Will not start after installing an aftermarket stereo and wiring harness

Tiny
JALENDAVIS3
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 DODGE AVENGER
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 116,000 MILES
I bought an aftermarket radio then realized I needed a wiring harness, ordered it and had my cousin attempt to install it. He blew the radio fuse out radio in the car. I got a new one and tried myself I hooked everything up and got power to the screen but no audio at all I tried hooking the power antenna into the emergency light power after seeing a YouTube video and as I finished, I moved the radio and my car shut off, like my engine shut off but my lights and horn work. I’m very confused I’m going to try to jump the car in the morning but as of now it won’t even attempt to turn.
Monday, January 17th, 2022 AT 4:04 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Does the theft light remain on or flash when you are trying to start the vehicle?

If it does then you more than likely unhooked something or put something in place that made the BCM think you were trying to steal the vehicle.

At this point we need to start with checking for codes so that we can find out why it may not be starting.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

More than likely, you will have some B codes which will give us more info on where to start. However, I would suggest, after getting the codes, that you unplug everything you installed and then reconnect the factory harnesses just to get the vehicle started again.

We can then try and get the radio installed but clearly the priority needs to be to undo what was done to cause the current condition.
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Monday, January 17th, 2022 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
JALENDAVIS3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I reinstalled the factory radio and tried to jump start it this morning and it didn’t work so I went and bought a code reader, but it doesn’t look like any power is coming to it. When I turn the car on only the battery and check engine warning light is on. What’s my next step?
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Monday, January 17th, 2022 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The theft light appears to go out but when you say there is no power going to the tool does that mean it will not turn on?

Can you get another video of what happens when you are trying to start the engine?

The next thing we will have to do is start checking for power leaving the TIPM going to the starter.

The most likely thing here is the TIPM has failed but we need to do a little more before we can conclude this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I attached the wiring diagrams below.
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Monday, January 17th, 2022 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
JALENDAVIS3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It’s like if I were to connect a code reader to the car computer system under the drive side dash absolutely nothing happens, no beeping or lights. I’m really pretty new at the car repair thing so if you could walk me through it or point me in the direction of someone I can help pay to come out and see or that I can bring to fix my car that would be a life saver and I’d honestly appreciate it.
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Monday, January 17th, 2022 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. The code reader is not going to power on until you put the key in the on position. So just switch it to on and if the code reader does not come on then you have an issue with the power going to the DLC.

However, before we get down that path, run through all the fuses with a test light and replace any that are blown. This sounds like a fuse issue so let's start there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find, and we can go from there. Thanks
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
JALENDAVIS3
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I’ve checked all my fuse and had a mechanic come and test them there’s still no power to the code reader. What’s next?
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The only way the reader will not have power is there is no power going to the connector under the dash or there is a ground issue.

So, we need to use the diagram above and check the power on pin 16 using the grounds on pin 4 and then 5.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

If the meter reads 12 volts using both grounds, then the issue is with the code reader.
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 3:40 PM

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