Description
If you are looking to replace the radio in your 2007 2008 2009 Acura MDX with navigation this wiring combo will help you replace the factory radio while bypassing the factory amplifier. When replacing the factory radio in your MDX with navigation with an aftermarket radio you will not be able to achieve full volume control. This is because the amplifier and factory radio utilize a proprietary CAN BUS communication system. That system is responsible for raising volume, fader controls and muting the amplifier. Due to the design of the system both the factory amplifier and factory radio must be replaced in order to install an aftermarket radio. This wiring combo will help you replace the factory radio and the factory amplifier.
This wiring combo provides you with the harnesses and wire to install the aftermarket radio and then connect it to your speakers bypassing your factory amplifier. This wiring harness combo is for an advanced DIY’r there are multiple wiring decisions that must be made. The MDX has a total of 10 speakers which include 1 center channel speaker (3.5″), two tweeters(.5″), 4 door woofers(6.5″), two satellite speakers (3.5″), and 1 subwoofer (8″). All the speakers except the subwoofer get the power to drive the speakers from the factory amplifier. The subwoofer has its own amplifier inside the enclosure.
If you try to wire all the speakers to your radio you will most likely short the built in amplifier in your radio. You need to decide either which speakers to replace or which speakers you will not hook up. You can also use an amplifier to retain all the speakers. We have a 6 channel amplifier you can use to do so. The most common way to hook up your speakers to your aftermarket radio is to hook up the front left, front right, rear left and rear right speakers. This will also keep your tweeters working as they are wired with your front speakers. Wiring the combo in this configuration will eliminate the center speaker and the satellite speakers they will no longer produce sound.
To keep your factory subwoofer working you will need to wiretap the amp turn on wire which is white on pin 23 of the connector with the thin wires going into your amplifier you will also need to hook up the subwoofer wires to one of your rear speakers to provide it signal. The way the factory subwoofer amplifier turns on in your Acura MDX is with a remote wire and DC offset. So you need to tap the white wire and send a speaker level signal to amplifier for it to turn on and produce sound.
Installing an aftermarket radio in your 2007 2008 2009 Acura MDX will result in the loss of the factory navigation system from being responsive. Your backup camera will still work and the map will show but you will not be able to control it. The installation can be simple if you plan to give up certain speakers. If you want to retain them all you will have to be creative with your wiring.
Me –
Exactly what I needed for 08 MDX w/ factory nav. Instructions were a bit confusing. Was able to hook up speakers minus factory subwoofer.