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Radio Will Not Work


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techkid94
New User

Apr 4, 2013, 10:27 PM

Post #1 of 11 (2337 views)
post icon Radio Will Not Work Sign In

I've tried installing a new radio in my van and it won't work. I have tried hooking it up to a separate power source and works just fine. I've checked the fuses and nothings blown. Could be a fried wire?
1988
Dodge
Caravan
2.5L 4 Cyl
161,034


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 5, 2013, 2:57 AM

Post #2 of 11 (2306 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Basics - Is it getting power as installed? They make plug adaptors for most so you don't have to fool with wiring that saves a lot of grief. If no power now there must be a breach in existing wiring. Not my thing but if you have it working on separate power it clearly isn't getting proper power they way it was done,

T


techkid94
New User

Apr 5, 2013, 5:02 AM

Post #3 of 11 (2294 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Well I've made sure already which wire is which for the battery power itself previously with a voltage meter and everything was working fine before hand. But now I'm not getting anything. What I think I'm going to do is a run a new wire from the battery since the aftermarket radios already have the fuses built in.
1988
Dodge
Caravan
2.5L 4 Cyl
161,034


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 5, 2013, 5:38 AM

Post #4 of 11 (2289 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Again - this is not my thing and could never know every type of radio - stereo or any aftermarket device but you should be able to use the original plug right there with a simple (interface) and just plug it in.

General: Fuse anything anyway not depending on the device itself. If you make a bird's nest of wiring to power this thing carry a fire extingisher aboard as you may really mess things up. Even a vehicle this old has plenty of things to screw up if done wrong. Good grief a specialty shop right near me carries the plugs or interface and would do this in less than a hour for a simple set up which is so handy for me for the few I deal with I couldn't muster the plugs as fast as that place works. May not be available to you nearby.

If original wiring is already messed up you've created a monster IMO,

T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 5, 2013, 6:08 AM

Post #5 of 11 (2284 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In


Quote
What I think I'm going to do is a run a new wire from the battery since the aftermarket radios already have the fuses built in.


Well, that's a great way to burn your truck to the ground. Bad, bad idea. You do not have protection for that line.



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nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Apr 5, 2013, 1:33 PM

Post #6 of 11 (2268 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Amen. The fuse inside the radio blows only if the radio itself shorts internally, which is usually curtains for it anyhow. But that wire has all that room from battery to radio to rub through somewhere, short to ground and make this car a crispy critter.


techkid94
New User

Apr 5, 2013, 5:01 PM

Post #7 of 11 (2261 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Well I figured out the issue. The manual failed to show that the main fuse for the radio is along with the horn and other systems on that specific fuse. I took out the old fuse and it was definitely done for. I replaced the old one with the new and it works perfectly. Thanks for the help everyone :)
1988
Dodge
Caravan
2.5L 4 Cyl
161,034


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 5, 2013, 5:44 PM

Post #8 of 11 (2253 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Glad you found it without blowing up this thing. Check fuses with a commom test light in the future not by looks. Not too common but some look fine and are not making the connection OR the socket they are pushed in to,

T



techkid94
New User

Apr 5, 2013, 9:09 PM

Post #9 of 11 (2243 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

When I bought the new fuse, I bought the ones where a light will turn on inside the fuse when it goes out. So it'll be easier to pin point next time (let's hope there isn't a next time).
1988
Dodge
Caravan
2.5L 4 Cyl
161,034


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 6, 2013, 6:59 AM

Post #10 of 11 (2221 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

Not sure what you meant. Just use a test light with the handle and ground clip w scratch awl poker and see if fuses light the handle on both sides of a fuse. You don't have to take fuses out to check them. That circuit needs to be ON for the test of course,

T



Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Apr 6, 2013, 3:20 PM

Post #11 of 11 (2204 views)
Re: Radio Will Not Work Sign In

They have fuses that have a built in LED......When the fuse is good the light is off, when the fuse blows the light comes on. You can just look at the fuse and tell it's blown....






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