Audio Systems: pioneer aftermarket stereo, dodge vans, dodge caravan

Question
QUESTION: i have a 1997 dodge caravan and had installed a pioneer stereo when the factory stereo started having problems (volume couldn't be adjusted, popping sound in rear speaker).  after about one week the radio started shutting itself on and off occasionally.  now it happens pretty much all the time.  best buy put in another new stereo and it does the same thing.  the tech says it could be a relay and that there are three of them but they do not work on them.  have you ever heard of this problem?
ANSWER: You mean the deck looses lights and eveything, right? Not just the sound quits, right? Anyway, if so....
He may have meant ignition switch, and yes those do die on Dodge vans, especially if you have the rear A/C. Also, the ground strap to the back of the radio may be loose either at the radio or where it bolts to the dash. You could add a ground  wire just to see if that helps. I usually just use a jumper wire with alligator clips on both ends. One end to good metal (brackets on steering column) and the other to the case of the radio.
Most times, if it is a power supply problem, some other accessory would be turning on and off at the same time.
If it is indeed a power problem, any Dodge dealer should be able to fix the ignition switch or relays no problem.

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

QUESTION: thanks!  yes, the deck looses lights and everything.  now i hear a clicking sound after the radio has shut itself off like...click click, click click.  but it doesn't even do that all the time.  could that be the relays?  how do i know which one.  i was told the dealer would be very expensive to check it out.

Answer
Depends on what you call expensive I suppose.
Anyway, if the relay is clicking, it's probably being caused by a larger problem. It's your vehicle, and you want it to be as reliable as possible. I would at least ask a dealership for an estimate on what they think the repair would cost.
One possible solution, the fuse box may be damaged by the use of fuse taps in the past. See if the radio power fuse seems loose on one of the tabs. If so, putting another fuse tap back on it should give it enough friction to keep contact. Just one of many possibilities...


Kelly