2005 Impala-wireing

[timkilbride]

I have a 2005 Impala. After you turn the key off, the AM/FM radio stays on until you open the door. I would like to add my scanner, GPS, and Sirius radio to this circuit. Where do I start? I do not want to pull the radio out and use the power wire running to the AM/FM Radio. I have tried most, if not all fuses and no luck with that.

Thanks,
Tim K.

 

[bwoodfire45]

I would not recomend doing that because that circut is probably not fused high enough for all that equipment and the wire feeding that circut is probably to small to fuse higher. You can simply add your own wire off the battery and put in a timer for the same effect.

 

[timkilbride]

I would not recomend doing that because that circut is probably not fused high enough for all that equipment and the wire feeding that circut is probably to small to fuse higher. You can simply add your own wire off the battery and put in a timer for the same effect.

I would be game for a timer. Overloading the circuit did cross my mind, but I would have checked into it further. How does the timer work and where can I get one? Does the timer know when the car is off/on? Does it tie into the ignition?

Tim K.

 

[motorola_otaku]

The stereo power control in 2000-2005 Impalas is controlled by digital communication with the BCM (Body Control Module) - not a traditional 12V ignition sense line. Aftermarket stereo installations have to be hard-powered off or make use of an adapter module.. which I could not find easily in a Google search, but I know exists. You can derive traditional ignition sense from the ignition switch wiring harness, but personally I have never gone looking for it; I drive 9C1 Impalas with the wiring provided for you.

When you do find it, I strongly recommend using it to drive a 12V relay and running a 12 ga. positive wire from the battery; fused, loomed, and secured of course. You can derive chassis ground from a lug behind the stereo.

 

[Chipster]

I have the 2005 LTZ Impala with the center console. Not radio friendly, but it made it radio friendly without trashing the console. I installed a tap-a-fuse in my fuse box under the hood. I tapped into the accessory fuse which is controlled by the key switch. I then ran that fused wire to a 12v relay which drives a 12 ga. to the trunk where I distributed all the wiring for a CB, Scanner, and Yaesu 8800. When the doors open, I loose power. The weird part about it though, is that it wont come back on until you start the car. If you just turn the switch key to accessory, it wont power up. The car has to be physically running. But after you shut the car off, it is controlled the timer. I found it by probing the fuse box. I can send pictures if you want. I put a Rigrunner 4005 in the trunk with the remotely mounted Yaesu.

 

[James04TJ]

We have some 2002 Blazers that have the same radio design. The commercial radios share the same power-down feature (delayed until door opening) that the stereo has. The installs were outsourced but I will attempt to find out from the shop how they wired them.

One possible thought would be if the stock stereo has a power antenna feature. If so that would be an easy place to tap a relay off of.

 

[timkilbride]

shawnvw on chevy forums said this:

In the driver kick panel, there is a harness that goes into the drivers door boot. cut it open and you'l find a yellow wire. It will test as R.A.P.(Retained Accessory Power)

This is the wire you are looking for

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

[James04TJ]

Very well may be true. Just make sure that you use a relay on it rather than attempting to directly draw power from it.

 

[newsphotog]

I have seen something like this used to power off radios via time delay: Byonics - APO3

 

[datainmotion]

Your safest, non-intrusive bet would be an external timer hooked directly to the battery.

Lind Timer

Charge Guard Timer

Lind tends to be more expensive, but also more consistent and dependable

Charge Guard tends to be cheaper, but also have a history of erratic operation.

 

[swstow]

motorola otaku is correct do not use that wire, the bcm will go nuts if you tap in to it in any way
i

 

[bwoodfire45]

I have seen something like this used to power off radios via time delay: Byonics - APO3

Many police depts. that use crown vics and impalas and even chargers are going with a multi-load timer on their equipment especially the on-board computers. you can fuse it off the battery at around 30 amps and run a 4 amp ignition sense and it will keep up to 3 pieces of equipment live untill the timer expires, doors open or not.

 

[n8emr]

I have a 2005 Impala. After you turn the key off, the AM/FM radio stays on until you open the door. I would like to add my scanner, GPS, and Sirius radio to this circuit. Where do I start? I do not want to pull the radio out and use the power wire running to the AM/FM Radio. I have tried most, if not all fuses and no luck with that.

Thanks,
Tim K.

I think chevy calls it convenience power, You cant find a tap near the AM/FM radio or back at the fuse block. Use that to switch a relay and run your gear from another source.

 

[N0YFE]

I would recommend running a 10 Gauge wire and ground wire from the battery to a 30 Amp relay and using the power wire for the radio to the coil on the relay. Depending on your vehicle the 12v outlet may also be switched and if that's the case you could use that wire if it's easier to get at for the signal.

That way you'll have enough power to run all your equipment and not drawing any power from the radio circuts.