If you've ever taken your Chrysler back to the dealership for a repair or a diagnosis, you know what a bracing experience it can be to hear the estimated repair cost. Getting your radio/CD player checked for repairs is no exception. The good news is, factory radio/CD players in Chrysler automobiles are installed with virtually identical connections, so with a few basic tools and by following these steps, you can troubleshoot your Chrysler's stereo and get right back to driving to your music without having to go to the shop.
Instructions
1. Isolate the trouble by determining if there is a problem with the speakers. If the radio works but not the CD player, or vice versa, then the speakers are fine.
2. Check speaker problems by first adjusting the balance control on the CD/radio player to be sure one speaker hasn't been switched off accidentally.
3. If the speakers are still not working, check the speaker wire connections to the wiring harness underneath the dashboard, typically below the steering column. Reattach any loose or disconnected wires, using the wire strippers if necessary to remove insulation to reconnect broken wires. Electrical tape is handy for insulating quick wire splices.
4. Make sure the wiring harness is plugged in securely to the radio/CD player.
5. Check the current to the speakers by disconnecting the wires at the speaker connections one at a time. Attach the electric meter to the wire ends. If you get a reading, the problem is most likely a blown factory speaker. No reading means no current is getting to the speaker, so you either have a bad speaker wire or bad connection in the wiring harness.
6. If you have a separate amp, check connections from the factory radio/CD player to the amplifier. The separate amp is typically installed under the driver's seat.
7. Pop the hood and check the radio power cable to the battery in your Chrysler. Look for a cylinder in the line that contains the fuse. Check the glass fuse inside the link and replace if blown.
8. For CD playback problems, try cleaning the laser lens with a CD cleaning product such as that manufactured by Memorex. The cleaner is shaped like a CD and slips into the CD slot. Press play and clean for 2-3 minutes.
Tags: radio player, wiring harness, your Chrysler, factory radio, speaker wire