Insufficient voltage to factory stereo in 2001 Explorer

[DKeegan]

Dad's 2001 explorer had a factory stereo that died. Pulled it using the U-tools and lo-and-behold pin 9 (+12V) of the wiring harness had snapped. Apparently the previous owner had something clamped on there and the wire finally gave way.

In any case, I bridged the gap with an alligator clip (to diagnose and test) but the stereo would still not power on.

Checked the fuse (#20 in the fuse control panel - also bound to the power windows) and it was good.

Finally pulled out the multimeter and it revealed only +1.3V on the line.

Connected the 9 pin wire to a known good +12V source and the stereo powered on like a champ, so it's definitely the voltage deficiency.

Any idea why that line - previously providing +12V - would only now give +1.3V after fraying? Suggestions for other things to check?

 

[fixxxer]

It's possible that when that wire gave-way, it shorted out on something, like the frame of the dash or the body of the stereo. Check for blown fuses in that circuit. Pin 9 should have a constant 12v from fuse #29 in the central junction box. It's a 25 amp fuse according to my diagram. Also check fuses 20 (7.5amp) and 28 (7.5amp), they are both also in the CJB.

 

[fixxxer]

BTW Hello and welcome to the forum!