OEM-2 - Car kit PAC - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Universal Sound System Interface and Controller
Brand	PAC
Model	OEM-2
Category	Car Kit
Compatible Systems	Premium factory radios, standard factory speaker systems, factory amplified systems (Bose, JBL, etc.), floating ground radios (early Fords)
Channel Configuration	4 channels (LF, RF, LR, RR)
Input Types	High power speaker level (up to 20W+), low power speaker level, low level (pre-amp) for amplified systems
Output Types	Speaker level (high/low power), low level RCA, common ground speaker output, remote turn-on (12V, 2A max)
Remote Turn-On Trigger	0.8V minimum input, 12V 2A output, 1 second delay
Power Supply	12V DC (yellow constant, red switched, black ground)
Level Control	Adjustable with small screwdriver (per channel pair)
Dimensions (approx.)	4 x 2 x 1 inches (10 x 5 x 2.5 cm)
Weight (approx.)	0.5 lbs (225 g)
Wiring Harness	Input and output wires color-coded (see manual for full diagram)
Illumination/Dimming	Orange wire for dash illumination dimming
Power Antenna Output	Blue wire, 12V when radio on
Operating Temperature	32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Maintenance	Wipe with dry cloth; avoid moisture and extreme temperatures
Installation	Requires basic wiring knowledge; connect per vehicle-specific configuration
Warranty	1 year limited manufacturer warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - OEM-2 PAC

What is the PAC OEM-2 used for?

The PAC OEM-2 is a universal sound system interface that allows you to integrate aftermarket components with factory audio systems. It supports four configurations: replacing a premium factory radio with an aftermarket stereo while retaining factory amplifiers, converting speaker-level outputs to line-level for adding amplifiers, adding amplifiers to factory amplified systems (like Bose or JBL), and interfacing floating-ground radios with common-ground systems.

How do I connect the OEM-2 for a standard factory radio without amplifiers?

Connect the factory radio's speaker outputs to the input side of the OEM-2: use solid color wires for positive (+) and black-striped wires for negative (-). Then connect the output side's RCA jacks to your new amplifier. The blue/white wire provides a remote turn-on signal (12V) for the amplifier when 5V or more is applied to the input side (e.g., from a speaker wire).

Can I use the OEM-2 with a Bose or JBL factory amplified system?

Yes. For premium amplified systems, use the low-level inputs: connect the factory stereo's audio output leads to the input side using red-striped wires for positive and black-striped for negative. If there are common audio return wires (one for front, one for rear), connect the corresponding black-striped wires to them. Adjust output level with a small screwdriver.

What should I do if my aftermarket radio has floating ground outputs (like early Fords)?

Connect the new radio's positive speaker outputs to the red-striped wires on the input side, and negative outputs to the black-striped wires. On the output side, connect red-striped wires to the vehicle's positive speaker wiring; do not use the black-striped output wires. Ensure the vehicle's speaker negatives are grounded to the chassis (common ground). Note that the level control will not work in this configuration.

How does the remote turn-on feature work?

The OEM-2 includes a blue/white wire that outputs 12V (up to 2A) when the input side receives at least 0.8V. This is useful for amplifiers or power antennas with low-voltage triggers. The output is delayed by 1 second to prevent turn-on pops. Connect the input-side blue/white to a positive speaker wire or other 5V+ source to activate.

What are the wire colors and their functions?

Input and output wires are color-coded. For example: white/LF+, white/red LF+ low power, white/black LF- common; similarly for gray (RF), green (LR), violet (RR). Yellow=constant 12V, red=switched 12V, black=ground, blue=power antenna, blue/white=remote turn-on, orange=illumination dimming. See the manual for the full color chart.

How do I adjust the output level?

Use a small screwdriver to turn the output level controls on the OEM-2 unit. These adjust the signal strength going to amplifiers or speakers. Turn them slowly while listening to avoid distortion.

Is the OEM-2 compatible with all vehicles?

The OEM-2 is designed for a wide range, but some vehicles (e.g., Chrysler/Dodge with Infinity systems) may not need any interface if speakers fade and balance correctly. If you have very low volume after installation, the interface may be unnecessary. Always check your vehicle's specific wiring.

What is the power handling of the OEM-2?

The input can handle up to 20 watts per channel (high power) or lower; the remote turn-on output can supply 2 amps at 12V. The unit itself is powered by a 12V DC system (yellow constant, red switched, black ground).

How do I maintain the OEM-2?

Keep the unit dry and clean. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth if needed. Avoid exposing to moisture, extreme heat, or direct sunlight. Disconnect power when wiring or adjusting.

USER MANUAL OEM-2 PAC

Universal sound system interface and controller

The OEM-2 may be used in any one of four possible configurations and system types.

