Simple Radio setup problems

[RaginRanger]

I'm installing a deck in a 1989 Volvo 240 dl,

The System: Simple pioneer headunit and two infiniti 4" speakers in the doors.

The Problem: The radio will work for about 15 seconds, then there is a slight popping sound, and the speakers go silent, head unit still functioning, but no sound. Also seems like volume from speakers is much too low for level at head unit.

Possible Cause: When I tested the continuity of the wires coming from the speakers, the gray wires on each side (the other wire colour was a yellow/gray combo) both had continuity to the same brown wire at the back of the old tape deck, and so I sauldered both speaker grounds from the deck to this brown wire, is this a f-up on my part?

I don't know a whole lot about stereos, I just tried to match everything up as best I could, could my speakers be shot? (they're old) would that cause all sound to fail? any insight would be greatly appreciated, any knowledge departed will be used when I re-install the interior/radio in my '86 ranger too, I swear!

 

[Pistons23]

seems like a wiring issue. did you use an adapter harness(one side plugs into the factory stereo connection, the other connects to your new deck)? or did you just splice your wire straight to the factory wire harness?

 

[RaginRanger]

wiring issue, you don't say? I don't mean to be rude, but DUH.

In old volvo's, or anything old for that matter, there is no factory harness plug, so yes, I took the deck's harness, and spliced it into the existing wiring that was going into the old tape deck.

 

[Snowboarder7710]

do a continuity test from the speaker leads to ground. if any of the speaker wires are directly connected to ground, the internal amp on the radio will shut off and the speakers will pop.

if you have 8 wires for speakers behind the radio then youre in good shape. just do a continuity test from those wires to the ones in the doors at each speaker so you can figure out which ones go where. if you only have 5 wires for speakers then you have a common ground system and you need to rewire because the new style radio has a difficult time with common ground systems. yes it can work but its a pain in the ass and not worth it in my opinion.

here's a link to what your car stereo wiring should most likely be.
http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/stereodetail/2220.html

seems like you should be alright with the wiring. one volvo wire should connect to only one radio wire....print out the diagram and check out the car's wiring to see if it matches

 

[RaginRanger]

thanks for the diagram man, it should prove most helpful, I think I'm dealing with a common ground, which means I'll likey have to re-wire I guess,

 

[Snowboarder7710]

no prob....yeah if youre lost on what the hell is going on in there its just easier to run new wire and be done with it lol

 

[RaginRanger]

ran new speaker wires, eliminated the common ground and voila!

Thanks for your help dude! now I just need to muster the energy to run cable to the back and build some boxes for rear speakers.