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Chrysler Repair/Radio vs BCM

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Expert: - 8/10/2011


Question
I have a flakey BCM in a 98 convertible.  So far I'm living with it (guages go on and off, etc).

My problem is that the radio does the same thing.

According to the Chrysler "wiring diagram" there is a BCM connection to the radio.  It is independent of 12V power (Power is on separate input pins).

1) Why in the world would the BCM have anything to do with the radio to begin with?

2) Can the BCM turn the radio on and off?


Thanks


Al Warg

Answer
Hi Al,
There are three wires between the radio and the bcm: a pair of ccd data bus wires (+ and-) and a wire that dims the display as you select for all the panel lamps. I don't see any other reason for the data bus wires, but it is apparently related to the functioning of a 'premiun' radio.
I don't see any way the bcm would turn the radio on or off. I would point out that the bcm and the radio share one fuse (#5) in the fuse box behind the left end cap of the dash. If that were to have a crack in its wire it could open and close spontaneously and thus take out both the bcm and the radio simultaneously.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

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I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

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Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

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Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

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