Audio Systems: No Power to my after market CD PLAYER, solderless connections, fusible link

Question
I installed a new Pioneer aftermarket CD player in my car about two months ago. Driving down the road the front speakers cut out. After replacing both and having no luck I took another cd player from my other car and the speakers worked.  I bought another USED cd player from a friend that turned out to be no good and when I connected everything up, I turned on the ignition. The cd player started smoking and the ground wires sparked. I went and bought another CD player from walmart and installed it and it wouldnt even turn on.  I followed the ground wire fron the adapter to the rear defrost component and then to the grounding source. I turned the car on and the defrost in the rear doesnt work either. I think i fried something.  I am not sure what though. I have a Ford Escort (2000).  I am wondering if you have any advice as to what I can try. I would really appreciate it thanks.

Answer
you probably inadvertantly hooked one of the units backwards, never go color to color unless it's original equipment. what you probably damaged is a 'fusible link'. ( a specific gauge of wire designed to burn out in order to prevent a fire) what you need to do is locate it, cut it out and take a section to an auto parts place to get it matched up so you can replace it. you will need solderless connections to make the repair as soldering is unacceptable, and twisting them together is never good enough. you might need to get some type of service data that shows wiring for your car to make finding fusible link that much simpler.   hope this helps,   g......