After replacing the speedometer bulbs and reassembling the dash the radio does not work?

Tiny
WALTERP
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
This is a newly purchased used rust-free car listed above. It has a CD/cassette/stereo with 3 LED equalizers. The unit worked perfectly until I opened the dash to replace speedometer bulbs. When I reassembled the dash, the radio was almost not working properly. No radio function, no display, no LED lights. The only sign of life is that I can get it to display the time by pushing a button, for about 5 seconds, then it goes dark again. The time it keeps is continuous, it does not revert back to "12:00" each time I display it. So, it is getting power but no audio function. No request for "code." The under-dash fuse is good. Local Chrysler dealers have no idea what to do about this.
Friday, August 25th, 2023 AT 1:11 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,942 POSTS
It sounds like the ground is off or you blew a fuse. here are guides to help you test the ground and fuses, also I have included a radio wiring diagram so you can see the ground location and which fuses to test.

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

and

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

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.

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Friday, August 25th, 2023 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
WALTERP
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Maybe my new/used 2001 PT Cruiser is possessed? After two days of trying every trick, I know (including testing and retesting fuses) the radio refused to show any life except to display the "time" when prompted. I finally decided to replace it with a similar radio from an old 2003 PT Cruiser, but even though that unit was similar the wiring harness was different and so I returned the dead radio to its place, reattached the wires/power/grounding, found it was still dark (except the "time" feature) and so wrote off the project as a lost cause. An hour later I returned and turned the motor, and - against all logic - the radio dial lit up, with factory preset signals (such as 530 khz), and the LEDs glowing on the equalizer. Then before my very eyes my own previous resets returned to the dial. Everything works fine: radio/cassette/CD. I have no idea how to explain this. I did leave the ignition key in the "on" position (without cranking the engine) for that hour in the hopes of rebooting the vehicle's computer. I am happy it is working - it beats one local Chrysler dealership's offer to "send it off" for analysis at $200 (plus repair costs) for a minimum of two weeks. All the fuses were fine, so that was not the problem. The ground was tightly attached (like all Chryslers I've owned it doesn't ground very well, engine static on the AM band). I would love to hear your best guess at what gives.I chose your site because of the superior technical knowledge in your answers. Please don't suggest this PT is possessed.I know nothing about previous ownership and the name "Christine" is already taken.
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Saturday, August 26th, 2023 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,942 POSTS
Lol, yep, they can seem that way sometimes. If the radio has a problem again check for power at the fuses in the wiring diagrams above. This guide can help:

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

Please let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
WALTERP
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So far so good! Many thanks for all your advice!
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Monday, August 28th, 2023 AT 7:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,942 POSTS
You are welcome, use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 AT 9:47 AM

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