Here are a few things you should do if your car radio refuses to power up.
1) First, check that your ignition is switched on and that your radio fascia is attached correctly.
2) Ensure that the fascia contacts/connections aren't worn and that the fascia is making good, solidcontact. Because the fascia is removable, over time the contacts on the fascia and the contacts on theback of the radio can become dirty or worn. For best results, use Cleaning Alcohol, or to find outmore on how to clean your contacts, consult your radio handbook.
3) Press the ‘Reset' button if your radio has one, and then check for correct operation. Consult yourradio hand book for details.
4) Check you car fuse (see No.6 & 8).
5) If your radio doesn't have a "Reset" button, release your radio from your dash and physicallydisconnect the power connector and then re-connect and test for correct operation.
6) Release your radio and check that the fuse that is built into the rear of your radio (whereavailable) isn't blown and ensure that the wiring connections are secure and correct. Especially,check the integrity of the earth, 12V ignition and 12v permanent live wire connections. These willbe black, yellow and red respectively.
7) If you are using a harness adapter, ensure that the pins have lined up with the car's existing radioconnectors and the radio's ISO connectors. Ensure that some haven't been slightly bent. Inspect veryclosely.
8) Check that power is getting to the radio. You may need to use a test light or power probe for this.However, first check the radio fuse that is built into your car's fuse box. Consult your car handbookfor location of the radio fuse.
If the problem is still present after following the above, please consult a car audio expert.
Go to this site: car-audio-products-and-accessories.com and read the articles. They cover much on car audio. They will help you do a better job of your car audio installation.
However, if you choose to use the pros, go here for a professional installer if you're in the UK.
Chimezirim Odimba writes for CarAudioPlus.
Source: www.a1articles.com
