Headunit Problem!

[Jake4x4]

Yesterday I went and installed my new headunit into my 75 series Landcruiser. The problem is that it will not remember settings or turn on properly. Simply, I turn the key and it will not turn on, I have got it to turn on a few times by resetting it but it only works on rare occasions. I have power to the headunit, both constant and accessory and a decent ground. When I can get it working, I turn the key off and on straight away then it will remember and work but any longer then 10 seconds of the key being off and it will not turn on. The headunit is a Clarion cz301e.

I was thinking it may be a problem with the battery but I don't actually know.

I tried explaining it the best that I can but it may not have been too clear.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Alright I"ve just figured out that if I put the key into the "ON" position or the ACC and reset the headunit, it will work. If I turn the key off however, I have to repeat it every time. I have the constant power wired to what my manual says is the Battery: 12V (yellow) and the accessory wired to the accessory wire (red). (This is according to the headunit manual) I have checked all the fuses and they are all good. I still have no idea why it will not turn on when I have constant and accessory power.

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[dumple 5,000+ posts]

Switch the constant and accessory wire

 

[Jake4x4]

Switch the constant and accessory wire

I originally had them wired the other way round and switched them, it didn't seem to make a difference. I was considering just running a new wire straight from the battery if that might work?

EDIT: Alright, I feel pretty stupid now. I just found the diagram http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/Toyota-Wiring.asp here and turns out I'm using the wrong wires.

Main Question now: So the main battery wire (Blue with yellow stripe) should go to the battery wire that is yellow on my headunit & the accessory wire (Gray) should go to the red accessory wire on my headunit. Good Old Toyotas!

 

[Jake4x4]

Well, turns out that wiring diagram I had was wrong as I don't have the wires they mention. I have been out trying to work it out all morning, I have tried switching the constant and accessory but nothing changes. I'm starting to think that it is a problem with the headunit but it will still work perfectly after I reset it. The manual says something about a "Remote On" Wire which I do not have connected, is this anything to do with my problem?

Also, when I have the headunit working, when I start the car, the headunit switches off then back on but it does remember the settings. It also remembers the settings for about 5 seconds after I turn the key off but no more.

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

remote on is for turning on accessories such as amplifers - not part of your problem.

It sounds like you have a bad headunit.

 

[Jake4x4]

remote on is for turning on accessories such as amplifers - not part of your problem.
It sounds like you have a bad headunit.

Well I was thinking it might be, I didn't really want it to be. I only bought the unit for $150 but is there any way that I can make sure it's the headunit?

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

Yes

Pull the unit out

Twist the red and yellow wires together

Put them on the positive battery terminal

Put the black wire to ground

turn the headunit on and off a few times

if it works fine like that turn the headunit on and pull the red wire off the battery - the radio should turn off - then put the red wire back on the battery if it comes back on like it is suspossed to then something is wrong with the wiring in your truck.

If it does not come back on when you put the red wire back on the battery - something wrong with deck

remember while doing that do not let the yellow wire come off the battery.

report back your findings

 

[Jake4x4]

Alright, that was successful. Everytime that I put the red wire back on, the headunit came back on and remembered my settings. So that must mean that there is a problem with my cars wiring. What would be the right action now? Thanks!

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

great!

Do you have a test light?

You need to figure out which of your wires behind your dash is not working correctly.

1 wire should have power all the time

another wire should turn on and off with the key

Also you may want to run a new ground to a bolt going into metal somewhere under your dash, I have found problems with the factory ground a few times before.

The good news is your HU is fine and you have an easy to fix wiring problem.

I'll be up for a few more hours so if have any other questions I will be able to answer them for you.

 

[Jake4x4]

Just went and tested again. I have a red wire with constant power when the key is off and a grey wire that has power with the ignition on. So If I try and run a better ground it may solve my problem? Also so the constant power (red) should go to the yellow wire on my headunit and the accessory (Gray) should go to the red acc wire on my headunit? Thanks for your help mate, greatly appreciated!

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

yes on the wires and go ahead and run a new ground - I expect that will solve your problems.

 

[Jake4x4]

Mate you're a legend! The stereo is now working 100% and is sounding better then ever. It's nice not haveing to reset it everytime I turn the key! Can't thank you enough mate!