Car radio

[aggy]

Why can't I get a car stereo working. It wouldn't light up when I try to connect it. There are three wires hanging out the slot, a thick white, a thin white and a yellow. I think the thick white is the neutral/earth. When I put my multimeter over the earth and either of the wires I think are the lives then I get either 2,4 or6 volts. It seems different every time I check it.
The stereo and meter work as expected in my van.

 

[Spark123]

If it works OK in the van you ought to be able to figure out what wire does what, you'll probably have Neg (earth), permanent positive and ign positive.
I'not 100% sure on what you are doing - what are you connecting it to?

 

[aggy]

Sorry, I didn't make that clear. The three wires are on the car, the stereo wires have writing on them to identify them.

 

[spraggo]

Have you checked the in line fuse?

 

[aggy]

I looked for one quickly but couldn't see one. Its an old car, an 89 pug 205, will it definitely have one? I can look again tomorrow in the daylight.
Would that explain the low voltages?

 

[Spark123]

Instead of using what you think may be earth, try connecting the negative probe of the voltmeter to the car chassis and then try measuring the voltages of each wire.

 

[aggy]

Ok, I'll try that in the daylight tomorrow and let you know.

 

[aggy]

Spark123, you hit the nail on the head there my friend. Earth wire extended and stereo working.