QuestionQUESTION: Issue: Stock stereo lost sound but seemed functional, replaced with new in box Jensen CD/AM/FM, used wiring diagram and install kit-- has same issue.
History: Hit large pothole about a year ago and right away sound was gone. After about 1 month, sound began to return on speed bumps and the like-- eventually, it was back to normal. Recently, the audio was gone and I was back to the original problem without the pothole that caused it. So I purchased a new head unit after I checked the fuses, wiring, and plugs. As I said above, still have the same problem.
So... what is the problem? I was thinking maybe a problem down the line in the wiring harness? but the fact that it is ALL 4 speakers at the same time on and off seems like that would be HIGHLY unlikely.
The vehicle is a 1999 Plymouth Neon
ANSWER: It may be there is an external amplifier in the car that has an loose connection. Maybe the 12 line is not connecting tight. Or the ground.
It could be the amplifier inside the in-dash head unit, too, but you said the replacement is the same.
And, yes, it could be the wiring harness; if you are using a connector between the head unit and the wire cable it could be a bad connection of the power pin.
And, it could also be to do with the main power connection to the radio unit. If the remote wire coming from the ignition switch is feeding the lights you may think it is working but has only front end power. So, check the 12v connections to the head unit, also.
Check the fuse links; they can become intermittent, also.
If you have a vom you can monitor the 12v line at the radio to see if it is cutting out when the speakers go out.
That's all the ideas I have for now. Hope it gives you some ideas to go on.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I was just looking at it double checking plugs and ran a line from the amplifier out RCA cables to a small speaker, I had to max the volume on the head(as it was not amplified) but I could clearly hear the CD playing in the unit. I then turned volume to zero, unplugged speaker and went from amp-out to a speaker on the wire harness, again: max out head and again, music. When I connected the speaker directly to the wires that came with the head unit (the plug in the back with loose wires to splice into the existing harness) I get nothing, even at max level. I made sure the plug was firmly attached and the fuse on the back of the head unit was in good condition and retested-- nothing.
So this tells me two things:
1. Not the wire harness as at least 1 speaker should be working.
2. Problem is in the head unit-- likely the internal amp. But how probable is it that a BRAND NEW OUT OF THE BOX head unit has a bad amp?
So, here is my actual followup question. I know there are two hot wires going into the unit. The first is always hot, the second it hot on ACC and Run according to key position. Both are labeled as 12v 10a lines and fuses (respectively: However, the Haynes manual for my car lists fuse #13 as the aux radio fuse for the acc/run 12v radio line-- my car has no fuse connections for #13, it is blank. I checked online and evidently Haynes misprinted that.) I do have both the yellow and red/white hot wires connected (yellow = always / red/white = acc/run) But is it possible that the always one of the two lines is damaged and not providing enough power for the internal amplifier to not operate?
This is the only thing that I can think of since this isn't a problem with just one head unit. On my old head unit (before removing it) I tested the amp-out line the same way and got nothing. That is the reason I assumed the issue was in the head unit itself on the old unit. This one if the issue IS the head unit it seems it would be limited to the internal amp.
Thanks for the fast response from before. I want to get this knocked out this weekend and you really helped my thinking it out with your lighting fast response above. God bless and thanks in advance.
AnswerAccording to this site:
http://www.modifiedlife.com/1999-dodge-neon-car-radio-stereo-wiring-diagram/
the color codes are:
1999 Dodge Neon Car Stereo Radio Wiring Diagram
Car Radio Constant 12V+ Wire: Pink
Car Radio Ignition Switched 12V+ Wire: Red/White
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Stereo Illumination Wire: Orange
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Black/Yellow
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Amplifier Trigger Wire: N/A
Front Speakers Size: 6 1/2″
Front Speakers Location: Doors
Left Front Speaker Wire (+): Dark Green
Left Front Speaker Wire (-): Brown/Red
Right Front Speaker Wire (+): Purple
Right Front Speaker Wire (-): Dark Blue/Red
Rear Speakers Size: 6″ x 9″
Rear Speakers Location: Rear Deck
Left Rear Speaker Wire (+): Brown/Yellow
Left Rear Speaker Wire (-): Brown/Light Blue
Right Rear Speaker Wire (+): Dark Blue/White
Right Rear Speaker Wire (-): Dark Blue/Orange
This says pink is constant 12v and ignition wire is red/white.
Also, I think there are two fuse ports in the car; one underneath the hood in the engine compartment and one inside under the dash between the steering column and the front door. So, see if there is a fuse you have been missing.
Also, you can buy a vom that is ideal for checking the voltages in autos for under $10 at Walmart or Home Depot. It would serve as a valuable tool to make sure the head unit is getting the voltages necessary to power it up.
I think you are on the right track. Good Luck.
