1988 Mercury Cougar Common ground wiring scheme

DISCENNA57

MEMBER
1988 MERCURY COUGAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
73,600 MILES

Hi, in my 1988 cougar I want to be able to install a new aftermarket radio in it but I cant because my speaker system is common ground. I have the JVC harness spliced in the dash already its just that the radio wont get power through my EQ. How do I go about fixing this problem? The guys at Best Buy wants $110 to re-wire my car but I would rather do it myself and save some money.

Thanks alot for your help!

1 Reply

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Does it have constant batttery power at the harness? Your new stereo will require 2 powers, 1 switched (ignition) and 1 constant (memory). You will need a test light and 2 inline fuses. Go to the fuse block, there should be a plug in or two on the block, they may even be labeled. You are looking for IGN and possibly Batt. Use the test light to verify the IGN goes on and off with the key and that the BATT stays hot all of the time. Plug in there, use inline fuses and run wires to stereos, red and yellow wires for powers, (consult install manual). If no BATT is available there, you can run it straight to the battery, but you MUST use fuses to protect the circuits