Loss of dash power with new aftermarket radio.
Thread Starter
Joined: 05-09-2026
Posts: 2
Loss of dash power with new aftermarket radio.
I recently purchased a 2011 Chevy HHR LS from someone on Facebook marketplace. I wanted to add an aftermarket stereo, so I purchased the BOSS Audio Systems BE7ACP-C Car Stereo. I purchased a RED WOLF Radio Wiring Harness w/Antenna Adapter, which indicates it should be compatable with my HHR. I couldn't get the head unit to power on so I watched a few YouTube videos about tapping into a fuse in the interior fuse box, which worked, and the head unit powered on! When I turn the key the head unit powers on, but the gauges on my dash don't work and all of my warning lights are on and won't turn off. I haven't been able to find any solutions to this issue online. Any suggesting on what's going on?
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,096
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Welcome to the forum, go to Crutchfield.com , they have directions to properly install an aftermarket head unit. Tapping into wires and fuses is most likely the cause of your instrumentation issues
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,541
From: Fredericksburg,VA
You tapped into the wrong wire. Any of the unused fuses in the inside fuse box will work for the switched side of the power.
The stock radio only has a "on at all times hot" it depends on a digital signal from the BCM to turn on or off. After market radios use a switched power to turn on and off and a "always hot" for memory.
BTW, You will lose the chimes unless you get the digital adapter, the cleaner way to install.
The stock radio only has a "on at all times hot" it depends on a digital signal from the BCM to turn on or off. After market radios use a switched power to turn on and off and a "always hot" for memory.
BTW, You will lose the chimes unless you get the digital adapter, the cleaner way to install.
Last edited by donbrew; May 9, 2026 at 05:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: 05-09-2026
Posts: 2
You tapped into the wrong wire. Any of the unused fuses in the inside fuse box will work for the switched side of the power.
The stock radio only has a "on at all times hot" it depends on a digital signal from the BCM to turn on or off. After market radios use a switched power to turn on and off and a "always hot" for memory.
BTW, You will lose the chimes unless you get the digital adapter, the cleaner way to install.
The stock radio only has a "on at all times hot" it depends on a digital signal from the BCM to turn on or off. After market radios use a switched power to turn on and off and a "always hot" for memory.
BTW, You will lose the chimes unless you get the digital adapter, the cleaner way to install.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,541
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Go to crutchfield.com. You don't need to buy from them but they show you exactly what you need.
You will need a GMLAN adapter to connect to your radio harness and the car harness. That should include a chime module. There are options that include steering wheel controls and for the Pioneer sub woofer.
I suspect that you connected to the I/P digital wire somehow, maybe the harness. My memory may have been faulty, try using one of the "spare" fuse positions instead of the "empty" ones. #14 is 10 A, #21 and #12 are 20 A.
You will need a GMLAN adapter to connect to your radio harness and the car harness. That should include a chime module. There are options that include steering wheel controls and for the Pioneer sub woofer.
I suspect that you connected to the I/P digital wire somehow, maybe the harness. My memory may have been faulty, try using one of the "spare" fuse positions instead of the "empty" ones. #14 is 10 A, #21 and #12 are 20 A.
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