QuestionQUESTION: The issue I am having is everytime I turn off the ignition the head unit resets itself. I installed the head unit into a vehicle that already had the factory wiring hacked into but still had the old head unit wiring attached to the factory wiring so I just wired my head unit in like I would have using a harness. All the speakers work as does the dimmer, but like I said everytime I turn off the car everything is erased from the head unit. And I know its not the head unit because I pulled it out of my truck where it worked perfectly fine wired into the factory wiring. The head unit is an Alpine CDA-9886 and the car is a 91 dodge spirit. If that helps any.
ANSWER: Hi Randy,
A head unit has two power wires. A red one, which is accessory power, and a yellow one, which is constant power.
A head unit that has these wires crossed, or just the red one connected will often work just fine, but it won't keep its settings once the car is turned off. Check your wiring again. And really, buy the $15 wire harness. It will save you a world of hurt.
Justin
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: ok I double checked all the power wires and they are all connected just fine, and now when the head unit is slid all the way back all the lights on the head unit go off but it is still working because the song keeps playing or I still hear the radio but none of the buttons or the volume knob work. And while I know you suggested getting the harness it would do me no good because whoever had the car before me chopped off the factory plug leaving me just the wiring.
AnswerHi Randy,
The wiring can't be just fine -- there's something wrong or loose or crossed, that's why you're having the issue you're having.
As for the screen turning off, it sounds the deck's removeable faceplate has been used to push it in. Hopefully you can remove it and put it back and get your video back. If not, you may have bent a pin. Check the contacts where the faceplate meets the deck.
Justin
