Factory Radio Problems

[luvmisho]

I accidentally posted in the "Upgrades" section by mistake, so I'm reposting my question here...

This is an interesting problem that recently developed on my factory JBL Premium Sound (with CD and Subwoofer) system. The car is a '93, and the problem is that the my audio control settings such as bass, treble, balance, last station tuned in, etc. aren't saved anymore when the ignition key is shut off. If I shut the power off on the radio, with the engine running, it retains all my settings if I power up the radio again. I have a spare factory radio and CD player from another '93 SHO that I swapped out, and the problem doesn't change no matter which unit is installed.

The stations stored in the radio memory are saved after the key is off, and the cassette will also eject when the key is off. Does anyone have any ideas on what might solve this mystery?

 

[jelloslug]

Sounds like a wiring issue. Has there ever been an aftermarket stereo install in the car?

 

[luvmisho]

Sounds like a wiring issue. Has there ever been an aftermarket stereo install in the car?

My car has never been modified or rewired... I bought the car 5 years ago, and the factory stereo system has always worked perfectly. Everything still works OK, except it's very anoying to have to reset all my preferences every time I start the car now.

 

[94 bigsho]

sounds like a problem with the 12 volt constant wire. Thats what saves everything when the car is off. Youre also having the problem with the aftermarket unit you said. I would get a schematic of a 93 (i couldnt tell you the wire off hand. And i would trace your 12 volt constant wire. There are 2 wires, the 12 volt and acc, sounds like your acc wire is o.k.

 

[luvmisho]

sounds like a problem with the 12 volt constant wire. Thats what saves everything when the car is off. Youre also having the problem with the aftermarket unit you said. I would get a schematic of a 93 (i couldnt tell you the wire off hand. And i would trace your 12 volt constant wire. There are 2 wires, the 12 volt and acc, sounds like your acc wire is o.k.

Thanks for the info...I don't have an aftermarket unit, but I have two factory radios that are both in working order. My first thought was the constant 12 volt wire, too. I figure that since the cassette ejects with the key off that the constant 12 volts is not the problem.

I did discover something interesting last night: The settings are saved when I shut off the key. If I only turn the key to "Accessory" the radio will come on with the same settings that were there before turning off the key. But, when I turn the key to start the car, the radio shuts off, and has to be turned on again. (It should come on automatically after the engine starts.) The settings that were just there before cranking the engine over are lost. Now I'm wondering if my ignition switch is defective, and is causing a temporary loss of all power to the radio???

 

[94 bigsho]

if what you are saying with the cranking of the engine and then you lose your setting is correct then it is definately the ignition switch. It may be grounding out your power wires to your accessories or just cutting the powerto them when you crank your engine. The ignition switch is only like 35 dollars. I would try to replace it and see what happens

 

[luvmisho]

Sure seems as though the ignition switch is suspect... I want to replace it anyway because the mechanism is quite worn after all these years. I'll get one and let you know if it solves the problem.

 

[MelectroK]

I have a diffrent answer. I would agree with jello but if that dont work I have my own opinions.

The radio may be poorly grounded. If the radio is not grounded good, the electrical potential will drop signifacantly when starting the car or using considerable amout of VA. I would maybe run a ground wire from the chasis screw to some nicly shined metal of the dash.

 

[luvmisho]

Running an extra ground wire seems easier than swapping the ignition switch...I'll give that a try first!

 

[haydenm315]

I have a diffrent answer. I would agree with jello but if that dont work I have my own opinions.

The radio may be poorly grounded. If the radio is not grounded good, the electrical potential will drop signifacantly when starting the car or using considerable amout of VA. I would maybe run a ground wire from the chasis screw to some nicly shined metal of the dash.

I think you may be onto something. I'm having the same problem with my aftermarket stereo. I decided to run my voltage gauge wire to the accessory power wire of the stereo connection. It's a solid connection, but I'm wondering if I somehow screwed something up because it's close to the plug. I'm having similar problems, though mine extend past the radio memory. My car will turn over hesitantly from time to time. It will make a click sound and be followed by cranking. The cranking will register an odd rpm around 1500 and not start. I've unplugged the voltage gauge and the stereo, and the problems dont' seem to exhibit themselves.

 

[Brandontw]

id get a volt meter and measure that constant wire with the key off and on and make sure if stays the same an that it is near 12 volts, it should be because it basically just comes from the battery, other that that i dont know