Embarking on the journey of upgrading your 1999 Dodge Ram's audio system can be a rewarding DIY project, especially when aiming to install a new headunit like the Alpine CDE-BT172. While many opt for wiring harness adapters for convenience, this guide will detail exactly How to Wire Up a Alpine Cde Bt172 Headunit to a 1999 Dodge Ram With Out a Wiring Harness Adapter , offering a direct connection method for those who prefer a hands-on approach and are looking to avoid the extra cost of an adapter. This process, while requiring a bit more attention to detail, is entirely manageable for the determined enthusiast.
Understanding the Connections for Your Alpine CDE-BT172 in Your 1999 Dodge Ram
When you decide to tackle How to Wire Up a Alpine Cde Bt172 Headunit to a 1999 Dodge Ram With Out a Wiring Harness Adapter , you're essentially bypassing a pre-made connector and establishing direct links between your new headunit's wiring and your truck's existing audio harness. This involves identifying each wire from the Alpine unit and meticulously connecting it to its corresponding function within the Dodge Ram's factory wiring. This method requires patience and a clear understanding of what each wire's purpose is. The importance of correctly identifying and connecting these wires cannot be overstated, as an incorrect connection can lead to blown fuses, damaged equipment, or a non-functional stereo system.
To successfully perform this direct wiring, you'll need to gather a few essential tools and understand the wiring schemes of both your Alpine CDE-BT172 and your 1999 Dodge Ram. Generally, you'll find that both the headunit and the vehicle's harness will have wires designated for specific functions. A common color-coding system, though not universally identical, can be a helpful starting point. You'll typically encounter wires for:
- Constant 12V Power (usually yellow)
- Switched 12V Power (often red)
- Ground (typically black)
- Illumination (for dimming with headlights, often orange)
- Accessory (can be the same as switched, or separate)
- Speaker Outputs (multiple wires, usually in pairs of color and a black stripe for negative)
The actual process involves stripping the ends of the wires from both the Alpine headunit's harness and the vehicle's factory radio connector. Then, using a reliable method of joining these wires, such as crimp connectors, solder, and heat shrink tubing, you'll create a secure and insulated connection for each function. For instance, if the Alpine unit's yellow wire is constant power, you'll need to find the corresponding constant power wire in the Dodge Ram's harness and connect them. Here's a simplified breakdown of the connection types:
- Power Connections: Connect the constant 12V, switched 12V, and ground wires. The constant power keeps memory settings, while switched power turns the unit on and off with the ignition.
- Speaker Connections: Match the left/right, front/rear speaker output wires from the Alpine to the corresponding speaker wires in the truck.
- Other Functions: Connect illumination, antenna, and any other necessary wires based on your headunit's capabilities and your truck's wiring.
It's crucial to cross-reference the wiring diagrams for both your specific Alpine model and your 1999 Dodge Ram. You can often find these diagrams by searching online for "Alpine CDE-BT172 wiring diagram" and "1999 Dodge Ram radio wiring harness."
For a definitive and accurate guide to the specific wire colors and their functions for your 1999 Dodge Ram's factory radio harness, please refer to the detailed wiring diagrams provided in the section below. This resource will be invaluable in ensuring each connection is made correctly.