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Power constant not hot enough


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dugawug 
Member - Posts: 6
Member spacespace
Joined: June 15, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 8:55 PM / IP Logged  
i'm re-installing a head unit in my '83 Mercedes 240D. someone ripped my other out, so i figured another install shouldn't be so difficult, beings the wires are all right there freshly disconnected.   ;(
i hooked it all up, seemed to go well, then i realized i didn't hook up the power constant correctly...i lose my settings/clock each time i turn the car off.
so i go to find my power constant with a voltmeter, and basically i find only ONE wire that and it seems to be too weak for the head unit to run on. i compared it to the ignition power and it's hardly 1/3 the power outtage.
i'm searching like mad for another cable to use for constant, and i can't find anything else!!
anyone ever see a power constant go weak? is it a problem with my electrical system somehow? i'm totally lost and very bummed i can't use my new head unit.
joeydeez 
Member - Posts: 6
Member spacespace
Joined: June 11, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 8:59 PM / IP Logged  
That might be the dimmer wire.  Make sure a fuse isn't blown from when they cut your wires.
arrow12 
Silver - Posts: 527
Silver spacespace
Joined: October 06, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 9:12 PM / IP Logged  
Is your car in the vehicle wiring section of this site (in the left column)?
That's my opinion. Take it, leave it, or correct me.
dugawug 
Member - Posts: 6
Member spacespace
Joined: June 15, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 9:30 PM / IP Logged  
thanks guys.
i checked the fuses, it's these mega old school type and they all look OK to me. worth a double check.
my car is on the wiring section, but it doesn't seem to tell me much, other than there is no dimmer, but you're probably right that the "constant" power pumping only about 3-4 volts probably isn't the right constant anyway.
https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/detail.asp?info=alarm&year=1973-83&make=Mercedes&model=240/280%20Series&ID=18336&type=Stereo
i just can't see why i'm unable to find any other wire. unless it was one of the wires i've found and somehow is dead now they've ripped it out...
electrostatic 
Copper - Posts: 154
Copper spacespace
Joined: January 06, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 9:34 PM / IP Logged  
assuming you found the correct wire, a bad connection or bad wire for that matter will give a low voltage reading.
Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
dugawug 
Member - Posts: 6
Member spacespace
Joined: June 15, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 9:36 PM / IP Logged  
damn, i guess my only options now really are to either take it to a shop and pay someone else to deal with it, or try to run my own power constant.
you can do that, right? just run a wire from the battery direct?
problem is its REALLY difficult to get through my firewall without drilling, and it's a really tough wall, i don't have a drill for it in either case ;(
joeydeez 
Member - Posts: 6
Member spacespace
Joined: June 11, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 9:39 PM / IP Logged  
Yeah, you might just want to take it into a shop.
electrostatic 
Copper - Posts: 154
Copper spacespace
Joined: January 06, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 9:39 PM / IP Logged  
trace the suspect wire to the fuse box and measure the voltage there. if you see 12 volts there go ahead and replace the wire.
Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
dugawug 
Member - Posts: 6
Member spacespace
Joined: June 15, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 15, 2006 at 10:17 PM / IP Logged  
electrostatic wrote:
trace the suspect wire to the fuse box and measure the voltage there. if you see 12 volts there go ahead and replace the wire.
that's a great idea, but too bad i would have to tear the crap out of the whole dashboard to follow that wire. also, this super old school fusebox is might confusing as is.
i just called a shop...i got a feeling it's going to be a tough fix.
arniek 
Member - Posts: 7
Member spacespace
Joined: April 14, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: June 16, 2006 at 3:43 AM / IP Logged  
Try just getting your constant 12volt from a lead you use for an amp.
you cannot get taller by hammering on someone elses head.
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