The stereo in my truck is malfunctioning and I thought someone on here might have a suggestion or two.
I’ve got a 1999 F150 with a factory stereo. The stereo works when the key is turned backwards (accessories), but not when the key is turned forward (ignition), [the face illuminates when the head lights are turned on like it’s supposed to regardless of key position].
I’ve tried two different stereo units and experience the same problem with both, so I’m pretty sure it’s something in the electrical system. I’m thinking the ignition switch, but I wanted to ask your guys’ opinion before I go changing that.
I’m taking this as a subtle (not so subtle) jab at Ford… :lol: :lol: :lol:
But seriously, thanks guys for reafirming what I thought the problem might be… It will be at least this weekend before I get a chance to mess around with it. But I’ll post again when I find a solution (other than buying a new truck! :lol: )
Kinda funny that people say that when Ford is the number 2 car manufacturer after Toyota. Then again, I’m kinda partial to Ford, seeing as how I drive a classic.
There will be a few other things that are wired in to the ignition switch that operate at the same time as the stereo. If you have a factory manual or a Chilton or Haynes.. you can trace the lines out of the ignition.
with my ford mustang, ive walked away from three accidents fairly unscathed that i should have probably died.
so, i wont own anything other than that.
strange question, do you have like a really nifty sound system in your car? like speakers or something? maybe its grounded to something wrong or bumping something it’s not supposed to?
maybe something loose bumps your ignition when you turn it on?
the one i have now had a system in it, and i was in NC when my car died. i dug all over it, and saw that it still had a ground wire attached to the battery from that removed system. when i took it off, car started right up.
My sister owns a 2000 mustang with over 150K miles and no problems. And its a car that has survived this long under typical teenage girl car care, i.e. oil changes when she could afford it, no tune ups, maybe air filter changed once and transmission fluid never changed.
Only problem it had was her fault. She drove over a parking space bump and broke the Y-pipe, which I welded back like new.
Meanwhile a ford escort (mazda motor) died on us after a few years of use, with normal maintenance.
I’ve always had pretty good luck with Fords (maybe until now? lol). Never really had anything go wrong that either I or my dad couldn’t fix. (I feel like I’m jinxing myself- I do feel very lucky). Anyway…
Let me back up a bit with my current F150… I got it dirt cheap from a salvage yard, it had some cosmetic damage to the front end that we fixed. Motor runs GREAT. Passed the CA smog test with flying colors, but because it’s a salvage it also has to pass a break and lights test. It failed because the ABS in the dashboard doesn’t work. Come to find the bulb was good but for some reason the socket is not getting power; all of the fuses are good…
So at this point, I’ve changed the ignition switch and the GEM module (that controls everything electrical in the truck). I thought the GEM would explain why there’s a problem with the stereo also… oh ya, and the power windows.lol But, the problem still remains. So this weekend, I am going to pick up a Chilton or Haynes and see what we can figure out.
ProtonCharger, No, I just have the factory stereo. I mean, it’s completely bone stock. The one I swapped in there was also a factory deck as well.
Daniel… Daniel… Dude, that is a sweet ride!!! I’ve got a '68 California Special, several years ago we did a fuel injection conversion with a late model 302 and 5-speed transmission… Glad to hear you use yours as a daily driver! That’s what cars are for!
I’ve been pretty lucky with my Gretchen. She’s all original, matching numbers and everything. I’m the third owner, still have the owners manual, and the bill of receipt from 1967 is still in the glovebox. She’s got rims on her, but I still have the original hubcaps in my parents attic, so she could be 100% original if need be.
My dad has a '70 Mach 1 (351 Boss Cleveland) that’s a thousand times nicer than my 289 Gretchen. There’s a big car show here every year and it’s going on in two weeks, I’ll take pics of my car, my dads car, and all the others. I’ll post 'em if anybody’s interested.
