Radio circuit short.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Bakersfield CA
Radio circuit short.
Hi all. I am new to this forum and have learned a lot from you all over the last month or so.
I bought my Son a 1986 Vert. for Christmas. The only problem that I have found with the car (so far) is a bad door lock actuator switch on the driver side and a power drain in the radio circuit. I have purchased a new switch for the door locks and plan to install it this week (thanks to the help of Sam Lam's instructions). I would also like to track down the radio circuit problem. The problem is that the battery will go dead over night IF I leave the radio circuit fuse in. If the fuse is removed, the battery holds a charge with no problem. The previous owner was told that there was probably a bad amp.
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Mike :flag
I bought my Son a 1986 Vert. for Christmas. The only problem that I have found with the car (so far) is a bad door lock actuator switch on the driver side and a power drain in the radio circuit. I have purchased a new switch for the door locks and plan to install it this week (thanks to the help of Sam Lam's instructions). I would also like to track down the radio circuit problem. The problem is that the battery will go dead over night IF I leave the radio circuit fuse in. If the fuse is removed, the battery holds a charge with no problem. The previous owner was told that there was probably a bad amp.
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Mike :flag
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 452
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From: Newark, DE
Re: Radio circuit short. (Mikedril)
Try unplugging the connectors from the back of the radio. If the battery still goes dead, the short is in the power wire to the radio. If the battery holds a charge, its time to get a new radio.
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From: Bakersfield CA
Re: Radio circuit short. (Mikedril)
GTLocke13,
Thank you for the reply.
I understand that there is a delay that allows the radio (and interior lights) to run, for a short period of time, after the ignition/accessory switch is turned off. Is power still supplied to the radio after the delay switch turns off? :confused:
Thank you for the reply.
I understand that there is a delay that allows the radio (and interior lights) to run, for a short period of time, after the ignition/accessory switch is turned off. Is power still supplied to the radio after the delay switch turns off? :confused:
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 158
From: Newark, DE
Re: Radio circuit short. (Mikedril)
Power is always supplied to the radio, to keep the clock running and hold the station memories. There may be a short in the power supply that's causing it to draw more current than it should. Or the short may be in the power wire going to the radio. The test in my last post should point out where the short is.
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From: Bakersfield CA
Re: Radio circuit short. (Mikedril)
Ok ... one more question. What is the easiest way to get to the stereo power wire and disconnect it? I haven't torn into anything 'cept the door pannel and air cleaner so far. Thanks in advance for any help.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Radio circuit short. (Mikedril)
What do you mean by, "stereo power wire" ? The radio is the source of program material for the external speaker amplifiers in the Delco-Bose optional radio. Also, the radio operates a power relay that supplies 12v to the external audio amplifiers. The power to the radio is within the bundle on one of the connectors that plug into the back of the radio. The 12v line on my 87 is yellow (don't know if it is the same for 86).
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Bakersfield CA
Re: Radio circuit short. (jfb)
Thanks JFB, but whats the easiest way to get to the wires? do you come in from underneath or take off the dash pannels? I have not torn into the dash yet. I have a service manual on order but it won't be here for another 4 days.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Radio circuit short. (Mikedril)
Remove the dash panel over the radio, then remove the 4 screws that holds the radio onto the dash. Pull the radio out and unplug the connector with the yellow wire on it and this will remove power to the radio. Why not just remove the radio fuse?.....much easier.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: Radio circuit short. (jfb)
With the car off, open the door and depress the plunger switch in the door frame to make the car think its closed. Wait for the lights to go out. Now test the fuses with a meter to see where the draw is. It could be a bad amp instead of the deck that isn't turning off, vanity mirror, hood or storage light not going off, etc.
