radio now only works if lights are on

[gragravar]

OK, I have screwed something up. A few weeks back I had my dash apart while I took out a bunch of old wiring from accessory lights that previous owners had left. Now I put everything back together and the radio has ceased to function - except when I turn on the headlights. when I turn on the lights it asks me for the radio code, then works fine. Anyone have any bright ideas about what I may have screwed up?

[BullDogSix]

Sounds like you have somehow run power to your radio through the headlight switch?? I don't really know how you could do that though...all fuses okay??

[gragravar]

Originally Posted by BullDogSix

Sounds like you have somehow run power to your radio through the headlight switch?? I don't really know how you could do that though...all fuses okay??

yep, all the fuses are OK. the only thing I did related to the radio was to unplug the cables to pull it out, and of course re-plugged them in. in the process there was one very tiny plug set with 2 wires running into it that had the wires fall out and i had to put the wires back. I think I got them in the right places, but it is possible they were reversed.

I just dont know. thinking about just running a new power line for the radio.

[cellulararrest]

The only thing I can think of that is related between the two is the dimmer. When your headlights are turned on the lights on the radio dim.

[gragravar]

Originally Posted by cellulararrest

The only thing I can think of that is related between the two is the dimmer. When your headlights are turned on the lights on the radio dim.

that is a good idea to look into. thanks

[hermanpj]

Sounds like when cleaning up the wiring you may have connected the illumination loop from the car to ignition loop on the head unit. could happen if you are using an aftermarket headunit and so you had to adapt factory harness to an aftermarket radio's wiring harness...

Mine is 1991 so i bet wiring very similar if not identical. Let me know if you think this may be the problem I can post the wiring color scheme.

[gragravar]

Id appreciate seeing the diagram if you have it. it has the factory stereo now, but at some point it had an aftermarket one.

[hermanpj]

This is a list of wiring for the head unit in a 1991 Classic:

Color Key
B Black
K Pink
N Brown
S Slate (whatever that is)
W White
G Green
L Light
O Orange
U Blue
Y Yellow

Illumination Loop:
> RN - Illumination loop connects to panel dimmer rheostat. if this is crossed to power for the radio, it could explain why your radio is only working with lights on

Power & Ground
> B - Ground
> LG - Ignition Loop, connecting rear amp, front amp, head unit and fuse panel. LG connects to WO deeper in the wiring harness, which is ignition, so LG provides power when the ignition is turned to first setting.
> PW - Battery Loop, connects to Fuse B2, which is overhead lighting fuse, hence power from battery.

On control for remote devices: amps and cd player
>PY - Connects head unit, front amp, rear amp, i believe this is remote control to turn amps on and off

Speakers (from head unit to amp):
>BW - speaker - front amp - Right +
>BN - speaker - front amp - Right (-)
>BU - speaker - front amp - Left (-)
>BG - speaker - front amp - Left, +
>Red & White - should be in "Screened Cable" - Audio Inputs to Rear Amp, W - Rear Right, R - Rear Left

Other cables
> Data Link Cable = to CD player
> Antenna - only one thing it could be

[gragravar]

thanks!