Expert: Cleggsan - 5/31/2010

Question
Hi, My 1985 Chevy Cavalier is having a technical problem. The radio won't start at all the car and everything is fine the fuse isn't blown, but the radio doesn't even react. I though maybe it was the radio it's self so i tried a different one i have and still no response. I was thinking about taking it to car toys, but if you have a better maybe cheaper suggestion that would be great. Thanks.

Answer
If you have some skill with electrics and are in possession of a voltmeter you can easily check to see if the radio unit is getting power from the 12v system.  You said you checked the fuse, but most cars have two fuses; one under the hood and another inside the car near the steering column underneath the dashboard.  You may find another fuse that is out.  

If you cannot measure or check for power to the radio then better get CarToys or someone of equal skill to check it out for you.

When you turn the set ON if you get no lights or indications of any kind it is most likely a matter of no power; either a bad fuse (the second one) or a broken wire somewhere.

Good Luck and let me know if you need more.