H/U ground

I was testing a kenwood kvt-715 and it wont power on. i checked the grounds and 12v's on the input and output sides of the radios harness, all fine. I did notice that the outside of the indash has 12v. I've never test the outside of a radio and came across that when i dropped the positive test lead and i don't know if it should be there. any ideas.

the chasis of the radio should be grounded.  Check continuity between the ground lead and the radio chasis, if there is none, that is very likely your problem.  Usually there is a wire grounded to the chasis then soldered to the circuit board where the harness grounds.  Check to see that the wire didn't come undone or the solder broke. 

99 % of radios are 12v - ground systems especially that unit. for the sake take a wire hold one side to clean ground and the other side to the chassis of the radio. i dont know your experience so make sure the red wire is to the acc wire yellow is to constant black is to ground. i say this because some dont know. Jon

Installer/Help Technician

---coral springs florida---

mecp certification is not always needed. I have it and it has not helped me out at all. my experience out shines it.

Well i don't think i should ground the chassis of the radio while it's putting out a constant 12v. I 'll do that check for continuity and get back to you.

how do i check for continuity between the ground lead and the radio chasis.

with an ohmmeter touch one probe to the radio chassis and the other to the radio ground wire. there should be continuity. also ohm between the + inputs to chassis to see if they're shorted. if they are you'll need to open up the radio to find the short (loose wire, shorted component).Prove your connections, use a meter!

I promise, I'll behave!

what reading should i expect when doing this.