Audio Systems: Nissan Altima strange problem, nissan altima, cassette radio

Question
QUESTION: Hi
This is a question about my Nissan Altima CD/cassette radio player system.
Nissan, Altima, 1996 GLE.
The car has a CD/Cassette combo with radio. Recently it developed a strange behaviour. The radio and the cd player works if I disconnect the unit from the power and other cables, start the engine and reconnect the wires. It will stop once i stop the engine and wouldnt start over when i start t he engine, again i have to disconnect and reconnect. Please let me know what the problem could be and possible solution.

Thank you

ANSWER: I am giving short answers today; it is the 4TH OF JULY.

One of the power wires is broken or has a bad fuse.  There are two 12v lines that go to it; one direct from the battery and one from ignition.  I suspect the main power line the one.  

Do you know how to check it? If not, pull into an install/repair station. They can check it in minutes.

Cleggsan


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi
Thank you very much for your diagnosis. It could be the power line, if it is then how can i replace it?

If not, what else could be the reason? Here I would like to explain the situation a little more, when the negine is on to make the CD player work, it is sufficient to detach one of the two wire harnesses (the wider plug with more wires attached to it)and reconnect it again. Could there be any fault in those harnesses that would cause the problem?

Thank you

Answer
The 12v power line must be checked with a vom.  If you don't understand the term nor how to check it out, then you better take it in to a shop for diagnosis.

Your further explanation indicates the problem COULD be internal (such as a defective power regulator inside the set) to the set as well as external (such as an open wire, corroded connector insert) and so on.

As above, a fault in the harness would be an external problem.  A few simple checks with a voltmeter could help to isolate the problem, but you should have some level of troubleshooting experience in order to understand what is going on.

I am still suspecting one of the power lines is not making good connection, but finding the exact spot of its failure may not be so simple.

Try just unplugging and plugging back together a few times. If there is corrosion on the pins inside the connector that will burnish the contacts and get them working again.

Also, look for a blown fuse in the vehicle.  There are two fuse boxes in your car.  One is in the engine compartment near unto the battery area.  The other is inside under the dash between the steering column and the drivers door OR in this model year could be behind a little door the flips open  on the lower lip of the dash assembly.

Hope this helps.
Cleggsan