Expert: Cleggsan - 4/24/2011

Question
I have a 2005 Chevrolet Impala Base model. It has the factory stereo with the premium sound package installed. The problem I am having is the radio (head unit) will power on and display the radio station or the cd track number as well as the ET for cd play, but no sound will come from the speakers. I have "wiggled" all of the wires on the factory amp in the trunk and have tried to push the connectors into place but they were all in the correct position. Could this problem be caused by the Battery Rundown Protection that GM puts in their cars? Any help with this issue will be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance for your time and dedication. This problem is driving me nuts. I love to listen to music as it helps to keep me awake while driving.

Answer
Troubleshooting by a trained tech may yield superior results in a case like this.  But, I will give you my guess:

The power amp is not coming ON.  There is a remote turn on line that comes from the head unit which turns the amp on.  That wire may have an open condition or is not connected properly at the head unit.

Do you have a vom? Do you know how to use it?  You can purchase an adequate little vom/voltmeter at Walmart or Home Depot for around $10.  With it you can see if you are getting the 12v to the amplifier when the head unit is turned on.  There should be two 12v lines to the amp. One is constant, always at 12v even when the car is off.  The other comes on only when the ignition is on and the head unit is turned on.

Check that out.  Let me know how it goes.