How do I differentiate between two of the same colored stereo wires?

[spaghetto15]

I have a ford focus 2007 wagon. The only true-to-life wiring diagram for my stereo that I could find was this: https://www.modifiedlife.com/2007-ford-focus-car-stereo-wiring-diagram/

In the car, there are multiple wires that all are coloured orange/black. On the site, it says that the radio accessory wire is orange/black, but it also says that a few other wires are also orange/black.

How am I supposed to differentiate between them? There are three orange/black wires, one of them being a bit fatter while the other two are comparatively slim.

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For context, I am trying to hook up an amp to my factory stereo for a subwoofer, and currently need to tap into a wire for the remote turn on.

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[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

For context, I am trying to hook up an amp to my factory stereo for a subwoofer, and currently need to tap into a wire for the remote turn on.

It would be safer to use a multimeter to test those wires.
Are you using an line output converter? If you have not gotten one yet, I recommend an Audiocontrol lc2iPRO. It will reduce the signal and provide remote turn on. It also has a bass knob.

 

[spaghetto15]

It would be safer to use a multimeter to test those wires.
Are you using an line output converter? If you have not gotten one yet, I recommend an Audiocontrol lc2iPRO. It will reduce the signal and provide remote turn on. It also has a bass knob.

I am using an loc yeah, but it’s a pretty cheap one without a remote wire or any knobs. Just two screws to adjust the loudness of both channels separately I think

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

I am using an loc yeah, but it’s a pretty cheap one without a remote wire or any knobs. Just two screws to adjust the loudness of both channels separately I think

I notice those work good when the vehicle has a regular radio, nothing too fancy. If that is the case, you should be fine. Just meter those wires to see if the key deactivates one of them.

 

[spaghetto15]

I notice those work good when the vehicle has a regular radio, nothing too fancy. If that is the case, you should be fine. Just meter those wires to see if the key deactivates one of them.

The only meter I have seems to be broken so there goes that idea. I guess I'll just try the other wires of the same color.

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

The only meter I have seems to be broken so there goes that idea. I guess I'll just try the other wires of the same color.

Rig up a test light.

 

[tommydh 10+ year member]

I found a diagram on 12volt.com. It says Orange/black is the 12v constant and Yellow/black is the switched 12v. That would be your remote. You can pick up a decent multimeter for 50 bucks and that would save you some headache as well.

 

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

A meter is handy to have if you got a system hooked up...especially if you need to trouble shoot anything...

 

[tommydh 10+ year member]

A meter is handy to have if you got a system hooked up...especially if you need to trouble shoot anything...

I recommend buying something decent nothing too expensive. check this one out

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVYGZA/?tag=caraudiocom-20

This is my favorite one to use and Ive had it for about 4 or 5 years maybe now. Pretty easy to use and Very easy to read if you are as blind as I am. Been a great one so far. Lasted quite well. I have a few others that are more expensive , but I seem to always go to this one.??

 

[Firewalker]

One thing I am lucky with the old man working at Mobil Oil for so long was all the free tools we got,lol. Still using a 300-400 dollar Fluke from there.

Klein has a good rep though for their products all around as they mainly do electrical components, wire, connectors, cutters and so on. We used a lot of Klein products at the alarm install place I used to work at.