stereo question.

[roughboy]

I have a '90 Ranger XLT with the factory AM/FM cassette stereo that I bought new. After all this time, I have finally decided to upgrade to a CD player and new speakers since the speakers on the driver side cut in and out. When I hooked up the CD player-a Pioneer, not some $40.00 P.O.S. from Wally World-it would work fine with the key in both the acc. and run positions. Then, when I started the engine, it wouldn't make any sound. The head unit was all lit up, but no sound. After messing with it for a while, I unplugged the aftermarket harness I used to wire it up, and put the stock radio back in and it works like normal. Any ideas what the problem could be? I'm getting tired of radio commercials and only having 2 full time speakers.

 

[Psychopete]

Was the CD player bought new or used? What model of Pioneer? Be sure to read the manual and look for any settings that you might have to initally setup for the output.

It might be helpful to "bench test" the stereo with a battery charger and some speakers to verify that it's not the wiring harness.

If you haven't posted yet, you may get better responses in the audio section. Or perhaps a mod could move this.

Pete

 

[kevinsranger]

do you have ford premium sound? i know in the newer mustangs you had to wire them differenty to turn the factory amp on

 

[falcon57]

I hope this helps

Congrats on your commitment to do reto-fits! It's very satisfiying to tackle all the stuff that keeps getting better.. I suggest you find an inexpensive volt meter with the needle movement, it's easier to see voltage drops. When I check The first I learned is usually factory stuff is 99% O.K. ! Usually it.s my splices or taps that are the problem. Since you have been "in there" to work a previous cassette deck; try to verify that your ground is good. I can't tell you where your particular ground wire is located.. maybe someone can breask out their shop manual for you. I have found the factory snap plugs are a reliable connector.
I don't think the positive wire's (don't forget ford make an accomodation for power light display feed) this feed is for the lights on the radio so when you turn on the lights at night the radio lights will dim like the lights on your dash board. as my 94 has a 18ga. for the power light and a larger 14ga wire for the actual power to the deck. If you carefully inspect the factory connector at the harness in the tray (hole) you should see the smaller guage wire has i think a purple stripe. Overall just check your grounds are clean and tight, follow the codes for the adapter on your new radio (L- R ) frnt/back com.