Audio Systems: Intermittent sound from Delco Radio, delco radio, intermittent sound

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a '99 Suburban where the factory radio started losing sound for a few minutes and turn back on. Sometimes a bump would seem to correct it. In the past two weeks, the sound would stay for a while and then go off again, sometimes for days. Occasionally when I turn the car on, it'll sound for a minute or so and shut off again. The system shows full power and will tune properly when the stations are changed, or when the cd is played, it changes channels. I thought it could be an internal loose connection, so I got an identical radio, but that had the same effect. I'm stuck on how what it could be, looking for any ideas.
Answer -
Tom,
First off, does your vehicle have redundant steering wheel controls? and does the radio turn completely off when it acts up? Lastly, Please give me the complete model number of the stereo.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net

Followup: The system does not have steering wheel controls. The model number on the stereo is: 09354155. It is an AM/FM Cassette with a CD Slave

Answer
Tom,
After installing a second stereo that you know was working OK and the problems were still there, I would say that a power feed problem may be the cause of the problem. When I come across a possible power feed problem such as yours I use two small 12 volt lamps and connect them together on one end and hook them to the vehicle chassis(ground). I next insert a lead from each lamp into the 12 volt hot at all times connection at the connector and the second lamp into the 12 volt switched lead at the connector. With both lamps installed and you turn on the key you should see both lamps ON. All you need to do now is to drive the vehicle while listening to the stereo, if the problem shows up and both lamps are still lit at least you will know that the 12 volt feeds are OK. It is also possible that your stereo uses an external amp and it is failing causing the problem. Double check the model number, it doesn't look like a Delco model number.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net