Definitive INFINITY Install Thread

[mpls152]

I wanted to put together a thread that was all encompassing for the Montero Sport Infinity Head Unit Conversion install. I hope that others can add or correct as needed. Here are the guidlines for attempting this installation:

You will need:
A New Head Unit. With at least 1 set of RCA pre-outs (not subs) if you don't want to be able to Fade and you will need to split those (hence, no fading)
2 RCA pre-outs for the front and back channel.
BEST OPTION - 3 sets of RCA Pre-outs - one for the front channel, one for the rear channel and a sub output for the optional amplifer and subwoofer installation.

DIN adaptor for speakers, found at the following link. The infinity system has a seperate Amplifier located over the passenger side rear wheelwell. Which is fed from the headunit through a proprietary cabling system.
www.cardomain.com/item/PERMITAH

Not sure on this one.... but a Wiring harness to tap into the power, antenna, ground, constant power, etc.
Does the following product work for that purpose?
www.cardomain.com/item/SCOMI02B?vq_id=none
(The speaker connections obviously won't be used, you'll just pick your connections you need)

Also, I am just guessing here, but I am assuming that the standard stereo will fit into the opening that currently has the infinity stereo in it. If not, I have found these products that may help. (anyone know if this is required?)

www.audiooutfitter.com/store/99-7007.html

and

www.soundoffaudio.com/item.cfm/id/850

So to complete this install, it should be pretty simple.

- pull out the infinity system.
- Use the two harnesses (DIN and power harness) to connect up directly to the Montero Sport after wiring to your new head unit
- run an RCA cable to the back for a potential subwoofer amp, splice the amplifier turn on that is running to the DIN harness
- route SIRIUS/XM cabling to rear
- mount the radio in the apparent DIN opening
- Turn on and enjoy!

I hope that anyone who has followed this procedure could help fill in any gaps. I was quite discouraged at first, but after checking around, it seems that this installation shouldn't be that difficult - only somewhat more expensive than normal.

I think that the Infinity System has good sound, I just want to add SIRIUS to my car, plus would like an AUX input for my iPod. Once I try this installation, I may post detailed instructions and photos.

Thanks
Jeremy

[mpls152]

An update on my install.

I'll be installing the Pioneer AVIC-D1 system along with the Sirius and iPod control boxes.

This will take advantage of the double DIN and add a bunch of functionality.

Details coming soon...

[EricDr]

Jeremy,

I'm getting ready to install an aftermarket receiver on my 2000 MS Ltd. The factory harness has 5 wires in it and upon checking a service manual, I could only identify 4 that's supposed to be on there. They are as follows:

B/Y - Rheostat
G/W - Column Switch
L (Blue) - Ignition Switch
R/B - Battery

I cannot account for a White/Black wire. Also, what is the rheostat for, do I need to connect it to the new receiver? I will be installing the new unit with a Peripheral Mitah adapter.

Thanks,
Eric

[zagselite]

so is it normally pretty impossible to install a new head unit to go with the infinity system at all? I was asking if I could even keep the cd changer just add/replace a new head unit..

does this have to be custom done, who could I get to do this and what do I tell them?

[mpls152]

the rheostat most likely controls the 'dimming' function of the lights.

also, there should be a wire to control the motorized antenna... not sure if that is the black/white one, but i would assume that would be the ground - which would be necessary for the radio to work.

Also, to the other message, i think it is quite doable to put a new stereo in and use the infinti speakers. it will be difficult, however, to preserve the 6-cd changer with an aftermarket head unit.

[EricDr]

The dimming function should be controlled by the column switch as this is the lighting switch according to the wiring diagram. I looked up the definition of a rheostat and found in some cases it is used to control volume in an amp application. 'just wondering if a new aftermarket unit would still need connection to this since I'm keeping the factory amp. I looked at the diagram again and the white/black wire controls the antenna.

As for the ground, I believe the antenna supplies this. I read in another post that the bracket takes care of ground but I tried to remove the radio while it's on and with the whole player out it was still working. Only when I pulled the antenna did it turn off also.

[EricDr]

Well, I did it! Got my new head unit in using the installation guideline outlined above by Jeremy. I guess the rheostat connection is not needed. I also used a T-connector for the new speakers so I could keep the factory connection. 'couldn't have done it without help from this forum. Thanks guys!

[mpls152]

My install is underway.

I have the AVIC-D1 in, along with the XM with traffic Nav (sweet option, Sirius didn't support it and even though i like the music on sirius better, i went with XM because of this) and the ipod interface (mixed reviews right now, need to reformat my ipod and try it out).

I need to run the wiring for my amplifier and I'll be ready to take some photos and show it off.

Some issues, some specific to this head unit.

- AVIC-D1 - tilts open to put in the CD and DVD-Rom. Since this is a double DIN unit, it fit right in - however, when in park, the shifter interferes with the tilt mechanism. It opens partway for the CD and all the way for the DVD. The CD makes it barely, but the DVD can't be changed unless you go to neutral, at least. This isn't much of a problem, however, as i doubt i'll be changing the Map DVD all that much.

- I didn't need a DIN adapter as I noted in the orignal post to this thread. I doubt that you'll need one either, although i think there may be different pocket configurations out there that may require it. There are brackets on the original stereo that i simply mounted to the AVIC and slipped it in. worked great...

- I used the wiring harness that is listed below. I simply zip tied the speaker leads. There is a MUTE lead that i didn't use (and i assume goes nowhere) and there are TWO ILLUMIANTION leads. I used the one with a white stripe. I'll try the other one before i button everything up and see if there is any difference

Using this wiring harness is DEFINITELY the way to go and leaves you without the need to decipher the wiring diagram as listed below.

- The MITAH part used for patching into the Inifinity AMP is awesome, just plug it into your RCA outputs and hook up the amp activation lead from your head unit

Other than that, I have the entire system installed and it works well, I like having an EQ to setup the sound and get the most from the Infinity speakers, which I believe would be hard to do much better than by replacing them...

Pics soon... thanks everyone, hopefully anyone else who has tried will chime in, and if you need help, let me know..