Expert: Cleggsan - 11/19/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1997 ford explorer with factory stereo. My fuel pump want out and when I got it fixed I went to listen to my radio and it wouldn't play. It has headphones on it but we can remove them but we still cant get any sound. Can you tell me what to do to get it to have sound again? I checked the mute button in the back and its not muted.I also cant get any sound throw headphones either.

ANSWER: Perhaps they disconnected a power wire whilst replacing the fuel pump?

Does the display panel light up when the radio is turned on?  If not check the fuses.

It may be just the power amp has lost power.  If so it could be the fuse, could be the 12v line is disconnected, could be the remote wire was lifted accidentally, could be the ground wire. Finally, could be the amplifier is defective and needs repair/replacement.

There are lots of things to check out if you know how; otherwise, better take it to a good install/repair shop.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The stero lights up and scans to go to stations and it reads tapes there is just no sound. How can i figure out what it is to causeing it not to have sound.

Answer
Did you find the amplifier?  I am assuming there is a power amp somewhere in the Explorer; in the back around the cargo area or in one of the side panels,  or under the passenger front seat or somewhere that is powering the speakers.  This amp has two 12v lines going to it; one from the battery which is always ON and one from the head unit or ignition.  This wire is called the remote wire and it turns the amp ON.  I am suspecting that somehow this wire got disconnected or has dropped off the terminal or something like that.

You can trace the speaker wires back to the amp to help you locate it if necessary.