Audio Systems: no sound at all, pioneer cd player, audio amps

Question
ok i got a tricky one for u i just hooked up my pioneer cd player to my truck 94 s10 and well its plays ok but when i turn on my head lights the sound cuts out the unit is still playing and has power but the sound cuts out i got to shut my truck off and turn it back on for it to work but my ground is hooked up ok and i got another question for u that cd player i have to turn the key of my truck just so the power comes on then the music plays and i can start my truck and it will play if i start my truck with out doign that it wont play sound eather i realy am stumped plz help

Answer
I am guessing the voltage is dropping too low under conditions when load down the battery. For example, when you turn on the headlights on a car, they draw about 30 amps. Headlights are big current hogs.  So, if the battery is old or if the alternator is not supporting the battery voltage and keeping it up all the way, the voltage can drop to below 10 volts.  Most audio amps and radios don't do well if the voltage droops that low.

You can troubleshoot this by putting a voltmeter on the battery lines to your radio and see what the voltage actually is when lights come on, etc.

You may need a new battery or better grounds or a better alternator, etc.

Maybe this will get you started the right direction, then come back to me when you have determined what may be going on with the electrical system of the chevy pickup.


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