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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHRadio Only Works with Trans in Reverse!
Leading reported evidence
Check where you connected your main positive cable
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Suggestion
I would start with just checking where you connected your main positive cable.
Leading evidence: 'Check where you connected your main positive cable' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check where you connected your main positive cable' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm pretty sure I used the same +12v switched and unswitched leads that the stock head unit used, and I don't see any way any of the other leads either to the amp or the headunit could tie in with the shifter.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm pretty sure I used the same +12v switched and unswitched leads that the stock head unit used, and I don't see any way any of the other leads either to the amp or the headunit could tie in with the shifter.
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I took a few extra days off last week to install a new Pioneer AVH-X4600BT head unit and Kenwood amp in my 03 C2. I forgot how tough it is to pull RCA cables through the firewall, along with the million and one other wires modern head units need. Anyway, I finally got everything sorted out last night but when I started the car this morning, the new head unit wouldn't power on. I finally realized that it powers up only when I shift into reverse (6-speed trns). As soon as I move out of reverse, even into neutral, it powers off! I did all the work while the car was parked in my driveway with the trans in reverse, so I didn't notice it while I was working on it. I'm pretty sure I used the same +12v switched and unswitched leads that the stock head unit used, and I don't see any way any of the other leads either to the amp or the headunit could tie in with the shifter. I may have to spend some more time staring at the factory wiring diagrams tonight, but any suggestions will be appreciated!
Sounds like you connected your main power supply to the power that lights up you're reverse lights. I would start with just checking where you connected your main positive cable.
After looking at the head unit manual, I think I may have a clue. I'm driving the rear seat speakers off the unit's rear speaker outputs. The leads for the right output are violet & violet/black. There's also a lead for an optional reverse camera that is violet/white. That one is supposed to go to the reverse lights if the camera is is installed. I suspect that I wired that one into the speakers. I'll check it out when I get up the energy to pull the unit back out.
On second thought, I don't think my theory about the camera wire from the head unit makes any sense. There would still have to be an electrical connection to my shifter. Looks like I'm back where I was a few hours ago.
A speaker lead has nothing to do with 12vdc power source. You may have the wrong wiring on your speaker but that has no bearing on the unit powering down out of reverse.
So how did you pull the RCA cables through the firewall? I ask because shortly I will be doing it, but only RCA's and an amp remote wire.
Good luck troubleshooting.
