Odd radio issue.

[Target92]

PO of my 1st gen Explorer had put in, and then partially tore out, an aftermarket sound system. My issue is that the radio does not power in when I turn the key, at which point it starts at the starting point for the FM frequency band with total amnesia. At that point I can "enjoy" the radio, they never secured the unit so it slides around crackling the entire time, until I get to where I am going and turn off the vehicle. I then have a minute or two where if I turn the key the radio will work properly (turning on with the vehicle, storing stations of choice) but as soon as the radio has time to deplete the stored charge, it reverts to being a PitA. Someone please help me fix it.

 

[Sitcoms]

Just sounds like they completely ####ed the wiring when they partially tore it out.

 

[artofkicking]

I know this is a little old but, Most if not all radios have two pos (+) connections. One goes to ignition switch and the other to bat (+). The later must ALWAYS be hot. Check for that first then check your ground seeming as the radio is sliding around it could also be bad.

 

[blulite]

There's usually a blue/white remote wire that connects to the ignition and a red positive to the battery. ive known a lot of people that don't connect the remote wire and it leaves the radio off when the ignition is switched off. The memory wire I can't remember what that connects to but if I remember correctly it's orange on most aftermarket units. that needs to be connected to allow the memory function to store channels.

 

[supermidget]

There's usually a blue/white remote wire that connects to the ignition and a red positive to the battery. ive known a lot of people that don't connect the remote wire and it leaves the radio off when the ignition is switched off. The memory wire I can't remember what that connects to but if I remember correctly it's orange on most aftermarket units. that needs to be connected to allow the memory function to store channels.

Huh? On after market radios yellow goes to constant power (battery). And red goes to switched power (ignition) and as usual black is ground.

If those 3 are hooked to their proper place it is fully functional. A blue remote wire would send a signal to raise a power antenna/amp or such when the radio is powered on.

I never use it but if memory serves me right orange is for the dimmer function to lower the brightness when the headlights turn on for a lower night time display setting.