Car Stereos: audio system turning itself off, radio cd cassette, connectivity issue

Question
Hi! I have a 2000 Buick LeSabre with Concert Sound II. The Delco factory radio/CD/cassette was turning off by itself and, thinking it was broken, I replaced it with a Pioneer through Circuit City installers: new harness, etc.  New radio worked great for an afternoon and then suddenly gave a big pop and turned off, blinking the backlighting of the audio system.  Next day I turned on and it was blinking again, then started working for a while, then stopped for good. Installer thought maybe the amplifier from the Concert Sound system was going bad, but couldn't immediately locate the amplifier. What do you think might be wrong?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Patricia,

First off, I would suggest that if it's turning off on its own and making popping sounds, that you don't use it until the issue is rectified.  It sounds like a bad wire or connectivity issue, and could result in a fire.  I would even suggest pulling out the radio fuse until its taken care of.

If the deck itself is blinking, then I would suggest it is not the amplifier, as the deck blinking is likely due to the power wire going into it (or the accessory wire, or ground) being corroded or having gone bad.

This issue is likely an issue for a mechanically inclined friend, or a mechanic, and not a stereo installer.  Have someone take the deck out, and test the wires leading into the deck with a multimeter to see if there are any fluctuations in the power coming into the deck, or if the groud has gone bad or something.  The popping would suggest a wire somewhere isn't making a good connection, and the pop you hear is it either losing, or gaining its connection.

Good luck,
Justin