Help! Problem with stereo and lights.

[OpenedaHotRadiator]

Hello I'm new here so please be nice to me. I just got a used 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Se V6 and the only real problem I have with the car is that the stereo volume is really low(with a little cracking when I raise the volume and even then it's still way below normal levels) the clock resets after being set for awhile but the presets revert to an earlier preset(not factory default) and the dome + trunk lights do not work. There are no new parts(stereo,upgrades,custom lights) everything is stock. I checked the three fuse boxes(engine,driver and passenger) and I didn't find any bad fuses. I couldn't check the bigger gray relays because I don't have the tool to take them out so I didn't check those. I did replace the old bulbs with new ones and slid the switch between off/on/door but that didn't work either. I did find on the passenger side fuse box diagram that there is a picture of a "relay export*" relay but it is physically missing and there is a fuse for a sun roof but the car does not have one. What is a relay export*(I looked in manual but nothing) and what does it do? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. The dash lights for the instrument panel do work though.

P.S Power windows and door locks work when car is on. Door locks don't work when car is off but if I press the button it doesn't lock but the horn beeps once then the lights flash once?

[OpenedaHotRadiator]

Anyone?

[thephantom1492]

I'ld start by checking the battery voltage.

You appear to have many unrelated problems.

However, the doors and dome lights are controlled by the BCM.

But the radio settings is independant....

So the common part would be a bad battery. Mesure the voltage, it should be over 12.5V.

Turn on the headlight, it should definitivelly stay over 12V.

As for the missing fuses/relay/resistor, it's normal. But I wonder why you have a sunroof fuse... But I bet it's totally unrelated.

So check your battery voltage.

[OpenedaHotRadiator]

Thanks for the reply. I just bought a brand new battery when I bought the new dome bulbs so if the battery isn't the problem then maybe some kind of wire from the battery?

[3100]

- radio volume control is it button controlled or is it round knob?

if it is round knob try to pull on it while increasing volume

[thephantom1492]

Still check the voltage. It's the first step into diagnosing a problems... Personally, I'ld mesure at the battery and at the lighter plug. The reason why a the lighter plug is that if there is a major electric problem it could show up there since it's at the second fuse panel.

The battery ground go to the frame
The battery positive go directly to the hood fuse panel.
From there you have a fuse that go to the driver fuse panel (and another to the passenger one)

[OpenedaHotRadiator]

Originally Posted by 3100

- radio volume control is it button controlled or is it round knob?

if it is round knob try to pull on it while increasing volume

It is a knob.

[3100]

so did it work by pulling the knob while turning left or right?

[OpenedaHotRadiator]

Originally Posted by 3100

so did it work by pulling the knob while turning left or right?

The volume raises and lowers while turning the knob but it doesn't go anywhere near "loud". The loudest it gets is probably just below regular talking volume.

[OpenedaHotRadiator]

Originally Posted by thephantom1492

Still check the voltage. It's the first step into diagnosing a problems... Personally, I'ld mesure at the battery and at the lighter plug. The reason why a the lighter plug is that if there is a major electric problem it could show up there since it's at the second fuse panel.

The battery ground go to the frame
The battery positive go directly to the hood fuse panel.
From there you have a fuse that go to the driver fuse panel (and another to the passenger one)

Is there a place I can get the voltage checked or do I need to buy a tool and how much would that cost?

[Mr_1216]

crackling in the speakers means your amps are bad. Not sure where yours are - either individual modules by each rear speaker or just one in the trunk. depending on the sound system in your car, some of them get really complicated and folks often mes them up when they try to stick some new components in there. Also i know in my 02 SE1 the rear speakers are classified as subwoofers due to their low imped (only 2 ohm) even though they're still 9x6s. Higher Ohm speakers woulddrop the volume since there is more resistance

[doctorhrdware]

Originally Posted by 3100

- radio volume control is it button controlled or is it round knob?

if it is round knob try to pull on it while increasing volume

The volume control on the newer radios is a digital control and not potentiometer which is a variable resistor. So pulling on the knob usually does not work, but is

The op.
With the radio loosing the time and the stations I would suspect a battery issue. It is also possible that the battery cables can be corroded and can cause this issue. Also clean the positive connection on the fuse box that is on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It is possible that there is an issue with the grounds.

The reason why the speaker impedance would be 2 ohms , is the speaker is much more efficient. But it does not mean it is considered a sub-woofer. I have tweeter that is 2 ohms so is that a sub-woofer? The answer to that is no. The reason why 2 ohm speakers are used is, a smaller amplifier can be used. Lower power out which means a cheaper amp is used so the cost is lower. So money is saved.