Any Car Stereo Experts? I need your help trouble shooting

[BamBam215]

Hi Everyone,

I've got a problem with my car stereo that I'm not sure what's the problem. The stereo in question is a PioneerDEH-P6400 model and my car is a stock 1995 Honda Prelude. I was able to install the deck using a dash kit and harness I got from Best Buy and the stereo was working fine for a couple of days, but tonight the sound just stopped coming out. I thought this was weird so I managed to pull the stereo and check all of the wiring. Everything seems to be in place. To connect the harness to the deck, I used wiring caps that you twist on (is this a good idea?). The power to the deck still comes on, and I'm able access all of the functions (CD, AM/FM, etc.), but still no sound.

Anyways, I still had my old stock stereo in the trunk so I pulled it out and tested it, and the sound works fine on it. I really hope that my deck didn't poop out on me after 5 days.

If you had any suggestions I might try, I would appreciate any help. Thanks!!!

Ant

edited: sorry it's a pioneer deck

 

[Spoooon]

It is possible that it pooped out on you. Try reinstalling it and double checking the speaker wire connections.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

I can see one speaker not working, but if none of them are working, then I find it hard to believe that it is just a bad connection.

Make sure the radio isn't muted.

If you only have one pair of speakers, make sure the fader isn't set to the set of speakers that you aren't using. (I actually saw someone bring a stereo back to the store because of this)

 

[kumanchu]

a connection may have gotten loose. in general its good practice to solder and use either wire shrink or at least electrical tape on those connections. i'd check them again; a car shakes a lot.

 

[Spoooon]

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
I can see one speaker not working, but if none of them are working, then I find it hard to believe that it is just a bad connection.

Make sure the radio isn't muted.

If you only have one pair of speakers, make sure the fader isn't set to the set of speakers that you aren't using. (I actually saw someone bring a stereo back to the store because of this)

Yeah, that's a good idea. On one of the decks I had, you could turn off the speaker wire outputs on the head unit and just use RCAs. That may be an option on yours.

But then, he said it worked fine for a while, then it quit.

 

[Heisenberg]

Double-check all the connections and settings on the deck. If it still doesn't work, take it back because something is wrong.

Edit: And next time use solder and heatshrink for the connections. Much better than wire nuts.

 

[BamBam215]

Doh!

I hope it's not a bum deck. Actually the stereo stopped working right in the middle of playing a CD. Maybe the car shook and some of the wires moved out of place, but it doesn't look like it. I'll try re-connecting everything a second time tomorrow.

Please keep the replies coming if anyone has any more advice. I appreciate it!!!

Anthony

 

[Yomicron]

I suppose it is possible that the fuse on the back of the head unit could only be for the internal amp, check to see if it is blown.

( Pioneer's web site is on the fritz at the moment so I wasn't able to look up if the fuse could be the problem. )

 

[BamBam215]

Yeah, I tried to get onto pioneer's sight also and it wasn't working that well.

Suppose it is the fuse, do you think it could be replaced or fixed? I would return the unit, but I bought it off a friend used and I'm not sure if he still has the receipt.

Thanks

 

[blahblah99]

I'm afraid you might have blown the output stages on your head unit... its the IC that is screwed to the heatsink... have you tried using the RCA outs to see if anything comes out of there?

Usually the high power outputs on the head units have no protection (thermal, short circuit) since they use that crappy tda stuff so if it gets too hot or the output is shorted it'll go.

If it was the fuse, the head unit would not turn on. but by you saying that it turns on, is able to read cds, and can function normally without the sound output, I'm suspecting its the that integrated amplifier ic, part TDAxxxx.

 

[RemyCanad]

If there is a fuse it can be replaced. But I don't know if that model has one.

Why not install it only part way. Give it power and just what is nessasary. Then just hook up one speaker and see if you can get sound. Also have you tried Radio also?

If that doesn't work see if you can get someone else to try it in there car. This will just allow you to be sure its dead.

Also does it act like its playing?

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: blahblah99
I'm afraid you might have blown the output stages on your head unit... its the IC that is screwed to the heatsink... have you tried using the RCA outs to see if anything comes out of there?

Usually the high power outputs on the head units have no protection (thermal, short circuit) since they use that crappy tda stuff so if it gets too hot or the output is shorted it'll go.

If it was the fuse, the head unit would not turn on. but by you saying that it turns on, is able to read cds, and can function normally without the sound output, I'm suspecting its the that integrated amplifier ic, part TDAxxxx.

Unfortunately, I don't have anything to plug the RCA outs into. Do you think there's any hope for the unit? or am I screwed?

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: RemyCanad
If there is a fuse it can be replaced. But I don't know if that model has one.

Why not install it only part way. Give it power and just what is nessasary. Then just hook up one speaker and see if you can get sound. Also have you tried Radio also?

If that doesn't work see if you can get someone else to try it in there car. This will just allow you to be sure its dead.

Also does it act like its playing?

I've tried the radio and it still doesn't get any sound. The CD player also acts like its working. I can cycle through tracks and scan through them also, but still no sound.

I don't really know anyone that would let me put the stereo in their car, but I'll ask around.

 

[andrey]

My first suggestion would be to check the fuse on the deck. Also, if you have amp meter, check to see if there is any voltage on speaker wires.

For the second suggestion, try to stop by at one of your local car audio places and most of them can check the stereo for you and tell you exactly what's wrong there.

As a third suggestion, Pioneer offers 1-year warranty, and if your deck turns out to be bad, you can always exchange it.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

You mean Pioneer - they have models with DEH-PXXXX, not Panasonic

The fuse should be on the back of the unit (I have the 6300) - see if the little U metal bar in the middle is broken - if so, replace. Worse comes to shove, most car stereo places will test it out for you for a minimal fee - usually $15.

 

[MrBaseball]

My friend had the same problem with his Pioneer. We found out it was being caused by a short (blown speaker) in one of the door speakersthat was hooked up to the deck.

EDIT: Im trying to find more info, but I can't find my thread on CarAudioForum that explained it.

 

[BamBam215]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the great input so far. It sounds like the deck maybe savable. I'm not sure how the warranty thing works because I bought the deck second hand. Would anyone know what the warranty information for that is? It has been less than a year though because on the deck it says it was manufactured in January of 2002 and my friend only bought it a couple of months ago.

I'm definitely gonna swing by a car audio shop tomorrow and see if they can take a look at what's wrong with the deck.

Hey Mr.Baseball... if you can find that link that would be great. I'll try surfing around that forums too. Thanks a lot!

Anthony

 

[andrey]

Originally posted by: BamBam215
Hey guys,

Thanks for all the great input so far. It sounds like the deck maybe savable. I'm not sure how the warranty thing works because I bought the deck second hand. Would anyone know what the warranty information for that is? It has been less than a year though because on the deck it says it was manufactured in January of 2002 and my friend only bought it a couple of months ago.

Pioneer's warranty goes by the serial number on the deck. When you call 1-800-pioneer just tell them that you can't locate the receipt and they should authorise the warranty repair at the closest authorized service center for Pioneer products.

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
You mean Pioneer - they have models with DEH-PXXXX, not Panasonic

The fuse should be on the back of the unit (I have the 6300) - see if the little U metal bar in the middle is broken - if so, replace. Worse comes to shove, most car stereo places will test it out for you for a minimal fee - usually $15.

Okay.. I finally found the fuse and everything seems to be intact. The tiny U bar is still there.