The radio quit working in my 1987 cougar?

Question

Please do not say fuses!!!! I have checked every last one of them!It acts like it is getting no electricity. There is a tape deck and a cd player . No response from any of it! The antenna is broken but I dont think that would make a difference?

Yeah Lucas ,your reading is worse than your spelling. I already answered your answer in my question.Duh!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Get a volt-meter, and check the power wire to the radio under the dashboard. If you've got power, and the radio doesn't work, time for a new radio...might be time for a new car, too...87's getting kind of long in the tooth for the road...

Answer 2

I have had car radios before that will not work if the antenna hook-up in the back of the radio is unplugged. Check that out first before you go nuts looking for loose wiring, etc. If that's plugged in ok, turn your ignition key on until the starting lights come on in the instrument panel, but don't start the car. I think I can assume an aftermarket radio here, so you'll want to find the wiring harness plug that goes into the back of the radio. Three wires will be of interest to you--the black one, the red one and a yellow (or orange) one. All the rest of the wires are probably speaker wires. The black is the ground wire for the radio. Check to see that it is actually grounding out--best to use an indicator light. The red wire is the power that comes from the ignition switch when you turned it on. You should have 12 volts at the red wire and you can use an indicator light here as well. Sometimes when an aftermarket radio is installed, this red wire will have a fuse in it in a little round white plastic holder, so check that fuse too if you haven't already. The last wire, the yellow or orange one, is the constant power source to the radio that makes sure your preset stations stay saved and the clock stays running. It doesn't have to have power to let the radio work, but if you do check it, use the indicator light again and you should also have 12 volts here as well. I hope this helps--I've messed with many car radios through the years and I've played this game many times! Good luck!

Answer 3

it probibly a fuse so u need to cheke out the fuze box and see if ther eney blown

Answer 4

you might try checking your wires. you may not have the correct wires connected to each other. your ground may not be grounded, or the hot wire may not be connected properly

Answer 5

Install a new one, thats what i'd do.