Rats nest of A/V wires under center console

[scottminor]

I was troubleshooting an audio problem with my DVD player tonight and discovered a rats nest that would make the worst install sick. I have the factory NAV w/Y91, Myron Davis DVD player, wireless headphons and CD changer. When I pulled the cup holder out I was shocked. There were numerous relays, a SPEC audio boc (guessing that is for the CD changer), 2 ground noise look isolators, 2 RCA Y adapters and several other little black boxes. I am obsesive complusive when it comes to my stuff and I have always been a freak for wiring neatness. Anyone have any idea on how to clean this %^&*$ up? Just how many relays and other items do I really need to run a changer and the DVD player?

The good news is that it appears that I have jiggled the right wide and now my sub seems to be working again.

[guruerror]

You'll probably have to do it the old fashion way...

1. Trace each wire to its source/destination
2. Determine if the wire is needed
3. Look for a better way to route the wire
4. Shorten the wire if possible
5. Safety tie the wires along the way to mak'em look neat

To determine if everything in your mess is needed, I'd start by Googling for the install manuals on all of your aftermarket components; then compare what you got to the wiring diagrams.

It's not 'fun' but I'm much the same way as you when it comes to wiring...trust me, you'll 'feel better' once you've got it all worked out. As a side note; I've never found an installer that didn't create a mess of wires, that's why I just bite the bullet and do all my installs myself.

[scottminor]

It would be easier if I could figure out how to take the center dash piece and the center console apart. I have the cup holder tray and the arm rest tray out. I am just nervous about breaking something as these parts are so expensive to replace...

[guruerror]

1. Take the bucket out of the center console (4 screws)
2. Remove the four bolts beneath the bucket
3. Remove the bolt next to the shifter
4. Remove the two screws under the lip of the console in front of the shifter (they screw into the dash under the OnStar unit)

The console should then lift up...you just have to disconnect the cable harnesses to completely remove.

[scottminor]

Thanks for the help. That worked. The wires on the rear entertainment panel are very short. It will remain an mess until I decide to gut it. There are so many little black boxes and wire splices, unless I knew exactly what I was doing I would never get it back together. How nice would it be to have a new head unit and ditch the factory nav...