I recently got a new Pioneer DEH-X8600BH (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-X8600BH) head unit and I finally have access to a garage so I can install it without my fingers freezing off outside. At the moment, everything is stock, except for the new HU.

I have one wire which I'm not sure where to connect. Per the installation instructions (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Car/DEH-X8600BH_BS_OwnersManual080713.pdf, page 25), the blue/white wire should be connected to the "system control terminal of the power amp or auto-antenna relay control terminal."

I've got three connectors plugged into my factory radio.

Main radio connector:


CD changer:


Subwoofer connector:


Can anybody tell me which of this plethora of wires that needs to be connected to? My first guess was "Audio System ON," which is pin #6 on the CD changer connector... but that doesn't seem right.

2004 LX Sport. This is my first stereo install, so I'm spending a lot of time arguing with myself on this.

Not really helping, but I would like to know how you like the receiver. I got the media player version of that and hated it. The menus were unusable.

Everything you need should be coming from the first plug.
If you're trying to connect an amp there should be a wire off your new radio to do that.

If your car isn't equipped with a factory amp you don't have to worry. Panthers usually don't have amps unless it has premium sound.
Leave that wire alone. Tape it and hide it. You will actually need it if you're installing and amplifier in the future.

You only need that if you are trying to use the stock subwoofer, but the stock sub amp turn on works on a different voltage(I believe 5v) so the wire coming out of the new headunit(12v) may cause more harm than good.
They do sell adapters(or you can find instructions to DIY) to use the stock sub with an aftermarket headunit and I used it in my Sport, worked great.

Any info on the adapter? I am not having much luck Googling it.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151335

After a couple of weeks of using it, I like the interface. Full disclosure: I've had a Pioneer in my other car for several years, so I'm used to the menu navigation. I particularly like the iPod navigation, because it lets you search by letter, which is much better than on the older stereo where you have to scroll through all the artists/songs/whatever. That can be a real pain when you have almost 20,000 songs on your iPod.