New Retrosounds radio won't even turn on? (also what is the grey wire?)

Challis350 · Nov 19, 2022

Hey guys

I've got a 1986 GMC C2500 and i've got the corresponding Retrosounds radio. All the speakers are in and i've attached the relevant wires to the speaker harness provided.

My problem is with the power harness.

On the retrosounds power harness I have black (ground), Yellow (12v constant) and red (12v accessory). The old radio wires, however, are yellow, black and grey. I've attached black to black, yellow to yellow (which lightly sparked!), and then grey to red, but the radio won't turn on.

Am i missing something obvious here? Pic below:

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Matt69olds · Nov 20, 2022

Gray is dash lamps. If the new radio has a wire labeled illumination or dimmer, that’s the wire you want to trigger the radio to dim the display.

This is a pinout for a stock GM radio. Black is ground. Orange is constant power. Yellow is ignition power. Brown is taillight (used on some radios for bscklighting)

Hope that helps.

SquareRoot · Nov 20, 2022

Use a multimeter it at least a test light and confirm you have power and ground. Don't assume the colors mean anything. If you shorted the wire as you mentioned "it sparked", check the fuse, it may be fried.

Challis350 · Nov 20, 2022

Thanks all.

The orange wire from the cigarette lighter worked perfectly when connected, and yes, I did blow a fuse in the process.

Case closed.

Finkaire · Nov 20, 2022

I used the plug and play adapter from Crutchfield with no problem using the stock plug and speakers, like it a lot

TPISly-C10 · Nov 21, 2022

Challis350 said:
Hey guys

I've got a 1986 GMC C2500 and i've got the corresponding Retrosounds radio. All the speakers are in and i've attached the relevant wires to the speaker harness provided.

My problem is with the power harness.

On the retrosounds power harness I have black (ground), Yellow (12v constant) and red (12v accessory). The old radio wires, however, are yellow, black and grey. I've attached black to black, yellow to yellow (which lightly sparked!), and then grey to red, but the radio won't turn on.

Am i missing something obvious here? Pic below:

You must be registered for see images attach

black is GND-yellow ignition power and grey dimer light....you need orange constant positive to have it work

Iamsoocluess · Mar 22, 2023

Challis350 said:
Thanks all.

The orange wire from the cigarette lighter worked perfectly when connected, and yes, I did blow a fuse in the process.

Case closed.

To clarify black to black, red to yellow and yellow to orange cigarette wire?

Randy and Easton · Mar 23, 2023

@Iamsoocluess what are you asking? I’m confused? If it’s stereo power we answered you in another post you made.

Yellow from truck is power, black from truck is ground and grey from truck is the back lighting for the radio.

New Retrosounds radio won't even turn on? (also what is the grey wire?)

Challis350

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