker wires; sometimes for high-level connection between HU and amp. Single conductor wires are usually power (big wire) or on/off signal (small wire).

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Vaibe

I think there may be an inline fuse, I'll double check again. There's definitely this clear plastic thing from the blue power cable in the hood of the car before it gets routed into the car. I wasn't sure what it was but it may be a fuse.

I guess when I get time I'll open up the car a little and see where all the cables are running to. Thanks for the help so far!

JC-Nismo

Does it look like this? I put mine on the screw and just tightened it up, Simple.

Vaibe

No, mine looks like this:



Looks like a fuse, the wire is connected to both sides of it. I can't pull it out any further as it's pretty tight in there right now without me opening anything up.

Edit: When comparing them again, they look really similar. Just different colors and locations.

SouthArk370Z

That frame over the battery is pretty easy to remove. Take out the rivets and then pry the rubber gasket up and off the frame. Pull the frame up and wiggle it out from under the windshield. See some of the "pull the SLU fuse" threads for details and pics.

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JC-Nismo

Yep thats the fuse, but why the hell anyone would stuff it back there so tight is unknown to me cause if it pops and you have to change it, then what. A song and dance just to get it out, but it seems like all your wiring is in place, you should be a happy camper, plug and play from here.

RonRizz

First thing you wanna do is remove the fuse from that holder before something not so nice happens.....

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RonRizz

Looks to me like the silver colored wires are rca cables...Is there a center conductor in there? and the 2 speaker wires would have been from an amp to your kickpanels, where you are likely to find the crossovers for the polk woofers and tweeters. The wires would split into 4 sets from there. The last single wire would have been your turn on lead

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P99rs Head Unit--- Amps- 2 Pioneer Prs800d --- Zapco ST1000MX---Zapco ST-4XSQ---- SI BM mk5 Subs---SI TM65v2 Midbass--- SI M3 mids--- SI M25 xbl2 tweeters ----- 2016 MECA street class 3rd place at world finals

Vaibe

To the best of my knowledge, it's been this way for about three years now. Kind of sketchy...


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Vaibe

Seems like a lot of problems can arise from this as it is. I think from here the best way for me to go is to just get a new wiring kit. Do you have any recommendations?


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SouthArk370Z

The only problem there could be is worn insulation. If the insulation is in good shape, there is no need to replace the wires. It's a PITA to pull wires in the Z (and most other cars).

If you have enough slack on the cabin end of the power wire, pull it back into the battery compartment enough that you have access to the fuse holder. As has been mentioned, you really ought to remove the fuse while working on the wiring.

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Vaibe

Looks like I'll try it out. I definitely have enough wire to mount an amp under my seat or something, then I can just get RCA wires (or can I buy the ends to the ones I have?) And a new ground wire for the amp.

I'll remember to pull the fuse. I don't know how to yet but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Now I just need to figure out what my power wire can handle


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SouthArk370Z

You can buy RCA connectors.

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