1) Replacing a premium factory radio with an aftermarket stereo and use the factory amplifier and speakers.
2) Four channel line out converter for adding amplifiers to a standard factory speaker system.
3) Adding aftermarket amplifiers to a factory premium amplified system (Bose, JBL, etc.).
4) Installing a radio with floating ground speaker outputs to a common grounded speaker system like the early Fords.

The OEM-2 also includes a remote turn-on for amplifiers or a power antenna, providing 2 amps at 12 volts when 0.8 volts or greater is applied to the input side. This is useful for low voltage triggers like those used in Fords or for automatic triggering when audio is present. The output "turn on" is delayed 1 second to prevent turn on pops.

Input wiring colors			Output wiring colors
White ^1	LF (+) speaker (high power)		White ^6	LF (+) low level output
White/red ^2	LF (+) speaker (low power) White/red	LF (+) common gnd. speaker output
White/black ^3	LF (−) common		White/black ^7	LF (−) common
Gray ^1	RF (+) speaker (high power)		Gray ^8	RF (+) low level output
Gray/red ^2	RF (+) speaker (low power) Gray/red	RF (+) common gnd. speaker output
Gray/black ^3	RF (−) common		Gray/black ^7	RF (−) common
Green ^1	LR (+) speaker (high power)		Green ^8	LR (+) low level output
Green/red ^2	LR (+) speaker (low power) Green/red	LR (+) common gnd. speaker output
Green/black ^3	LR (−) common		Green/black ^7	LR (−) common
Violet ^1	RR (+) speaker (high power)		Violet ^6	RR (+) low level output
Violet/red ^2	RR (+) speaker (low power) Violet/red	RR (+) common gnd. speaker output
Violet/black ^3	RR (−) common		Violet/black ^7	RR (−) common
Yellow ^4	Constant battery Yellow Constant battery
Red ^4	Switched power Red Switched power
Black ^4	Gnd. neg. power Black Gnd. neg. power
Blue ^4	Power antenna turn on		Blue	Power antenna turn on
Blue/white ^5	Amplifier remote turn on 0.8 v min.		Blue/white	Amplifier remote turn on 2 amps max.
Orange ^4	Illumination dimming		Orange	Illumination dimming

^1 Connect these wires to an aftermarket radio (+) high power speaker output (typically 20 watts x 4 and higher).
^2 Connect these wires to an aftermarket radio (+) low power speaker output. (All stereos up to 20 watts x 4 or when wiring for #4)
^3 If the radio is high power (floating ground), connect these wires separately to each of the radio's speaker (-) wire (do not connect (-) speaker wires together). If the radio has a common ground speaker outputs, connect these wires together along with the radio's speaker ground.
^4 These wires go directly through to the outputs for convenience of wiring. The red and black wires supply power to the internal low voltage trigger.
^5 This wire needs only a minimum of 0.8 volts to supply 12 volts on the blue/white wire on the output side of the OEM-2.
^6 For convenience, the positive leads of the RCA are connected internally to these wires.
^7 For convenience, the grounds of the RCA are connected internally to these wires. Not used with common grounded speakers.

Note: Some Chrysler/Dodge vehicles with a Infinity premium sound system do not need any interface. If the speakers fade and balance correctly with this interface installed, but you have very little volume, then you do not need this interface.

1) Replace the factory premium radio with an after market radio/deck and retain the use of the factory amplifiers and speakers

Referring to the wire color chart above, connect the speaker outputs of the new radio to the OEM-2, using the positive, solid color, and the negative black-striped wires for all four channels. On the output side of the OEM-2 connect the solid color wires (+) and the black-striped wires (-) to the factory harness leading to the factory amplifiers. If there are common audio return wires (-) used in the vehicle for either the front and rear channels then connect the negative outputs of the OEM-2 to them. If there is only one audio return wire for all four channels connect all the black-striped wires to it. Connecting the constant power (yellow), switched power (red), ground (black), antenna trigger (blue), illumination (orange), and amplifier turn on (blue/white) through the OEM-2 simplifies wiring to the vehicle. The output level controls can be adjusted with a small screwdriver.

graph LR
    A["Aftermarket stereo"] -->|102.7 FM| B["PAC OEM-2"]
    B -->|wht & wht/blk| C["Output"]
    B -->|gray & gray/blk| D["Output"]
    B -->|gm & grav/blk| E["Output"]
    B -->|vic & viq/blk| F["Output"]
    B -->|plug removed from factory stereo| G["Factory Amplifier"]
    G --> H["RF"]
    G --> I["RR"]
    G --> J["LF"]
    G --> K["LR"]
    B -->|blue/wht amplifier remote turn on| G
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style G fill:#ccf,stroke:#333

