Audio Systems: Power to stereo, bench test, test light

Question
I have a 93 Thunderbird that I just inherited.  The stereo was working fine and one morning it lost all power. I was listening to the cd player at the time. I checked the fuses and they are fine (changed them out anyway). I changed out the stereo thinking maybe it was old and just quit playing but after installing the new one, I still have no power.  Any suggestions?

Answer

I will try to help.


Be sure the 'test headunit' works b4 using it in a test. If it does, then you need to locate and use 12vdc (constant and switched) sources from within the vehicle.

A 12v test light should be your best pal right now. Once you locate and use these sources, a simple, short ground wire to the chassis should be all you need to get a deck powered up.

Also, you might want to bench test the factory unit [out of the vehicle] to see if it actually works.