Audio Systems: my stereo keeps shorting out, amp fuse, output amplifier

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello, I fitted a Goodmans stereo into my 1993 Ford Escort using adaptors from Halfords, it worked for a bit then stopped. When I had a look the 0.5 amp fuse had blown, I tried increasing it marginally and got up to 5 amps eventually, but it shorts every time.  Can you think of any reason this may happen? Its a diesel if thats makes any difference to the starting voltage levels?
Answer -
Hello Leah,
If the .5 amp fuse was factory installed in the radio and it kept blowing, and you replaced it with a 5 amp then you may have burned up more parts then what would have been damaged by the .5 amp fuse blowing? The problem might have started if this stereo was a high powered output type and you connected it to a speaker system that had grounded speakers on one side. Your 94 Ford Escort has a Diesel Engine? if you need to contact me in the future you can Email me direct at: tdeser@zoominternet.net

TOM, T&D ELECTRONICS


I didn't immediately replace it with a 5amp fuse, I went up from 0.5 to 0.75, to 1.0 etc etc in stages.  What does grounded speakers mean?  They are the standard factory fit speakers that came with the car 93 ford escort diesel.


Answer
Hello again leah,
When most people contact me about car stereo problems, it's because they installed an after market newer stereo and they incorrectly connected it which caused fuses to blow etc.  In your case the problem may be due to a shorted audio output amplifier or a shorted reverse polatity diode. also the problem may still be due to a grounded speaker system. In some Vehicles the car maker will ground one side of the speaker connectors to the car,s chassis. double check how the wires are connected coming out of the stereo, pay attention to the speaker wire polarities.When a speaker wire is marked with a + and a -, you cannot connect the -lead to the car's chassis. Lastly when connecting the speaker wires from the stereo to the adapter you cannot connect any of the + & - leads together if this radio is a high powered output type. If possible can you make a drawing of how you have the adapter connected to the stereo wires right now and send it ot me? If you need Tech Help in the future please feel free to contact me direct at: tdeser@zoominternet.net

TOM,  T&D ELECTRONICS