2003 TJ radio - trying for independent power

[Kevlar_M]

Hello all, new guy here. Chasing some radio problems on my new-to-me 2003 TJ.

PO said radio didn't work, but I've found if I push my key in, then the clock/display kicks on. Makes one think it's the IGN switch/cylinder. BUT, if I take out the gauge cluster fuse (10A) behind the glovebox, suddenly the clock/display kicks on. For a while there was no sound even with the display on but today I took out my potentiometer and cleaned and reinstalled it and now I have sound and volume control! With sound, now I'm thinking that the radio does have constant power but the display and sound only kick on when A) the key is pushed in or B) the gauge cluster fuse is pulled.

So, to summarize, sound or display ONLY when key is pushed in or the gauge fuse is pulled. My question is; how would I bypass the 12V switched power from the IGN switch and get my radio either always powered on and I can put an inline switch OR rewire it to another switched power source? I don't really want to do the whole ignition thing since it seems like this is the only problem related.

I can't find which wire I need to cut or move that would give me the desired result. From the back of my radio, there are two red wires stacked on the furthest spot of the 22 pin connector. Would it be one of those? Any input would be awesome, thank you!! I can follow up with a radio connector photo if that's helpful.

KM

 

[JKP]

Do you have a key that's not worn out?

If so, try it and your problem will probably be fixed.

 

[Wildman]

FSM i(Factory Service Manual) s in this link:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ice-manuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/

You can find the wiring diagrams in there.

 

[CharlesHS]

There are two power sources in the factory harness for the radio; switched and unswitched.
The switched is for operating the radio when the ignition is on or accessory is used; the unswitched is for maintaining the radios memory.
Good chance the power sources are wired incorrectly.

 

[Kevlar_M]

Do you have a key that's not worn out?

If so, try it and your problem will probably be fixed.

Only one key unfortunately.

FSM i(Factory Service Manual) s in this link:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ice-manuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/

You can find the wiring diagrams in there.

Thank you I'll dive into this tonight, I might have a few more questions, I'm not too diagram literate yet lol.

 

[JKP]

Only one key unfortunately.

Well, I have had this happen to my Rubi. Radio, gauges weren't working IIRC. Key was loose in the lock cylinder. Went and got my unused key, fixed. Made a new copy of the unused key for use.

Also have an 06 Ram with the same issue. Used key has intermittent radio, push key in, radio comes on. Like new key works fine. Unfortunately, it has the remote entry in the key, so not as cheap to replace.

You would have to get the key code and have on cut by the code. You can't copy the worn key.

 

[Kevlar_M]

Well, I have had this happen to my Rubi. Radio, gauges weren't working IIRC. Key was loose in the lock cylinder. Went and got my unused key, fixed. Made a new copy of the unused key for use.

Also have an 06 Ram with the same issue. Used key has intermittent radio, push key in, radio comes on. Like new key works fine. Unfortunately, it has the remote entry in the key, so not as cheap to replace.

You would have to get the key code and have on cut by the code. You can't copy the worn key.

I have a feeling I can't get a Key Code, the Jeep appears to have an aftermarket ignition setup because I have a different key for the body locks and then the ignition lol. I know I know, the easiest thing is to just replace the ignition assembly but I am getting OCD about this fusing issue.

I confirmed tonight the radio gets power regardless of the gauge fuse being in or out, it's just the display & sound through the speakers that are affected. Also it's just the display & sound that kicks on when I push the key in. So bypassing IGN switch power won't do anything for me I guess. The wiring diagram was helpful though, thank you @Wildman.

Any ideas why my radio display and speakers only work when the key is pushed in OR the gauge fuse (fuse slot 10 - 10A) is pulled? I can have the key in it's normal position and my radio plays music and displays if fuse 10 is not in. I'm confused. Also if I pull fuse 10 while the key is in ACC or ON the dome lights come on. But then if it stays out they never come on again if you cycle the key. Only when you pull it while it's on. Gremlins?

 

[dbbd1]

I went through this a few years ago for a friend but the guy needed the jeep back. He then sold the jeep. I think that I traced it down to the data wire between the cluster and the radio. I never got the chance to disconnect it and test my theory. I forgot which wire was though. Check the FSM.

 

[Kevlar_M]

I went through this a few years ago for a friend but the guy needed the jeep back. He then sold the jeep. I think that I traced it down to the data wire between the cluster and the radio. I never got the chance to disconnect it and test my theory. I forgot which wire was though. Check the FSM.

Are you referencing the VT/YL wire in the screenshot? Would I be looking for a short somewhere? Maybe in the radio connector or the cluster connector?

 

[dbbd1]

Yes. See if you can un-pin it from the radio or cluster connector. Then test and see if it still acts up.

 

[Kevlar_M]

Alright @dbbd1 you have sent me down the path to finding a solution. Not sure if it's the "right" solution yet LOL.

I went home for lunch and started digging around. Everything plugged in and connected, here's a recap:

- The radio now works in ACC mode. Who knows what changed, but I'll take it. So, only IGN ON doesn't allow the display / sound to come through.
- I took the instrument cluster off and there are two wire harnesses that clip into it. I unplugged both, IGN ON, radio works. Plugged the bigger of the two connectors in, IGN ON, radio works. Plugged the last (smallest) connector in, IGN ON, radio does NOT work. I then identified the VT/YL wire pulled it out of the connector plugged it back in, and what do you know, radio WORKS.

So... Experts in the forum, help me understand what I'm working with now if I leave that wire undone, obviously it's there for a reason. But the radio works so I'm tempted to leave it, haven't driven it yet so I'm not sure if everything functions. See the screenshot from a few posts ago and below. Data Link Connector, PCI Bus to the Airbag Control Module & Powertrain Control Module. What does all that mean if the wire stays disconnected?

Thanks,
KM

 

[Kevlar_M]

Including a picture of the connector and wire in question for any future folks interested in chasing this type of issue.

 

[dbbd1]

I will add that when I was investigating this issue, a different (known good) stock radio had the same symptoms. I figured it was the cluster but I could not figure out why. Like I said, I never had resolution. Leave the wire disconnected and drive it. See if anything weird pops up.

 

[Kevlar_M]

I will add that when I was investigating this issue, a different (known good) stock radio had the same symptoms. I figured it was the cluster but I could not figure out why. Like I said, I never had resolution. Leave the wire disconnected and drive it. See if anything weird pops up.

Check engine light and my odometer flashes "No bus". So, I guess this isn't the solution for me. I REALLY wish I knew why the single wire cuts out my volume & display completely.

 

[Kevlar_M]

Check engine light and my odometer flashes "No bus". So, I guess this isn't the solution for me. I REALLY wish I knew why the single wire cuts out my volume & display completely.

I take it all back! I unplugged the pci bus wire from my OEM head unit instead and made sure the cluster was still getting its input from the pci bus wire and now everything is good to go!! No CEL, no issues with the odometer, and a working radio! So long story short, for anyone with this issue in an '03 wrangler, try unplugging the violet (purple) wire with a yellow chaser (seen above in my picture) from the head unit and you may be home free.