1987 radio switch...

[Derek2k3]

Hi, I'm trying to swich the radio in my 87' escort. I was able to get it to power on and off. Well. I went to put in the dash and all of the sudden it wouldn't turn on. I checked the fuses and everything is OK. I don't get why it stopped working. Also, the old radio won't power on anymore. It appears that I have no power to the radio. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Derek

[CrashFactory]

Antenna in tight? on some older radios it uses the antenna plug for a ground..just my guess..

[Derek2k3]

Yep. I'm probably just gonna wire straight int the fuse-box and forget using the radio power cord.

[pmaloney]

I just swapped the radio in my '87. I only had the factory AM only radio!

Anyway, the original radio grounds through it's mounting bracket. Since you had to change the bracket to put a new one in, you'll need to run a new ground. I popped the glove box off my car and screwed one in to the metal bar you'll see there so it was super easy to do.

Make sure you get the wires right. I think the constant power was on the left side of the harness, but your test light wil show you that right away. I bought an adapter for the 87 escort too, but the wires didn't match up right. My radio would light up, but then shut right off in about 5 seconds....it wouldn't do anything but light up though.

Check your wires with a test light.
Check your fuse.
Run a new ground.

You'll be good to go.

Like you said though, it's also just as easy to simply wire it directly by cutting out the old connectors. You probably won't need to run a new line to your fuse box....

[Derek2k3]

Thanks. You the MAN!!! This board is awesome!