Can anyone tell me if the factory Infinity system is different on the 04.5s than any other year? I'm trying to replace the factory head unit with a Kenwood kvt 512. PAC does not list a canbus interface for the 04.5, just 06. I bought the one for the 06, which seems to connect up ok, but the HU will not power up. I'm close to ripping it all out and replacing it, but like the sound of the Infinity speakers just fine.
I tried to search for this particular problem with the 04.5 but without success, so please put your flamethrower on safe. Thanks

 

Although I cannot help you with stereo answers... I wanted to shake your hand on the last sentence.

"so please put your flamethrower on safe. Thanks"

Had myself a nice little chuckle from that one

 

hook the swithched power wire to the cig power wire had same prob with 05.5

 

Why do you need a canbus interface?

 

ratsun-
I'm told the factory Infinity system has a proprietary amp that receives signals from the factory head unit. Apparently, the only way to make an aftermarket HU work with the factory amp and speakers is thru a canbus interface.

 

Please post pics when you're finished. My daughter's BF just installed the same unit in his BMW 330. I'd like to see how it looks in our trucks. And, please share how you solve the Infinity hookup problem. I have the same unit. Where did you buy it and how much did it set you back?

 

You do not need a canbus interface for a 04.5, because that is 06+ only. Yes you need a special adapter to power the infinity amp but that isn't it. I can't remember what it's called, but crutchfield has both of them, just enter in your vehicle information and it will bring them up. To solve the issue in my truck I ran new speaker wire, but it isn't worth all the extra work.

 

I think Mocho is right, the way I understood it can-bus is only needed on 06 up, 05 and down is just a different wiring harness. I even have my steering wheel controls working in my truck with a PAC Jack (non can-bus) for the alpine HU I use.

 

ratsun-
Do you remember where you tapped into the SWC of your truck when you installed the SWIJACK? My directions are telling me to tear into the steering column to locate the white/grey wire, but that does not sound like fun.

 

Mocho-
If you are right, you've made my day and explained why I can't get the Kenwood to power up. I ordered the part you suggested. I'll let you know in a few days. Thanks much for the info. This site is awesome...

 

NJ-
Found the Kenwood on ebay, complete with Bluetooth module and Satellite radio module. Ebay can be a crap shoot, but at $320 was still way cheaper than new. I didn't look at anything else cause after researching these things and playing with a kvt 512 in a brothers truck, that was the only one I wanted.

 

Yep its the white/grey wire
I didn't need to pull any of the column apart, it is accessible by just removing the lower dash panel below the column
Make sure you follow the directions on the website and not the ones in the box, you have to cut the white/grey wire not just tap into it.