2) Adding an aftermarket amplifier to a standard factory radio that does not have factory amplifiers

The factory radio speaker outputs are connected to the OEM-2 inputs and the new amplifier is connected to the output side of the OEM-2, using the four RCA jacks and extension cables. Referring to the wire color chart, connect the factory radio speaker (+) outputs to the solid color wires and the (-) outputs to the black-striped wires. Example, LF speaker outputs of the factory radio connect to the white wire (+) and white/black (-). Continue for the remaining channels. The OEM-2 provides an amplifier turn on signal. To use, connect the blue/white wire on the OEM-2 input side to one of the positive speaker wires or to any source that provides 5 volts DC or greater. The blue/white wire on the output side will provide 12 volts to turn on the new amplifier. Connect the red (+) and black (-) wires on the input side to switched vehicle power and ground. Adjust the output level controls as needed using a small screwdriver.

graph TD
    A["Factory stereo"] --> B["102.7 FM"]
    B --> C["PAC OEM-2"]
    C --> D["Output"]
    D --> E["New Amplifier"]
    E --> F["New subwoofers"]
    C --> G["RL"]
    C --> H["RR"]
    C --> I["RF"]
    C --> J["green &gm/blk"]
    C --> K["violet &vlo/blk"]
    C --> L["gray & gray/blk"]
    C --> M["white &wht/blk"]
    C --> N["blu/wht"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style E fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style F fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style G fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style H fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style I fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style J fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style K fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style L fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style M fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style N fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style_O["Connect blue/wht wire to any speaker wire output of factory radio (+ or -) for remote turn on for new amplifier."] --> P["Output"]
    P --> Q["RCA out to new amplifier"]

3) Adding after market amplifiers to a factory premium amplified system (Bose, JBL, etc.)

Referring to the wire color chart above, connect the audio output leads of the factory stereo to the input of the OEM-2, using the red striped wires as the positive input and black-striped as negative. Most premium systems use a low-level signal from the stereo to the factory amplifiers, therefore use the low level input of the OEM-2. Some factory-amplified systems use common audio returns and grounded shields like for instance, GM/Delco Bose vehicles. Do not cut the shield wire or attempt to use it as an audio signal wire. Determine if your system has two common audio return wires, one for the front channels and a second for the rear channels. If so, connect the negative input wires (black-stripe) for the front channels of the OEM-2 to the common audio return wire in the vehicle for the front channels. Do the same for the rear channels. If the vehicle has only one audio return wire for all channels connect all of the black stripped wires to it. The output level controls can be adjusted with a small screwdriver. Connect the red (+) and black (-) wires on the input side to switched vehicle power and ground.

graph TD
    A["Factory stereo"] --> B["Factory amplifier"]
    C["New Subwoofer"] --> D["PAC OEM-2"]
    B --> E["Output"]
    D --> F["Output"]
    B --> G["RL"]
    B --> H["RR"]
    B --> I["LF"]
    B --> J["RF"]
    B --> K["wht/Red & wht/blk"]
    B --> L["gm/Red & gm/blk"]
    B --> M["vio/Red & vio/blk"]
    B --> N(gray/Red & gray/blk]
    D --> O["New Amplifier"]
    D --> P["Blue/Wht 12 volt remote output"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#cff,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#ffc,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#ffc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#ffc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333

4) Installing a radio with floating ground speaker outputs to a common grounded speaker system like the early Fords.

Referring to the wire color chart, connect the new stereo positive speaker outputs to the red striped wire on the input side of the OEM-2. Connect the negative speaker outputs to the black-striped wires of the OEM-2. On the output side of the OEM-2 connect the red-striped wires to the vehicle positive speaker wiring. The black striped wires on the output are not used. The negative side of each speaker is either common to each other on one wire or two in the factory plug or already grounded to the chassis. However it may be, make sure that they are grounded to the vehicle chassis. The output level control on the OEM-2 will not function in this configuration.

graph LR
    A["Aftermarket stereo"] --> B["102.7 FM"]
    B --> C["wht/red &wht/blk"]
    B --> D(gray/red & gray/blk]
    B --> E["grn/red &gm/blk"]
    B --> F["vio/red &vio/blk"]
    C --> G["PAC OEM-2"]
    D --> G
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G --> H["Output"]
    H --> I["wht/red (+)"]
    H --> J["(-)"]
    H --> K["LF"]
    H --> L["grn/red (+)"]
    H --> M["LR"]
    H --> N["RR"]
    H --> O["gry/red (+)"]
    H --> P["vio/red (+)"]
    H --> Q["(-)"]