04 saturn radio blowing fuses in 03 ion

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=118249
Printed Date: July 22, 2025 at 4:03 AM

Topic: 04 saturn radio blowing fuses in 03 ion

Posted By: mrmooster
Subject: 04 saturn radio blowing fuses in 03 ion
Date Posted: December 05, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Installed 2004 Saturn Ion OEM HU (part no. 22727872) into 03 Ion. Used Metra 71-2102 and 70-2002. Radio worked fine for a day then blew the fuse. Now blowing fuses one-after-another. Really like the mp3 capable 04 HU (and the price was right - free). Open to suggestions before getting an aftermarket radio.

Replies:

Posted By: icearrow6
Date Posted: December 05, 2009 at 1:46 PM

Which fuse is blowing? the one on the radio or the one on the fuse box/cluster?
Is the radio installed rated at the same amps as the older one?
try a slightly stronger fuse say 15Amps instead. key word SLIGHTLY! if the stronger fuse blows, there is most likely a more serious problem.

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Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: December 05, 2009 at 3:13 PM

Most likely cause is a shorted output chip in the new radio. What are the chances that a speaker wire touched ground or another speaker wire?

EDIT: NEVER INSTALL A LARGER FUSE INTO ANYTHING YOU VALUE

Posted By: zerepdivad
Date Posted: December 05, 2009 at 8:15 PM

What did you use for your connections?

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A DMM is a beautiful thing.

MECP Advanced Installer Certified.

Posted By: mrmooster
Date Posted: December 06, 2009 at 9:07 AM

Used Metra harness adapters 71-2102 (into 04 Ion Radio) and 70-2002 (from 03 Ion car), both suggested by Metra rep. Blows 10 & 15 amp fuse (I tried one), car fuse box. Double-checked all connections, and unused wires (power ant. and GMLAN) are capped off. Even took it to a pro installer in our vicinity and he was stumped (but I was grateful for his free attempt). The 22727872 HU from the 04 Saturn is a nice little unit and, of course, fits perfectly/looks great. If something will get it going again that would be great before buying an after market unit. Yeah, I'm cheap.... Can't figure out why it worked fine for a day - then started blowing the fuses.