Aftermarket Radio installation not working?

Tiny
HUSKERSONTOP
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
So, I was trying to install an aftermarket radio. I got everything wired and went to plug it in. Some sparks shot from one of the wires for about a second and then stopped. The radio did not work. I then plugged in the factory radio, and it wouldn't work either. I'm sure it's not receiving any power, but how do I diagnose what's wrong/how do I fix it?
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 AT 6:56 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like a fuse may have failed. I'm not sure which system this came with, but I think the best place to start is by checking the radio fuse. There is also an optional amp fuse. Both fuses are in the under-hood fuse box. See pics below.

When checking the fuse, it is important to check its condition. Also, it is important to confirm there is power to and from it.

Here is a link explaining how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Do this and let me know what you find. Also, if you know the wire color that sparked, it may help me.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
HUSKERSONTOP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello, I checked both fuses and they both seem to be fine. I am not sure what wire sparked.
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Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

Did you confirm there is power to and from the fuse? Also, if the fuse is good and has power, we need to see if the power gets to the radio.

Let me know if you checked power. Please bear with me. Not knowing what wire sparked makes it very difficult to tell you exactly what to check. I'm trying. LOL

However, if the radios no longer get power, I still suspect the fuse itself is faulty or we lost power to and from it. If it was a different wire, the radio fuse would still likely be good and the radio would get power.

If you check out the link I attached above, it explains how to check for power.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 AT 8:16 PM

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