2005 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 Factory Radio Problem

[fryerlawrence]

Just a couple of days ago I noticed that my radio is turning on/off on me. It is a factory installed 5 disc changer MP3 CD format radio.

I was listening to some music on a radio station and the it would flash back and forth from being turned off/on (still could see the clock and tell time btw)

I have tried hitting the CD, FM button but they wouldn't work at times either.

It sounds like a few things:

1. There is a short somewhere in the wiring for the power to it? (doesn't sound right if you can still see and tell time...as far as I know I am not losing time.)

2. There is a loose fuse? (see above theory answer again)

3. The radio itself is going bad.

I am on an incredibly fixed budget and could use some pointers on what to do. I am a complete noob
in vehicle repair though I know enough to be dangerous..lol
Thanks guys,
fryerlawrence "fryer"

 

[adsm08]

Probably the head unit. IIRC there are two power wires, one for the radio, one for memory/clock.

I would have to look, I might have an OEM 6-disc unit, but I don't know why I have it or what might be wrong with it. Also not sure it would work in an 05.