1997 eclipse radio problem

I am trying to install a JVC receiver into my 97' eclipse. The eclipse wiring harness was cut out before I go the car. I had to attach the wires from my JVC directly to the cars wiring without any harnesses. It took me some time and a little research to get it right but I believe I got it. The problem is that the JVC receiver overheats. It will work fine for about 2 songs then the back of the unit gets extremely hot and cuts out. Ground wire is grounded very well and all fuses are fine. Any one know what this could be or is my JVC shot? Please help.

The output chip is the only thing that will make the back of the deck heat up as you are describing. How many speakers are connected to the speaker wires of the deck? Have you checked for shorted speakers or grounded speaker wires?   Try balancing to left side only, play it a minute or 2 check temp. Balance right, play, check temp. This will help you identify the problem speaker.

I have 4 speakers hooked up. 1 speaker per set of wires. They all play sound but sometimes some seem a bit scratchy. There is no visible grounding of a speaker wire but a shorted speaker might be a possibility. Will a shorted speaker play sound?

Depending on the severity of the short, they may play but usually do not sound good. Try the balance and then the same with the fader to see if only one speaker makes it heat up.

Ill try that. I can fade and balance to just one speaker so in just a little bit of time I should be able to figure it out. If any are shorted (I kinda hope some are)then I guess new speakers would be in order. Any suggestions on what and where?

So what if none of the speakers work properly? I am sure that both the front speakers are out and the back right is out. The back left seemed to work fine but the back of the sterio still seemed to heat up. There are 2 12v wires that run from the car to the radio. Is this to much power? would that make the system overheat?

Nope, it's not too much power for your deck.  The deck actually needs to see two 12V wires and a good ground to even turn on.  One 12V wire is constant and the other is the switch power(turns on and off with the car).  Are you still running factory speakers?  I know that some factory speakers have an impedance of 2 ohms and would in turn pull more power from your deck, leading it to get hot and eventualy shut off.  That might be your problem as well.  If they are the factory speakers you're better off changing them....number one they suck....number 2, they're eleven years old.  Do you have a DMM?...half of the truth can be worse than a lie. <----Roger Russell said that..

I believe they are stock speakers. I got the car about 6 months ago and I am pretty sure no upgrades were made. And the deck heats up but it doesn't turn off. All the speakers just cut out. Is this the same problem? I am not sure what DMM is. Sorry

I do have a multi meter. Never heard it called a DMM but thats a good thing to know. I have never used it but Im sure I can figure it out. Ill check it out tomorrow and post back after. Thanks.