Audio Systems: Autosound CE-3040MP3, boat, headunit

Question
Hi Jerry,
I just bought a used CE-3040MP3 for my boat.  Got it all soldered in but it won't powere up.  The harness has power.  The red light behind the panel flashes.  the panel doesn't light.  

Where is the power on switch?  I don't have a manual.

I connected both the yellow and red to the power source.  Maybe that was a mistake.

Hope you can get me sorted out.

Thanks,

David Genn
Sooke, BC

Answer
I do not have access to a manual for it. I can tell you how to properly wire it manually, though.
Boat grounding points are usually the main problem. Run the ground wire to the battery negative terminal if you have not done so.


You will need a few things:
A 12v Test light.
Popper battery (9v) and some speaker wire.
Installation Kit.
Details on how to use them are as follows.
Additionally, you will need a dozen or more 'Bellcaps' crimp connectors to attach wires properly [and a crimper tool to fasten them]. ANYthing else, is not what I would use.

POWERING THE HEAD UNIT:
You will need a 12v test light (available at a parts store or radio shack, ect).
With that priceless tool, you should be able to determine 2 of the 3 main wires needed to power the head unit. Ground the clamp end of the test light to the battery negative post and then probe wires with the other end.

1) MemoryWire
12v Constant (tested wire always has 12v no matter what position the key is in. This is the one you will use to provide station preset memory power to the head unit (possibly a yellow deck wire).

2) PowerWire
12v Switched (That is, the tested wire only has 12v when the ignition is in the  'on' and 'acc' positions. This is the one that actually makes the deck power up (Possibly a red deck wire).

As to the ground:
You should simply run a ground wire to the battery for circuit ground. Trying to find one in a factory harness is more trouble than it is worth for the novice (trust me).

Now you have dealt with power, memory and the ground wires.


SPEAKER WIRE ID:
The easiest way will be to use a 9v battery to 'pop' the speakers (only long enough to see whether they go IN or OUT of their frames) to see which lead is positive.

Attach some wires to the battery of different lengths so it will not drain when not in use.

Now..  get into a position where you (or an assistant) can see either the back of [or the front of] the speaker being tested.

*Tap the extended battery leads to the speaker (for 1/4 sec or less) and watch the speaker.
During this test, a functioning speaker should move one way, then return to its idle position.

If the speaker cone jumped OUT of the frame (towards interior of vehicle)the POSITIVE lead on the battery is indeed hooked to the positive for the speaker.  Viola!

If the speaker moved IN towards the interior, the NEGATIVE battery wire is hooked to the Positive side of the speaker.
Simple, if you follow the instructions :)

*If you do all of this and it still does not work, you may have a lemon, David. I hope it is just a simple grounding issue.

"I connected both the yellow and red to the power source.  Maybe that was a mistake."
It can be. But usually (if both wires are attached to a switched 12v source) you will just lose station memory and other presets everytime you shut the headunit off or turn the key off.
If you hooked them both to a constant 12v source, you will likely run the battery down.

I might add that you can buy a brand new MP3 deck with remote for very little money. Under 80.00 here in usa.


Good luck and happy boating!
Jerry Mael