Keep radio on during engine start?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Madison WI
Keep radio on during engine start?
How can I wire my aftermarket radio to stay on even during engine cranking?
I spent the last 30 minutes searching but couldn't find anything on this. I installed an Appradio3 head unit tonight which runs off my phone, it takes a good part of a minute for everything to get going and starting the engine resets the radio and I have to wait for it to go though everything again.
I assume I just need to find a 12v switch wire somewhere that doesn't go dead during cranking, the yellow wire below the steering column is what I am using now (2004 Z).
I spent the last 30 minutes searching but couldn't find anything on this. I installed an Appradio3 head unit tonight which runs off my phone, it takes a good part of a minute for everything to get going and starting the engine resets the radio and I have to wait for it to go though everything again.
I assume I just need to find a 12v switch wire somewhere that doesn't go dead during cranking, the yellow wire below the steering column is what I am using now (2004 Z).
Melting Slicks
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From: Atlanta GA
Le Mans Master
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From: Dyer IN
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I would snag a true ignition wire under the dash and bring that over and use two diodes to trigger the radio turn on. One off accessory one off ignition but you need to diode isolate both of them
Team Owner
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From: Madison WI
Haha, I love how most of you are like me and don't even use the radio most of the time 
Since using the Appradio3 means it is running my cell phone on it there are some downsides with how things all get going and having the radio cut power mid process really screws things up and turns it into a nightmare.
Really either keeping the radio on but let the speakers cut out during start up or just don't even let the radio turn on until the car is running would keep the process easy and mostly automated using an app called Tasker.
I just got home and will be going down to see about finding a wire to use off the ignition switch.
Thanks for the info so far guys - will let you know what happens and post the solution for others.
Since using the Appradio3 means it is running my cell phone on it there are some downsides with how things all get going and having the radio cut power mid process really screws things up and turns it into a nightmare.
Really either keeping the radio on but let the speakers cut out during start up or just don't even let the radio turn on until the car is running would keep the process easy and mostly automated using an app called Tasker.
I just got home and will be going down to see about finding a wire to use off the ignition switch.
Thanks for the info so far guys - will let you know what happens and post the solution for others.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I would have to dig out the diagrams but there are true ignition wires at ignition wires at ignition switch you could use but then radio won't come on in accessory which is why I recommend y-ing them together through diodes
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Surprise AZ
Originally Posted by DSTURBD
Haven't used mine in well over a year now. It's my sanity zone after long days of teaching school! Just the pure sound of the LS-1, and that will be even better if I ever manage to get the exhaust I would love to have!!DSTURBD
Best sound system is the one that has the speakers under my tail lights. Sound by LS1 brought to you by BORLA.
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DSTURBD
Last edited by DSTURBD; Feb 14, 2016 at 09:23 PM.
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From: Madison WI
I tested all the ignition switch wires several times and not one has power in ACC, ON, and CRANKING so the diode approach is the way... I am still trying to determine what rating diode is needed for the task since the ignition switch wires that have power during engine starting (red & pink) are around 8-10 gauge. I am guessing the cheap 1amp diode isn't going to cut it but I am having trouble determining what rating is sufficient.
Will continue to provide updates...
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Hilton NY
There are two ignition circuits on the ignition switch, one is ignition run that goes off for starting and the other is ignition start that stays on for starting. The large Pink wire is ignition start. On page 17 the sequence is explained: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...repair-17.html. When the starter is engaged, the system voltage can drop to below 7 volts, that's why I suggested to connect both head unit power wires to the battery + so you can start the car and see if the process works or if it drops out from too low a voltage. If it does drop out, a small DC to DC converter can be used to maintain 12 volts.
Last edited by Fast one; Feb 17, 2016 at 07:53 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Madison WI
There are two ignition circuits on the ignition switch, one is ignition run that goes off for starting and the other is ignition start that stays on for starting. The large Pink wire is ignition start. On page 17 the sequence is explained: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...repair-17.html. When the starter is engaged, the system voltage can drop to below 7 volts, that's why I suggested to connect both head unit power wires to the battery + so you can start the car and see if the process works or if it drops out from too low a voltage. If it does drop out, a small DC to DC converter can be used to maintain 12 volts.
Looks like a capacitor and relay setup or try a DC to DC converter like you recommend - I'm not sure exactly what DC to DC converter to try using?