Upgrading your Acura NSX’s factory stereo with a modern Pioneer head unit can significantly enhance your driving experience. However, navigating the wiring can seem daunting. This guide provides a clear pioneer car stereo wiring diagram specifically tailored for NSX models, ensuring a smooth and successful DIY installation. We’ll break down the connections and address common issues you might encounter.
NSX to Pioneer Wiring Diagram
This diagram outlines the correct wiring connections between your NSX’s 16P connector and a standard Pioneer head unit, using the SoS ipp-758 harness and referencing the AVIC-8100NEX manual as an example. Always consult your specific Pioneer head unit’s manual for precise wire color coding, but this chart serves as a reliable starting point.
| NSX 16P Connector Terminal | NSX Wire Color | Function | SoS ipp-758 Wire Color | Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX Wire Color | Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | WHT | Passenger’s door speaker amp + | Red RCA-Male (gray wire “Right Front+” ) | Front Right RCA-Female | Front Right RCA Input |
| A2 | WHT | Driver’s door speaker amp+ | Black RCA-Male (white wire “Left Front +”) | Front Left RCA-Female | Front Left RCA Input |
| A3 | Red/Blk | Lights-on signal (dash and console lights) | ORANGE (“Dash light illumination”) | Orange/White | Illumination Input (pwr cord #1) |
| A4 | wht/yel | Constant power | YELLOW (“battery/constant 12v+”) | Yellow | Battery Input (pwr cord #1) |
| A5 | Yel/Red | ACC (II) main stereo power | RED (“ignition switch 12v+”) | Red | Ignition Input (pwr cord #1) |
| A6 | Pnk/wht | Radio switch pwr (to antenna & relay) | BLUE (“power antenna”) | Blue/White | System Remote Control (pwr cord #1) |
| A7 | WHT | Driver Foot well base speaker (+) | Black RCA-Male (green wire “Left Rear +”) | Left Rear RCA-Female | Rear Left RCA Input |
| A8 | WHT | Passenger foot well base speaker (+) | Red RCA-Male (Purple wire “Right Rear +”) | Right Rear RCA-Female | Rear Right RCA Input |
| A9 | ORN | Passenger door speaker amp (-) | Red RCA-Male (gray blk wire “Right Front -”) | Right Front RCA-Female | Front Right RCA Input |
| A10 | ORN | Driver door speaker amp (-) | Black RCA-Male (white blk wire “Left front -”) | Front Left RCA-Female | Front Left RCA Input |
| A11 | Orn/wht | cell phone mute signal (not applicable) | empty | N/A | Not Applicable |
| A12 | blk/brn | Security (IN) – Not needed | empty | N/A | Not Applicable |
| A13 | blk/lt grn | Security ground (G404) | empty | N/A | Not Applicable |
| A14 | blk | Ground | Black (“Chassis Ground 12V-”) | Black | Ground (pwr cord #1) |
| A15 | ORN | Driver Foot well speakers (-) | Black RCA-Male (green/blk wire “Left Rear -”) | Left Rear RCA-Female | Rear Left RCA Input |
| A16 | ORN | Passenger foot well speaker(-) | Red RCA-Male (purple/blk wire “Right Rear – “) | Right Rear RCA-Female | Rear Right RCA Input |
Understanding the Diagram:
This pioneer car stereo wiring diagram is crucial for connecting your aftermarket Pioneer head unit to your NSX’s existing audio system. Each row details a specific terminal on the NSX’s 16-pin connector, identifies the wire color in your NSX, explains its function, and then maps it to the corresponding wire color and connection on the SoS harness and a Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX head unit. Pay close attention to the speaker connections, power wires, and ground to ensure correct and safe installation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Many NSX owners upgrading to Pioneer head units encounter similar challenges. Here’s how to address them:
1. Turn On/Off Thump and Hissing Noise
Annoying pops and hissing are often related to ground loops or impedance mismatches. While noise isolators like PAC SNI-1 can help, they don’t always eliminate the root cause.
- Grounding: Double-check that your Pioneer head unit is properly grounded to the car chassis. A poor ground is a frequent source of noise. Ensure a clean, metal-to-metal connection.
- Amplifier Compatibility: The NSX uses factory amplifiers. Confirm compatibility with your Pioneer unit. Impedance mismatches can introduce noise.
- RCA Cable Quality: While less likely with new harnesses, ensure your RCA cables are shielded and of good quality to minimize interference.
2. Mounting Bracket Solutions
Fitting a double DIN Pioneer head unit into the NSX can be tricky. The SoS 2DIN mounting bracket may not be universally compatible.
- Universal Brackets: Explore universal double DIN mounting brackets. These often offer more flexibility and can be adapted to fit the NSX dash.
- Custom Fabrication: For a perfect fit, consider custom fabrication. A local car audio shop might be able to create a bracket that seamlessly integrates your Pioneer unit.
3. Double DIN Slot Modification
Cutting into the SoS center console for a double DIN unit requires caution.
- Dremel with Care: A Dremel tool is commonly used, but proceed slowly and carefully. Use cutting discs designed for plastics and avoid excessive pressure to prevent cracking.
- Marking and Templates: Precisely mark the cutout area. Creating a template beforehand can help ensure accuracy.
4. Aspirator Fan Mount
The aspirator fan is important for climate control sensor accuracy.
- Custom Mounts: Since the SoS console might lack this, you’ll likely need a custom solution. Some owners have fabricated small brackets to remount the fan in the new console.
- Relocation: Explore if the fan can be relocated slightly without affecting its function.
5. Ashtray Port Integration
Integrating ports into the ashtray is a popular modification for a clean look.
- Custom Faceplate: You’ll need a custom faceplate for the ashtray slot to house the USB, HDMI, Microphone, and AUX ports.
- Mounting Bracket: A small bracket might be needed to secure the ports within the ashtray compartment.
By understanding this pioneer car stereo wiring diagram and addressing these common installation points, you can confidently upgrade your NSX’s audio system with a Pioneer head unit, enjoying modern features while maintaining a clean and functional installation.
