Hi guys

I've just bought a Kenwood KDC-4551UB head unit and fitted it today into my Mini Cooper S R52. However it's not getting any power (the display won't turn on). The wiring harness adapter I bought has a separate ignition power lead that I was informed wouldn't be needed unless I wanted it to turn on/off with the ignition.

The head unit itself works fine when tested in my friends Focus. Also, their Sony head unit has the same problem of not turning on when wired into my Mini.

I'm not sure if it's worth noting that when either of the head units are wired into the Mini, it is able to draw in and eject CD's.

Any ideas what might be wrong? Will the ignition power lead need to be wired up first?

Hi Yiska,

In my experience the ignition live is always needed to operate the head unit, therefore you will need to 'splice' in to an ignition 12v live to get the head unit to work conventionally as when you turn the ignition 'OFF' the head unit will know to 'power off'.

Unconventionally you can 'double up' the ignition live cable on to a permanent 12v live - this would allow the head unit to operate whenever you turn it on - even with the keys out of the ignition! This is not a good way to do it as you could accidentally leave the head unit 'On' and flatten the battery - bad times!! :aargh:

Finding a 12v ignition live should not be too hard as long as you have a means of testing for power eg a Multimeter. The 'splices' you can get from Halfords / Cafco etc; check out eBay item no. 290584374250
The splice is 'crimped' using a pair of pliers!



Hope this helps! Regards MV :tongue:

Mini Vinnie is correct. You don't need to connect the ignition lead to an ignition only source but if you don't then you must connect it to a permanant 12volt source. The cigar lighter has an ignition only source if you wish to do a proper job ;).