Aftermarket Stereo Cutting Out

[Koots]

I installed a used aftermarket CD player in my 83 Jimmy (6.2L diesel just for reference) and ever since i put it in (did many installs before) it's been cutting in and out on me. It does it when i turn on the lights, hit a bump, hit the brakes, etc.  I even went so far as to rewire it with new wires and it still remains the same.

I'm not sure if it's a common problem, but would that be a sign that my alternator is going out or should i just start running through all the wiring?

I've already replaced the battery terminals, cleaned up the grounds and no change whatsoever. Before i start throwing away money i figured i'd ask to see if anyone has any input.

[Irish_Alley]

check your ground or key wire. also if it doesn't look like a bad radio why did the PO get rid of it maybe it was doing the same thing before. but just double and triple check your hot switch wire and ground. does it act up with the radio off and your just driving?

[Koots]

The PO ended up buying an in dash DVD deck for his car so he sold me this one for cheap. As far as i know it wasn't a problem. I should add that the truck had been sitting for 5 years, so i'm leaning heavily towards the alternator dying out. I think when the voltage fluctuates it causes the stereo to shut off, because my headlights get brighter when i rev it up or accelerate.

I hope it is that anyway, i really don't feel like taking a look at the entire harness and fuse panel. i've already checked and cleaned up all my grounds, so i don't think that's the problem.

[Irish_Alley]

i think the truck would die before the radio it takes like 9vts to run the truck while the radio less than one. it takes more to run the truck then a radio and you can run the radio with out having the alt charging the battery

[Irish_Alley]

But a bad ground will temporary shut down a radio and the truck will keep running for the second the ground is interrupted

[VileZambonie]

Being a 6.2L Diesel you don't need an electrical system for anything but accessories and starting. The engine is mostly mechanical and no ignition system. So check your charging system output.

[Koots]

I went out and bought a new alternator today, but had to go out for work when i had it half installed. So far i've found out that one bracket bolt doesn't match up on the back of the alternator and the parts store gave me the wrong length belt and doesn't have the one i need lol.

I'll get back at it again once i drop my gf off at work, thanks for the suggestions and help. i'll update this once i get the alternator installed.

[Irish_Alley]

Missed the 6.2 part lol my bad. but always take parts with you to the parts store do a visual saves you a couple trips plus core return about the belt take you old one in if they know anything about belts they should even have a belt measuring tool in the back to measure the belts and get one for it they should be able to come with in 1/2" of what you need if they have the drive to do it. If not call them lazy and talk to the manager lol

[Skunksmash]

My alpine radio has a "protect" mode that will kill the radio as soon as a speaker wire grounds out. Or, even if the metal on the speaker itself touches the metal of the truck. It sucks. I am still working on a way to insulate the whole speaker and still have it mounted securely. Sounds like your radio is probly doing the exact same thing, seeing as how it happens when you go over a bump or something. That would indicate that the bump is moving the circuit to ground out just for a second.

[Koots]

Got the alternato put on and it did help, so i have no more stereo worries.

My new problem is that i found part of the steering pump bracket is cracked off and tightening it is creating a problem. So one problem goes onto another. Now i remember why i hated being a mechanic so much lol