Radio gremlin

[AeroNautical]

     I've got an aftermarket radio, been in for a few months with no issues. Recently, it has started to cut off, then turn back on when I use my turn signals, and doesn't power on at all with the engine off. With the turn signal off and the radio on (engine running), I can turn on my headlights, fog lights, secondary fan, cab lights, blower motor, high beams and wipers on without affecting the radio, however with all of that on or off, the turn signal still makes the radio shut off. 

 

     With that information, I've localized it to a power draw issue, ground issue or bleed issue. As far as I know, the turn signals and radio aren't connected directly, what are your thoughts? And why would it have happened all of a sudden? I've done no electrical work immediately before this happened. 

     

     I hate asking for electrical help online, it's a pain to explain, and a bigger pain to diagnose for someone who isn't right here with me. 

 

 

[ScottJeep]

Sound like you are close to the problem.   

 

Usually needed depending on the brand: 12V, 12V switched, ground, maybe dimmer

 

Change it up.  Run your power direct and add and in-line fuse. 

 

You've got the cig lighter feed and even the hot feed for the fan is right there if you don't

want to run extra cable from the fuse box. 

 

My preference is to run separate.  It can get unsightly if you don't keep it neat but then you

don't worry about it affecting something else. 

 

Good Luck!

[AeroNautical]

Very good idea, I had thought of direct power, but wanted the radio to shut off with the ignition. Using the cig lighter fixes that problem. Still, something IS causing this issue, I'd like to atleast find it before forgetting it, haha. 

[Rockfrog]

There should be a main power (12v constant) usually red or yellow, check the radio manual, hook that direct to the battery. Then there should also be a 12v switched, usually blue, hook that to the cig lighter power lead. That will supply power, retain settings, and shut the radio on/off with the ignition.

When I got my 88 the radio worked, then I did some dash work and the 12v source for my radio (as the PO had wired it) started only supplying 5v... So either the clock or the radio would work, but not both. Rewired it through an acc outlet and the signal off the lighter. Found my voltage issue to be a bad fuse box terminal, we'll, all of them have been curfuddled with and are bent/broken ... Not in the mood to swap the dash harness just yet though.