Audio Systems: 97 Dodge Van Factory AM/FM Stereo Problems, wire colors, dodge van

Question
Tom,

I just bought a 97 Dodge cargo van w/ an AM/FM stereo. The problem is that the only thing that functions is the background lights that are tied to the headlight/dimmer switch. No clock ... No AM...No FM. I checked all the fuses in the panel and they are OK. The only sound is a thump in the speaker(s) when you first turn the power on. I checked the harness wires w/a simple 12v test light and found power at most of the wires on the gray plug. The other plug is the speaker wires(I think). I pulled the radio and tried another that worked in another Dodge. Same results as the original.
Any ideas?
Thanks, Robb.


Answer
Robb,
The main power feed is OK or you wouldn't hear the speaker thump when you turn the stereo on. The problem may be that the fuse for the clock/station memory may be blown out. Check out the wire colors at  streetdreams.com and look for which wire is used for memory and check that wire for 12 volts at all times.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net