When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am installing an after-market stereo, I am getting constant from the Bat terminal at the fuse box. I am using the yellow accessory wire from the previous stock radio, and ran a separate ground. I am not getting any power reading from the yellow wire or from the Acc terminal at the fuse box when the key is turned to Accessory or even when the car is running. I am getting power at the Ing terminal at the fuse box. I verified all fuses good. All instrument lights work, car starts and runs, just the accessory power is dead, and I do not have courtesy lights or wipers.
Q1. Any idea what the source of the problem is?
Q2. Can I tap into the Ing terminal at the fuse box in lieu of the Acc terminal? What are the pros and cons if yes.
Q3. If I cannot tap into the Ing terminal, are there any other sources/solutions I can use?
This electrical stuff is driving me nuts. First my instrument lighting: Fixed. Next my turn signal switch: Fixed. Now this Accessory power issue. I think I pissed off the C3 gods checking out a C5 a month ago.
Last edited by Chap1972; Jul 12, 2023 at 11:39 PM.
You went and checked out a C5? Seriously? You do understand these cars have feelings. Next you'll tell us you swore at her! And then wonder why your courtesy lights and wipers don't work.
OK, brass tacks. Courtesy lights and accessory power are the same part of the fuse panel. Wipers are a completely different line.
This is from a 77 electrical trouble shooting manual. But your car is similar.
Bad circuit breaker? Bad power connection between the fuse box half's?
Bad connection at power distribution block ?
I think on the earlier cars instead of a power distribution block wires were connected to the horn relay.
I am installing an after-market stereo, I am getting constant from the Bat terminal at the fuse box. I am using the yellow accessory wire from the previous stock radio, and ran a separate ground. I am not getting any power reading from the yellow wire or from the Acc terminal at the fuse box when the key is turned to Accessory or even when the car is running. I am getting power at the Ing terminal at the fuse box. I verified all fuses good. All instrument lights work, car starts and runs, just the accessory power is dead, and I do not have courtesy lights or wipers.
Q1. Any idea what the source of the problem is?
Q2. Can I tap into the Ing terminal at the fuse box in lieu of the Acc terminal? What are the pros and cons if yes.
Q3. If I cannot tap into the Ing terminal, are there any other sources/solutions I can use?
This electrical stuff is driving me nuts. First my instrument lighting: Fixed. Next my turn signal switch: Fixed. Now this Accessory power issue. I think I pissed off the C3 gods checking out a C5 a month ago.
If the radio fuse is good, then the issue is probably with the ignition switch or the actual fuse panel wiring. I would suspect the ignition switch first. You can use ING port for power if needed. If the car is running there should be no issue with the ING port.
You went and checked out a C5? Seriously? You do understand these cars have feelings. Next you'll tell us you swore at her! And then wonder why your courtesy lights and wipers don't work.
OK, brass tacks. Courtesy lights and accessory power are the same part of the fuse panel. Wipers are a completely different line.
This is from a 77 electrical trouble shooting manual. But your car is similar.
Bad circuit breaker? Bad power connection between the fuse box half's?
Bad connection at power distribution block ?
I think on the earlier cars instead of a power distribution block wires were connected to the horn relay.
In all fairness, I was looking at the C5 for my daughter. But, it does seem my C3 is a bit of a jealous temptress.
While my electrical skill is severely lacking, my limited ability and troubleshooting seems to point to the fuse box.
Did you ever get resolution of your problem? My radio was working plugged into the BAT fuse. Then it wasn't - no voltage at the BAT prong. My battery isn't dying, so I'm assuming the connection to the BAT fuse is open. I fear I need to tear apart the fuse box, but am hoping there is some other answer.
Did you ever get resolution of your problem? My radio was working plugged into the BAT fuse. Then it wasn't - no voltage at the BAT prong. My battery isn't dying, so I'm assuming the connection to the BAT fuse is open. I fear I need to tear apart the fuse box, but am hoping there is some other answer.
Yes, all fixed. It was the terminal connection in the fuse box. Replacing fuses on a 51 year old box eventually meant that the connection in the back gave out. I am not an electrically skilled person, so I have a friend who was able to repair it and ensure it is safe. We took the time to run some extra grounds for other components in the dash, and we also install two headlight relays that reduced the draw on the switch.
But, now that the electrical is fixed, I have a wiper door mystery to solve.
1972 No Power Accessory
