Audio Systems: 1990 continental stereo, amp fuse, jbl speakers

Question
Hi Jerry
factory am fm stereo cassette, seperate factory cd . JBL speakers
Problem: somtimes all ok. but when not ok no sound except static
symptems: When switched on, radio always has power,display, cassette can play but just static.  
cd has no power,no display.
When cd display works , everything is great.
Will start working most often when key on ACC after many tries, seldom on ignition until after it starts working, then ok .
seems to work more often when car warm. amp fuse ok
Could it be a bad "ground" somewhere
thanks, Mike  

Answer
Mike,
This sounds like a typical 16 year old factory system. They will develop cold solder joints over time and literally come apart electrically.
While it may be ground related, it is likely an internal one that is the culprit.. possibly occurring at multiple points.
I would indeed check all the grounds and connections you can get to. Just remember that while some of the system may appear to be in better than average condition on the surface, all of its' components are much past their intended lifespans no mattter how well they are wired.

IF the speakers are usable at all, you can just get a new deck with the features you want. I would get one that allows MP3 and plays CD-R/CD-RW disks so I can burn up to 256 tunes per cd. This can be done for under 200.00 including installation.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Jmael