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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Splash on 03 July 2005, 11:41

Title: Earth wire
Post by: Splash on 03 July 2005, 11:41
Think I've got a bad earth. Anyone know where the earth wire from the stereo connection block connects to the body? Cheers
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Nickyb on 04 July 2005, 12:26
Whats the problem with the connection, head unit cutting out?
The earth cable will form part of the main loom along with the perminant live, ignition live, illumination, etc.
It would probably be easier to run a new wire than trace it back, as it could be a cut or break in the wire anywhere along the length of it.
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Splash on 04 July 2005, 16:39
New head unit is randomly cutting out.   :sad: Have put the old one back in but it's doing the same. Thought the earth might be a good place to start!
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Nickyb on 04 July 2005, 16:56
At least that points to the wiring and not the head unit.
Just check the iso loom isnt loose, it cant be anything that bad if it turns back on after it cuts out otherwise the fuse would keep blowing.
Does it cut out at a certain volume or on the move?
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Nickyb on 04 July 2005, 17:02
At least that points to the wiring and not the head unit.
Just check the iso loom isnt loose, it cant be anything that bad if it turns back on after it cuts out otherwise the fuse would keep blowing.
Does it cut out at a certain volume or on the move?
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Splash on 04 July 2005, 17:05
Head unit cuts out totally - usually on the move or turning a right-hand bend (bizarre, I kniow!) - but comes back on without any prompting.  Have checked fuse and all is ok.
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Overseer on 04 July 2005, 17:45
sounds more like a dodgy contact somewhere.. is the ISO loom all chopped up n stuff?
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Splash on 04 July 2005, 19:13
ISO loom appears perfect, very original. I am beginning to think ignition barrel. Does you stereo clock come on when you first put you key in the ignition - mine doesn't but I think it used to. I need to turn the key fully before the power comes on the stereo. If I wiggle the key in the ignition I get power to the stereo  in various ignition positions. Help  :sad:
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Nickyb on 05 July 2005, 20:26
The ignition barrel is a common problem on these cars, especially when you say you can get power when you wiggle the key in the barrel, mine has the same problem.
I have now ran a new wire from the ignition feed off the heated rear window switch, it is the same colour as the one on the ISO loom. Put an in line fuse along the wire and job done :wink:
Or change the barrel which is an arse!!

Another way of checking like i did was to run the head unit off perminant power only (connecting the yellow and red together on the head unit loom) and see if the problem still persists.
Title: Re: Earth wire
Post by: Splash on 06 July 2005, 20:21
Thanks for advice everyone. The car's going to get a new ignition switch on Friday - not doing it myself! Is there any reason this went wrong at the same time as upgrading my stereo to a new unit, which is slightly more powerful? Or just a coincidence? Wiring was correct as per Sony fitting instructions/Haynes manual.