1996 VW Golf MK3 SE car stereo wiring harness

[timSR3]

Not sure if this is posted in the right place, but, I have recently bought a new stereo for my Golf but am having some problems trying to find the right wiring harness. I went to Halfords and showed them the photos of the connectors below but they said they don't stock the one I need.





Does anybody have any idea what the right wiring harness is and where I can buy one?

Any help or advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[martin mrt]

Give that harness in the car a tug, it should be plugged into two ISO connectors that look like this



Unplug it from the connectors and plug the new stereo in, you will probably need to swap the yellow/red wires over on the new stereo (the wires usually have a connector half way down each other) so that the permanent live is correct.

If there is no ISO connectors, you will need to wire some in. Simple enough job

[timSR3]

Thanks for your help. Got the to connectors plugged in and the unit turned on. The only issue is, is that the outer casing (see arrow on image) this is too large to fit into the slot in my car. The rest of it fits its just this part is too big. Can this be removed?





EDIT: I've managed to get the cage part off so am going to try and fit this again tomorrow.

Edited by timSR3 on Monday 25th March 23:17

[timSR3]

I have got the stereo fitted but the unit is not keeping its memory and i need to swap red and yellow wires over? I'm not sure what i need to do so if someone could explain i would be greatful.

[Vince70]

You don't have to swap the red and yellow wires over, you can actually join the wires together if you prefer to get a permanent feed.
Just remember to switch the stereo off when leaving the car as otherwise you will flatten the battery.

As for the stereo cage there is no reason why it a standard cage shouldn't fit a mk3 golf dash, it should just be a tight fit and need a bit of persuasion.

Make sure the tags on the cage are not catching on the dash as you push the cage in, and once the cage is in push the tags in so it fits tightly, then insert the stereo after testing making sure you don't trap any wires.

[timSR3]

Yeah I actually had to take the cage off in the end to get it to fit so that's all sorted. I just tried swapping the yellow and red cables over and that did the trick. If I just turn off the ignition and not turn the stereo off before, will this cause it to run the battery flat? Bought this unit off a mate who didn't have to do this..

[Vince70]

Yes it's a VW/Audi thing I'm afraid when you wire in an aftermarket stereo so power is always going to the stereo even when the Ignition is off.
You only have to remember to unclip the face plate or turn the power button off on the stereo when your not using the car it won't cause you car any problems.
I've always wired stereos in vag motors in this manner and never had a problem.
If you prefer you can wire into the fuse box so the stereo turns off with the ignition but it really isn't worth the hassle.