Many Pioneer head units require the parking brake to be engaged to access certain features, like video playback. While some opt for a simple toggle switch as a workaround, a more sophisticated and convenient solution involves using an automotive relay. This DIY guide will walk you through how to implement a “Pioneer Parking Brake Bypass Diy” using a relay, offering a superior alternative to manual switches. This method eliminates the hassle of flipping switches every time you want to enjoy your head unit’s full functionality.
Parts You’ll Need for the Pioneer Parking Brake Bypass
Before starting, ensure you have the following components readily available for this pioneer parking brake bypass diy:
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Automotive Relay (5-Prong): A standard 5-prong automotive relay with pin numbers 85, 86, 87, 87a, and 30. You won’t need to use pin 87a. A commonly used and easily obtainable relay, like the one shown, can be sourced from auto parts stores such as Advance Auto.
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Female Spade Connectors: For creating secure and reliable wire connections to the relay and existing car wiring.
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Short Black Wire (4 inches): For creating a ground loop connection.
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Wire Strippers/Crimpers: Essential tools for preparing wires and securing spade connectors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Parking Brake Bypass Using a Relay
This guide assumes your Pioneer head unit is already installed and functioning in your vehicle.
Step 1: Disconnect the Head Unit
Carefully remove your Pioneer head unit from your dashboard. You’ll only need access to the wiring harness that connects to the back of the unit and the stock vehicle harness. This allows for easier and safer wiring modifications outside the confined space of your dashboard.
Step 2: Gather Your Relay
Acquire the 5-prong automotive relay as specified earlier. Having the relay ready ensures a smooth workflow during the installation process.
Step 3: Prepare the E-brake Wire
Locate the parking brake wire from your Pioneer head unit harness. This wire is typically green. Shorten the green E-brake wire and crimp a female spade connector to the end. This prepared wire will connect directly to the relay.
Step 4: Modify the Ground Wire
Cut the ground wire on your head unit harness – the one connecting it to the stock vehicle harness – as close to the center as possible. Strip both cut ends of the ground wire. Take the 4-inch piece of black wire and strip both ends. Connect one end of the black wire to the ground wire coming from the head unit harness and crimp them together into a female spade connector. Connect the other end of the black wire to the ground wire coming from the stock harness connector, twisting them together and crimping into another female spade connector. This creates a looped ground connection necessary for the relay to function correctly.
Step 5: Modify the Remote Wire
Identify the blue remote wire, usually connected from the head unit harness to the stock harness connector. Cut this blue remote wire approximately halfway. Strip both cut ends. Twist the stripped ends together and crimp them into a female spade connector. You might need to add a small length of additional wire to extend the remote wire if needed for easier connection to the relay.
Step 6: Connect Wires to the Relay
Plug the prepared wires into the automotive relay in the following configuration:
- Pin 85: Connect to ground (loop this pin with pin 30 using the short black wire section created in step 4).
- Pin 30: Connect to ground (as looped with pin 85).
- Pin 86: Connect to the remote wire (blue wire modified in step 5).
- Pin 87: Connect to the parking brake wire (green wire prepared in step 3).
The wiring to the relay should now look similar to the image below:
Step 7: Test and Reassemble
Before fully reassembling your dashboard, reconnect everything to your car and test the bypass. Power on your head unit and check if video playback and other restricted features are now accessible without engaging the parking brake. If everything works as expected, carefully reinstall the head unit back into your dash.
Important Note: This modification is intended for off-road or show purposes. Always prioritize safe driving and adhere to local traffic laws. Do not watch videos while driving. This pioneer parking brake bypass diy is designed to enhance the functionality of your Pioneer head unit under safe and legal conditions.
