Factory radio won't turn on

[mpsjr]

I have a 1999 Eddie Bauer and on Sunday, my Mach radio wouldn't turn on. I have checked all of the fuses and everything is fine. Also, I checked for power and ground at the plug on the back of the radio and it is working properly. The radio only turns on intermittently, but when it does, it still has all of my saved stations and the time is still correct. The cd changer will still eject, but the radio acts as if it isn't getting power. I don't even get the clock display. I searched the forums but did not find anything helpful, although one seemed similar, the guy said he replaced the fuse for the console 12v outlet. Mine is fine. Does this sound like it's a bad headunit, or is there somewhere else I can look before replacing it? Thank in advance.

Matt

 

[workman8505]

i would try cleaning all connections plugs on the radio fuses and fuse slots ive had one in another car that was spotty and drove me crazy then i cleaned everything worked great till i sold the car. thats not to same this is the same thing just worth a try.

 

[mpsjr]

I'm pretty sure it's the headunit that's bad. When it's hot outside (85+), the radio will work. It's almost like what someone else said; that the radio has to "warm up" before it will work. I suspect a bad solder joint in the headunit is the problem. Unless I'm overlooking someone obvious, there's no reason the radio shouldn't turn on with power on both the constant and switched power, as well as the ground. I ordered a new (used) headunit on eBay that should be here on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. If the new one doesn't work, I'll have to look somewhere else.

 

[workman8505]

gottcha my thinking of cleaning all connection is like with battery terminals you cant get 12v with dirty battery terminals but not get the current needed to run the starter. but a cold solder joint sounds like a possibly as well. the same thing happens in xbox 360s and ps3s sometimes when they heat up and cool down a lot requires whats called a reflow. sorry im a tech guy lol.

 

[mpsjr]

I gotcha. I've done a reflow on my launch 60gb PS3 twice now. The first one wasn't as intensive as the second time I did it and I haven't had any problems since. Interestingly, it was in the high 80s today, pushing 90 and the radio worked flawlessly. My replacement should be in tomorrow, but I suspect the current head unit won't work in the cool of the morning. We shall see.

 

[workman8505]

yea i agree with ya man sounds like its just crapping out lol. you win some lose some right. glad you have something to replace it with. well will have

 

[mpsjr]

The "new" radio works well. I noticed that even when the old radio would work, the clock was usually wrong, so I think something is messed up with it internally. Whatever is not letting it turn on, is also losing the memory despite having constant power. I'll keep it as a backup though. The replacement was only $20 w/ shipping.

 

[workman8505]

if you feel like cracking the old one open i would check the solder points at the main plug and work my way up from there. lol but thats what i would do any way. hey glad you have radio again and for a great price. enjoy it

 

[aford15]

The "new" radio works well. I noticed that even when the old radio would work, the clock was usually wrong, so I think something is messed up with it internally. Whatever is not letting it turn on, is also losing the memory despite having constant power. I'll keep it as a backup though. The replacement was only $20 w/ shipping.

I am having the same problem with my radio. Where did you come accross a $20 replacement???

 

[VexedEX]

Recently had the same problem. It was a bad accesory wire... you can run a new wire to the fuse box.

 

[jaydee427]

I am having the same problem with my '05 Expy Limited. I cross touched some wires and my radio nor my aftermarket flip down does not come on. I checked the radio harness with a voltmeter and the acc wire has no power. I understand that there's several fuses that control the radio, but I checked every radio-related fuse in the fuse panel under the dash / passengers side. Does anyone know of another fuse panel besides the one by the passengers side footwell?

 

[mpsjr]

I am having the same problem with my radio. Where did you come accross a $20 replacement???

There was a guy on eBay that I bought it from. His username is discountoemradios. The radio was $4.99 and shipping was $15.00. I got it in just a few days, and everything has been working perfectly since.