HU not turning on. '97 XLT 4.0 SOHC

[X~FACTOR]

My factory JBL headunit is not turning on. I have replaced the headunit twice. What is the common culprit when this happens? What else could it possibly be?

 

[DjDom]

Are you sure it's not turning on, or the display burnt out? Since the later is more common.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Well it does have some illumination from when you turn the headlight on. There is no display but I have replaced the head unit with another re-manufactured one and still the same problem.

Shouldn't the headunit power up the automatic antenna as well? It is not doing that.

 

[DjDom]

It should, but it's very common for the displays to go bad on those radios. However, it should still have sound. Maybe the connector in the back is loose. It could happen..
Since it still lights up with dash lights, it is getting illumination power..

 

[X~FACTOR]

No display. No sound. Checked all the wiring in the back, its all snugged.

 

[DjDom]

Sounds like the fuse or a resistor in the radio.
If you have any experience with electronics, open up the radio and check for blown caps/resistors.

 

[X~FACTOR]

I have replaced the headunit twice already with the same result. Not to say it isn't the problem still since all I could get are used (one is factory remanufactured). I have no idea where to get one brand new without going to the dealer. Will aftermarket be plug and play?

 

[DjDom]

Aftermarket with a proper harness should be plug and play.
If you buy from Crutchfield or Sonic, they usually throw in a dash kit and a wiring harness for free.

With the proper harness, just connect the harness from the new radio to that, and it'll plug right into the original one in the truck.

 

[drdoom]

^+1 Ray, I replaced my factory HU with JVC digital media receiver, and had room underneath for an in-dash CB. The HU has Bluetooth, USB, 1/8"AUX, AM/FM, Pandora, hands-free calling, etc. You can play MP3, WMA, jump drives, whatever you want but NO CDs. As Dom said, it is plug & play, but you may need the amp by-pass. I believe you will lose functionality of the rear seat console volume & tuning, possibly headphones too (I should verify that), but the JVC comes with an IR remote that has what you need.

Bring that '97 into the 21st...

 

[DjDom]

Wow, all 97s here.

Yup, you'll lose rear audio controls, for sure.
I'm not aware of any kits for it yet.. And, you'll also lose your stock CD Changer, if you have it.

In all honesty, a nice Nav unit looks really good in the Second gen dash.

 

[X~FACTOR]

I'm okay with the oem radio as I do not really use it much, just like to listen to morning talk radio but if buying an aftermarket is the way to easily fix the problem then I'm sold. lol

 

[DjDom]

The OEMs going to cost you as much as a new aftermarket one, to be honest.
Just grab another one from the scrap yard if you just want to swap them.

 

[drdoom]

I'm okay with the oem radio as I do not really use it much, just like to listen to morning talk radio but if buying an aftermarket is the way to easily fix the problem then I'm sold. lol

Dude that would be the only thing stock on your truck!

 

[DjDom]

Dude that would be the only thing stock on your truck!

Which is in a way smart.. Since no one will break in to steal the radio.