[V8] V8 electrical: turn signals and stereo

[dsaad at icehouse.net]

When the system cuts out, does the radio display stay lit up?
If so you might have the same problem I did. I had a defective part in the radio
(I think it was a thermistor) that is used to turn on a relay (in the main relay
panel) that supplies power to the speaker amps. Mine cut out when the radio
warmed up - and got progressively worse with time.
This thermistor is a current limiting device and in my opinion was totally
overkill in this particular circuit - so I simply jumpered it out. I have not
had a problem since.

To diagnose, you need to figure out if this relay is being energized and for
that you need the wiring diagram. If in fact you have the same problem, the
simplest fix is probably to move the amp relay wire to the antenna up wire at
the back of the radio (I elected to repair the circuit because I like to do
things the hard way :-). The antenna up wire performs exactly the same function
as the amp-on wire, but it is simply switched 12V without the silly protection
circuit. If you do not have a power antenna you can probably just move the wire
in the connctor. There was a wire diagram on the radio lid that I used.

In fact, I re-wired my radio so that it goes off with the window retained power
relay - so I can leave the radio on just like in a real car. Less wear and tear
on the volume knob this way.
That required ugly re-wiring inside the radio and was a huge PITA - but like I
said, I like to do things the hard way.

Quoting Doug Hillen <bassgroove99 at hotmail.com>:

> Hey all,
>
> I evesdrop on the list quite regularly but I usually feel guilty for not
> having more value to add. (I'm getting better since you (the archives)
> helped me R&R a blower motor, fuel pump, heater flap spring, and diagnose
> many problems that local, Colorado Springs, mechanics couldn't solve... like
> the notorious hot start.)
>
> Now I'm on to the newest round of V8 quirks. (I've had the car for 6 years)
>
> My stereo totally shuts off as soon as volume is increased. It can't even be
> turned up to an audible level. Just one click to turn it on, and then one
> click of volume usually causes a popping noise in the speakers and the
> system shuts off. The problem is intermittent and definitely worse in colder
> weather.
>
> Quirk #2
> I removed the stereo to spray out that volume pot. And after reinstalling
> it, the turn signals and hazards stopped working... They started working
> again for about a week and now they seem to have died permanently. The only
> thing I get is an ugly buzzing sound in the instrument cluster when using
> the turn inidcators or hazard lights.
>
> Any input on either issue? Stereo or Turn Signals???
>
> Thanks,
> Doug Hillen
> Colorado Springs
>
> '91 5sp V8Q
> '02 A4 winter sport
>
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