... zAp! ...

[manticore33]

Ok, today I decide to pull out the stock-headunit (DBL Din version w/ AMP, no CD-changer) and dropped a clip for the radio / HVAC bezel. So, I pull out my magnetic extention tool to search for it, and touch one of the metal brackets that is bolted to the body of the car and get an arch (radio is still fastened to the car).

Hrmm... the radio has never played CDs right, so I figured maybe a short. Well, I put keys in the ignition and start/check lights/misc elec/ and radio. The radio will not now turn on, previously it would, just the CD would not work properly. All other electical that I through to try works.

I've check the main radio fuse, now if there is another fuse please clue me in. The main radio fuse was not blown.

An interesting note, when I changed ground terminals on the battery the CD would work, but be extremely touchy on the CDs. I know the CD-Unit grounds itself to the frame, and am wondering if I made a "direct-cable" ground with some 8-10guage wire and see what happens.

Any Ideas?

[mez]

I've done something like that b4, and it was my 'dome' i believe it is called, also, try maybe interior or something too. Just an idea.

[Audioman]

Most DSMs do not have a ground wire for the radio. They have to be screwed in to be grounded. They use the screws, brackets and body as the ground. Make sure that the radio is in the brackets and temporarily screwed into the factory location. That will provide the ground. otherwise the surge could have damaged the head unit. just a thought

[manticore33]

I am aware of the headunit grounding itself to the body per the frame. The Radio was mounted at the time minus the two upper screws. Maybe all screws need to be in for it to function? I am going to make my own ground wire and run it from the frame of the Radio to some other point (yet to be chosen) to see if that helps.

Also, I pulled out the voltmeter and I am getting current from both the constant and the ignition 12v wires.

[manticore33]

Ok, so the headunit needs all four screws. It will come on, just no sound. It will pull in radio stations (ST comes on), meaning its getting a signal. So, I am looking for the AMP fuse, if you know it, please post, it not, well its off for some research.

Thanks for the replies! I've never worked with a setup that had no ground wire or strap.

[manticore33]

Ok, got the fuse changed and there is sound. For any who do not know, the fuse is located inside the cabin of the car on the lower kick panel of the drivers side. It is marked, and is 15amp.

Secondly, the damn thing started playing CDs somewhat again!

[mez]

Does it only play cds on occasion? I have that problem in my jeep. At first I thought it was just the weather but i dont know anymore.

[manticore33]

Originally, it would not play any CDs except for the 1st track of the 3m CD-Lense Cleaner CD. After fiddling with the ground terminal on the battery, it would read other CDs. It will play CDs, but it takes forever for them to start, and it does not like skipping tracks. You sort of have to skip ahead than back. I have tried cleaning the laser several times with no success. When the car is off and it is quiet, you can here the laser moving back and forth and such. I think that it is just old and dumb, or that it is dieing.

[mez]

Yeah the old & dying sounds like it to me. You may wanna call the manufacturer and try and seek help that way.

[Audioman]

There is also a fuse in the enigne compartment fuse box. Yellow plastic holder around 2 10amp fuses. Always the one that seems to blow in my car if something happens.

[bishopofchaos]

My CD player wont work period. Anything i can do inb order to fix it? Like a checklist or something? It tries to read the CD but then says error or something. But yeah any help would be appriciated.

[manticore33]

Mine started working after tinkering with the ground wire on the battery. I was going to try running a ground wire from the Radio cage to the body of the car and see if it read better, but I got it working and was satisfied (for the time being).

So..

1. Check grounds
2. Try cleaning
3. Replace

Is about the best checklist I can think of. One thing to note is playing with grounds and disconnectiong the Radio from power you might have to enter a security code. For whatever reason, mine does not have it, nor does the owners manual mention it.

[bishopofchaos]

Well i tried regrounding it to the frame and it didn't work. So how do i clean it? Should i take the whole CD player apart? Thanks a lot for the help :thumb

[manticore33]

Get a CD-Lense cleaner. Typically, it is a CD with small brushes that "dust" the lense. I guess if you wanted to pull it apart, go for it. Just do not touch the laser lense or zap yourself on a capacitor. However, I would not recommend taking it apart.