Radio problem

I have a hidden audio radio installed along with an automatic antenna.  If you turn the ignition switch to "run" or "accessory" the antenna will extend and the radio will come on.  Everything on the radio seems to function correctly. you can see the unit seeking stations and locking on.  However, there is no audio through the speakers.  No popping, hissing, nothing at all.

But with the unit on, if you disconnect the radio lead male plug, from the speaker female plug..then plug it back together..the unit works fine and everything functions as it should.

If you shut off the ignition, and the antenna fully retracts, the radio returns to original and no longer has audio.  But, if you shut off the ignition, and then turn it quickly back on, before the antenna fully retracts it keeps playing fine.

I have noticed that should you disconnect the antenna "trigger" wire from the radio, it immediately goes dead again.

I thought it was a ground problem, but what could possibly be making that speaker plug, sort of function as an on off switch?

i have seen units with a bum output IC do this exact thing... the IC gets overdriven into a standby mode when turned on, but when you take the IC "no-load" it clears itself and when the speaker wire is reconnected the unit works fine....   but the problem re-occurs when the unit is powered down and then re-powered up.....

that could be the problem you are having with this unit... the solution is usually to replace the output stage....

Well, I returned the radio to Custom Autosounds for testing, and they returned it stating that it tested correctly and that everything was fine.  I reinstalled the radio and the same condition exists.  The unit will perform all functions on the separate control head, BUT, no sound.  If you disconnect the speaker lead and reconnect, it will play.  I have checked all power leads coming into the the unit and that's all fine.  I have completely disconnected the antenna and it still will not work without the plug/unplug being done.

BUT..something new has been added.  When you turn the ignition to either accessory or run the radio will play (providing you plug/unplug the speakers), but if you start the engine the speakers shut off again.

This is WAY beyond my capabilities and I've simply never heard of anything like this previously.