1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

84 GSL SE, trying to put aftermarket radio in

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Old 03-17-19 | 05:52 PM
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MikeCT01's Avatar
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From: El Paso, TX
84 GSL SE, trying to put aftermarket radio in

OK, before anyone says it, this is probably SOMEWHERE in here, but just hoping for quick answer so I can move on.

OK... get ready for another noob question. I have like 3 projects going at once on the car, so today I decided to do the radio. I am about to scream. Wiring to a new aftermarket radio:

First photo: single wire.. I figure out this is 12 volt + always on for memory. Got it

Second Photo: 3 wire, I figured out the top wire circled is the 12 volt ACC wire. So far so good

Ground I figured out is captured by the way the factory radio is screwed into its bracket then to the car chassis.. so no issue there. I take my ground from new radio and attach to chassis somewhere. Done.

With those 3 connections, I was able to get new radio to turn on.

Now...

Where do I connect the power antenna wire coming from new radio?? I know Mazda has a strange way the power antenna works with its relay.

But, is it one of the 2 remaining wires in picture 2, or is it one of the many wires in picture 3?




Old 03-17-19 | 06:12 PM
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have u checked the foxed.ca website for the wiring diagram?
Old 10-22-23 | 05:58 PM
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From: orlando
Originally Posted by MikeCT01
OK, before anyone says it, this is probably SOMEWHERE in here, but just hoping for quick answer so I can move on.

OK... get ready for another noob question. I have like 3 projects going at once on the car, so today I decided to do the radio. I am about to scream. Wiring to a new aftermarket radio:

First photo: single wire.. I figure out this is 12 volt + always on for memory. Got it

Second Photo: 3 wire, I figured out the top wire circled is the 12 volt ACC wire. So far so good

Ground I figured out is captured by the way the factory radio is screwed into its bracket then to the car chassis.. so no issue there. I take my ground from new radio and attach to chassis somewhere. Done.

With those 3 connections, I was able to get new radio to turn on.

Now...

Where do I connect the power antenna wire coming from new radio?? I know Mazda has a strange way the power antenna works with its relay.

But, is it one of the 2 remaining wires in picture 2, or is it one of the many wires in picture 3?




Hey man I know you posted this a long time ago but it helped tons with my gsl-se, wiring a new radio. Now I need to know which cables are my speakers and I'll be all set!
Old 10-22-23 | 06:10 PM
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you can get a copy of the FSM (and wiring diagrams) from: Foxed.ca
Old 10-22-23 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluezone_76
Hey man I know you posted this a long time ago but it helped tons with my gsl-se, wiring a new radio. Now I need to know which cables are my speakers and I'll be all set!
Since you have the GSL-SE, The audio flows to the joy stick, then under the drivers seat to the drivers side rear bin. You'll want to remove the drivers side bin and disconnect the speaker connections from the factory amps (2). One amp for front and one amp for rear. You then want to run new wires from the radio to the rear bin for the rear speakers and from the radio to the front speakers. Get the factory wiring diagrams from www.foxed.ca.

Last edited by KansasCityREPU; 10-22-23 at 07:38 PM.
Old 10-22-23 | 08:20 PM
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From: orlando
Originally Posted by KansasCityREPU
Since you have the GSL-SE, The audio flows to the joy stick, then under the drivers seat to the drivers side rear bin. You'll want to remove the drivers side bin and disconnect the speaker connections from the factory amps (2). One amp for front and one amp for rear. You then want to run new wires from the radio to the rear bin for the rear speakers and from the radio to the front speakers. Get the factory wiring diagrams from Foxed.ca.
So there's no.way to use an aftermarket radio with the joystick and factory amps to 4 speakers? I connected one of tbe rear speakers directly to the new radio and it sounds too low imo...I think it needs an amp.
Old 10-22-23 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluezone_76
So there's no.way to use an aftermarket radio with the joystick and factory amps to 4 speakers? I connected one of tbe rear speakers directly to the new radio and it sounds too low imo...I think it needs an amp.
There isn't a way to use the joystick and amps unless you know a lot about electronics. This is because the fader in the new radio is built into the radio and the factory joy stick (fader) wires routed from the radio and then to the amps. Most modern radios have some sort of amplification already built in. Twenty Five watts is common. You can't drive an amp from another amp. The replacement radio would need to be just a tuner. Most radios now have RCA out to supply to the amp. You really don't want the factory joystick and amps anyway. They are older technology and only have about 25 watts out. Also remember the factory speakers are almost 40 years old and have paper cones.

I added a basic Panasonic single din to my GSL. I did exactly as I suggested to you. Run new wires to the front speakers and then run new wires from the radio to the bin and attach to the factory rear speakers wires from there. It would also be just as easy to run new wires all the way back to the rear.
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