Stock Radio won't kick on?

**Snootch** · 10-12-2005, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by IntellaWorks

I'm going to give that a try, what if I dont get continunity? I mean I guess I'll have to DIG into my dash to look for another fuse?

If you don't already have one, buy yourself a mini multimeter from Radio Shack:

It's about $25.00, and you can use it for several other things, checking home power outlets, etc.
Measure your power leads at the radio connector against the ground wire in the same connector. This will give you an idea if it is the radio, or the power going to the radio. You should have one wire with +12 volts DC constantly, (whether ignition is on or off) and another wire should have +12 volts only when the key is turned to the ACC position, or started. If there is power there, then the problem is with the radio. (possibly bad, or it may have a factory lockout code) If you see voltage there, check the closest fusebox in the interior (dash, kickpanel, etc.) check ALL the fuses, and check for +12 volts DC. Be sure to check BOTH sides of each fuse, because if one is out and you check the powered side, it will look good. Fuses can sometimes look good when they are not. If there is no voltage there, move to the fusebox under the hood. hope this helps you find your problem.

**IntellaWorks** · 10-12-2005, 04:04 PM

I actually have that exact same voltmeter.

I've checked the fuses with no luck none are blown.. Also, the aux power is on the same fuse which works.... I've checked for splits (at least until the harness dissapears into the dash and there are no splits)

This is so frustrating !!!!

**paran0id** · 10-12-2005, 04:57 PM

Have you checked the continuity yet? That would be what I would check if all fuses are ok.. You could also try connecting a cable directly from your battery to the HU if you know
exactly where the 12V is supposed to go.. No fun if you connect it to the wrong pin.. :P

**turbocad6** · 10-12-2005, 05:57 PM

theres no reason to check for continuity if theres power at the fuse & not the head.... if it had continuity it'd have power.

you should have at least 2 power wires at the head, one is ign.... that probably goes through the "radio" fuse.... the other is battery power, usually this is interior light circuit or cig lighter circuit, but could be other as well.....

are you saying you have nothing... no ign or battery at the head?

**IntellaWorks** · 10-12-2005, 07:10 PM

Yea exactly, no IGN or Power at the harness or plug that plugs into the radio. Yet the fuse isn't blown. I've checked the owners manual for the proper location of the fuse and aparently the cig lighter and aux are on the same circuit and are working???

**turbocad6** · 10-12-2005, 07:15 PM

bump this thread in the morning, I'll try to get a diagram

**goosef350** · 10-12-2005, 07:50 PM

sometimes fuses don't blow in the middle, but sometimes in in corners where you can't see too well. Test the indiviual fuses for continuity with the volt meter just to be sure you didn't missed anything.

**IntellaWorks** · 10-12-2005, 08:38 PM

I'll try that as well.

**turbocad6** · 10-12-2005, 09:42 PM

you just have to use the dvm.... ground one terminal & then check both sides of each fuse while still in fusebox with ign on.... you should have power on both sides of each fuse.... you may find several with no power on either side, that's ok... that circiut is only powered when the acc. is on, what you are looking for is a fuse that has power on one side & none on the other......that will be a blown fuse....

forget which fuse you think is for the radio...... check them all before going further.... if all fuses are confirmed good then I can get a diagram to diagnose this further, but you really have to check ALL the fuses.....please trust me on this, forget which fuse you think is for the radio & check them all with the meter