Complete the wiring harness interface before reinstalling the radio unit into the dashboard. Mount securely and connect the antenna lead for optimal reception.
Essential Precautions & Preparation
Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before starting any electrical work. Identify your specific Dart trim level (SE, SXT, Limited, GT) as wiring details may vary. Purchase a compatible Dodge Dart-specific wiring harness adapter (aftermarket radio to factory connectors), not generic universal parts.
Required Tools & Materials
- Dodge Dart Wiring Harness Adapter
- Aftermarket Radio Installation Dash Kit
- Wire Strippers/Crimpers
- Heat Shrink Tubing & Heat Gun (or Quality Electrical Tape)
- Multimeter for Verification
- Trim Removal Tools
Understanding Wire Color Codes (Typical 2013 Dart)
Factory Radio Connector Wires:
- Battery Constant 12V+: Red (or Red w/ White Stripe)
- Accessory Switched 12V+: Yellow (or Pink)
- Ground: Black (or Black w/ White Stripe)
- Illumination/Dimmer: Orange (or Orange w/ White Stripe) - Optional
- Power Antenna: Blue (or Blue w/ White Stripe) - Only if equipped
Speaker Wires (Factory Colors - Pairs):
- Front Left (+): Dark Green / Front Left (-): Dark Green with Black Stripe
- Front Right (+): Violet / Front Right (-): Violet with Black Stripe
- Rear Left (+): Brown / Rear Left (-): Brown with Black Stripe
- Rear Right (+): Light Blue / Rear Right (-): Light Blue with Black Stripe
Aftermarket Harness Wiring Procedure
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Strip & Prepare: Expose ~1/2 inch of copper on corresponding wires from the Dart harness adapter and your aftermarket radio's harness.
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Connect Power/Ground: Match and securely connect primary wires:
- Radio Harness Battery Constant (Yellow) to Adapter Constant (e.g., Red)
- Radio Harness Accessory Switched (Red) to Adapter Switched (e.g., Yellow)
- Radio Harness Ground (Black) to Adapter Ground (e.g., Black)
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Connect Speakers: Match aftermarket harness speaker wire colors directly to the corresponding colors on the adapter harness. Pay close attention to polarity (+/-).
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Connect Secondary Features (If Applicable):
- Radio Harness Illumination (Orange/White) to Adapter Illumination (e.g., Orange)
- Radio Harness Amplifier Turn-On/Power Antenna (Blue or Blue/White) to Adapter ANT/AMP wire (if present, often Blue)
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Insulate All Connections: Cover every single solder joint or crimp connector thoroughly with heat shrink or multiple layers of electrical tape. Prevent shorts.
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Finalize the Harness: Group wires neatly and secure with zip ties.
Testing & Verification
Critical Step: Reconnect battery negative terminal.
- Test Power: Turn ignition key to ACC/RUN. Verify the aftermarket radio powers on.
- Test Retention: Turn ignition OFF and wait ~10 minutes. Verify radio retains memory (clock/presets).
- Test Functionality: Check illumination (parking lights on/off), power antenna (if applicable), and test audio output from all speakers.
Final Installation
Complete the wiring harness interface before reinstalling the radio unit into the dashboard. Mount securely and connect the antenna lead for optimal reception.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Power: Recheck Constant, Switched, and Ground connections. Confirm factory fuse panel (under driver's dash) radio fuses are good.
- No Memory: Constant 12V+ connection (e.g., Yellow to Red) is faulty or fused incorrectly.
- Distortion/One Speaker Silent: Confirm speaker wire polarity is correct (+ to +, - to -) and connections are solid. A phase issue or open connection is likely.
- No Illumination: Double-check connection to the orange wire on the Dart harness; dimmer settings may exist in the aftermarket radio's menu.