Radio Install

Just installed a sexy aftermarket radio in my 87 w/premium sound (factory amp disconnected), I have black and grey harnesses spliced up colors accordingly, but the radio flickered off. I'll try to explain as best as I can.

First power-up, turned on, I was flipping through radio stations, the antenna was all the way down so I raised it with the power ant. switch, which made the radio start flickering, then to a point where it isn't turned on anymore.

If I turn the car OFF though, the LED's on the radio blink every half a second like the alarm or something.

I just unplugged it for now, I was thinking possibly a bad ground? Right in between the cigarette lighter and the climate control, not sure if this ground is good enough. I have a picture to show, very bad light but you'll see. The metal was sanded so contact surface was alright.

CLICK!

I'd figure it out myself but going tomorrow for the stainless steel exhaust and it's too late to figure it out tonight. Last deck I had in this car worked just fine? Would like to hear your guys thoughts.

Thanks in advance
Jeff

Looked at the stereo wiring page, I didn't hook the 'auto antenna lead' (blue) to anything. Not sure if that has anything to do with the issue at hand.

Sounds like a bad ground...

It is hard to tell from your picture and description, exactly where and how you have it grounded. Often the radio will ground through the antenna, but once you move the antenna it loses its ground, and causes the radio to cut out. Try moving the ground, even if temporarily, and see what happens.

Did you rewire the speakers? Try doing a search (5 wire/ permium sound / speaker wiring/ etc...). The factory (premium) speaker wiring, even with the amp bypassed is not compatible with 98%+ of aftermarket radios.

-Shane

Thanks Shane,
I didn't rewire the speakers at all. I guess I'm lucky... Twice?

I messed around with it a couple days ago and it was in fact a bad ground. I used the ground from what I think used to be the equalizer harness, it was a female end connector to a 16 guage ground wire. Perfect.

Works great now