5100e not getting radio power SOLVED

Magicman710 · Jun 29, 2019

Replaced the dealer installed radio in my 5100e yesterday.

I was able to find the constant power (red) and switched power (white) wires with a multimeter and the radio was working fine.

Went to use the tractor today and the radio would not turn on.

Tested the wires again, red is getting voltage but white is not.

Looked at all fuses and could not find anything.

The cigarette lighter and accessory/three prong power plug are working.

I cant seem to figure out why it wouldnt be on. The only thing I can think of is if the acc power relay is bad, but Im not sure if that affects the radio or not. It is hard to get to and so I would rather not remove it if I do not have to.

Any pointers? I dont know why it would go from working to not working overnight.

CobyRupert · Jun 29, 2019

Re: 5100e not getting radio power

How many wires get wired to radio? Why do you need to wire an unswitched and a switched?
It would seem a radio needs 12V positive (+) (switched or unswitched) and a negative. (-). The negative is also common with the tractor’s frame.

Magicman710 · Jun 29, 2019

Re: 5100e not getting radio power

CobyRupert said:
How many wires get wired to radio? Why do you need to wire an unswitched and a switched?
It would seem a radio needs 12V positive (+) (switched or unswitched) and a negative. (-). The negative is also common with the tractor痴 frame.

All radios have two positives, one is for constant power (to save presets/other programming) and switched power (turns the radio on).

CobyRupert · Jun 29, 2019

Re: 5100e not getting radio power

Magicman710 said:
All radios have two positives, one is for constant power (to save presets/other programming) and switched power (turns the radio on).

Thanks. I’d forgotten, the only time I installed a radio was back in my ‘82 VW Rabbit. I must of put both wires to unswitched.
Never made sense to me why you can’t listen to the radio if the car is off.
I especially hate cars that you can’t put the windows up just because you shut the motor off. Do manufacturers really think people plan ahead?

Magicman710 · Jun 29, 2019

Re: 5100e not getting radio power

I was able to solve the problem (if you want to call it that).

I replaced a missing fuse for something that I thought was irrelevant, the horn.

I then retested the wires, and this time a different red wire on the harness, that was not doing anything yesterday, is now getting 12 volts when the key is on.

So the white wire, that yesterday was hot when the key was on, is no longer hot, but rather a different wire altogether is hot.

Automotive electronics are fun.

beenthere · Jun 29, 2019

Coby

I especially hate cars that you can稚 put the windows up just because you shut the motor off.

Agree, and like the feature on my '01 Trl Blzr that power remains to windows and radio after ignition off (key out) at least until a door is opened (or 20 minutes have passed).