youngjoonni

Like to get some feedback before jumping in on this. It may be a common issue though I haven't found anything on this forum relating to my particular issue.

My radio intermittently cuts out, ie: lcd's on the faceplate goes blank and audio shuts off, when my a/c compressor switches on or sometimes when I use my turn signal. It randomly happens on the freeway or idling at the stoplight. I have an old sony head unit with the proper adapter harness installed. The jeep is relatively new to me. Just purchased 6 or so months ago.

Thanks.

Bbasso

what Jeep?
what year?
what radio?
INFORMATION!
Or it could be a faulty ground...

youngjoonni

Ah, my bad.
90 Cherokee limited
4x4 auto
144k
stock w/additional ground straps in the engine bay and 100 amp alt.
Older Sony radio w/tape deck.

I should add that it has killed my engine at idle twice in 3 or so months and once while cruising the freeway. It has always started back up immediately.

NorCalJeep

sounds like a short somewhere

77olds

I had a Sony CD player in my 00 XJ and didn't have problems, but sometimes my new Alpine will cut out randomly - and almost always shuts off if I have the headlights on and turn the volume past 16.

Bbasso

If it's not stock, then there is little chance of anyone here helping.
Go back to who installed it and let them redo it. If that's not a possibility then either do it yourself or pay for a different radio installer to track down your problem.
best of luck.

youngjoonni

I did remove and examine the radio install when I first purchased the jeep. If it was a hack job then I would have redone it. It is clean and well done. I don't believe the problem lies with the radio install though I will inspect it again when I access the climate controls.

The main symptom is that it doesn't occur when the a/c is off. I will post the results when I get around to tearing it down.

youngjoonni

What did you do to resolve this issue?

macgyver35

I think your problem is that it says SONY on it...

In all seriousness, the other two items that seem to be affecting you radio are on different circuits from it. My guess would be bad ground, or a short somewhere within a bundled wire loom that involves all of those items.

A really super simple idea would be to take a scrap of wire and run a temporary second ground to it and see if the issue goes away.

car5car

Remove radio, install test light between ign and ground radio connector wires.
Shake wires, pull them side to side to see if connection is not good.

Radi

In addition to reviewing your grounds, Clean up your battery terminals, PDC terminals and give the fuse clips a good looking at. Sounds like you are getting a voltage drop when you turn on a high-current accessory (A/C, Turn signals, etc). That generally means a marginal connection somewhere.

Baja Cherokee

I have similar problem. '95 Cherokee, stock radio. Problem appears to be ignition related and began a few weeks ago. When the ignition is in the accessory position, everything works perfectly. However when I start the Jeep, frequently it's necessary to giggle the ignition key to get the blower/AC & radio to work. However this weekend, I noticed that the radio would cutout intermittently while driving while the AC would continue to operate. If I were to stop and shut off the ignition and switch into the accessory position, radio works perfectly, however once I start and drive again, the intermittent problem with the radio reoccurs. Since the radio always plays if the ignition is in the accessory position, I am assuming it's an ignition problem rather than the proverbial "ground" problem. Battery terminals are corrosion free. All other lights working accept passenger lights fail to turn on when I open the tailgate. Any suggestions including how to remove or gain access to the ignition appreciated.

Radi

It's actuated by a rod, mounted further down the column on top. See here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/whe...-switch-47710/

youngjoonni

I have concluded that the source of my problem lies with the system voltage supply. ALL my electrical quirks (radio cutout, turn signal flasher sound, flickering headlights when a/c compressor engages) disappear when my voltage gauge needle indicates around 12.5 - 13.5 volts when the system is loaded. I don't have any idea if the gauge is accurate but use the needle values as a reference point.

I have added redundant grounds and cleaned the terminal and contact points of the starter relay. I never have my multimeter with me when the issue occurs so I have yet to confirm a faulty relay but it seems to be the logical starting point as it is the jumping point for all things electrical. Since I have replaced my battery(interstate) and alternator(Denso 100A) last month, (I still have to upgrade my wiring) I don't believe that they are the problem. I performed a voltage drop test on the starting and charging system last month and have concluded that they are GTG.

Any other suggestions or input are welcomed.