One of the most annoying things you can experience with your car stereo is losing the settings you had already put in. In some cases, it can ask you for a code to restart. Are you wondering why does my car stereo keep resetting? Read on to know more about this problem and learn how to fix it.
A resetting car stereo will not let you enjoy your favorite music. Luckily, there are several steps that you can take to locate the problem and fix it right away. Note that this problem is not exclusive to old cars and is not related to a particular stereo brand or model. It can happen to any stereo.
Why the Stereo Resets When You Start the Car
Several issues can make your car stereo system reset. Knowing what causes this problem is the first step towards fixing the issue. Here are some of the things that can cause the stereo to reset.
1. Overheating
Overheating is a problem that can creep up even to the most experienced drivers. This mainly happens when installing a customized music system in your car. Overheating can be caused by a lack of proper ventilation or cooling and too much voltage in the system.
Fitted harnesses are not simple to install. If not done right, you can end up supplying too much power to your stereo, and this will cause it to overheat. In some cases, if your stereo is complicated, it can create too much heat for the limited space it occupies in the car.
How to Fix Overheating
Since overheating is a common problem with custom stereos, you should ensure that the wires are installed correctly. If your stereo is overheating, find the misplaced wire and plug-in its right place.
You should also check to ensure that the entire unit is well ventilated and that it does not block the air vents. Vent holes and fans can help create enough airflow and ensure that the system does not overheat while in use.
2. Battery Issues
Car stereos don’t have their own batteries. They entirely rely on the vehicle’s battery to operate. If your car battery is old, broken, or drained, it may cause your stereo to malfunction and reset. Finding faults with a battery is easy because your car will have trouble starting.
How to Fix Battery Issues
Replacing the battery or filling it up will be the best move. When you start experiencing any electrical problem with your car or stereo, buying a new battery should be on the top of your to-do list.
3. Malfunctioning Memory Wire
The memory wire is one of the easiest things that most car owners overlook when fixing or installing a car stereo. It is a small yellow wire, which also happens to be an essential part of the wiring harness. It is vital that this wire has a constant flow of power because it is responsible for providing settings and connections such as radiofrequency and time in the stereo.
When it is broken or not well connected, it will cause the system to reset. Apart from the yellow memory wire, there is a red wire on the stereo, which is vital because it can only get power when you switch on or start your car.
How to Fix It
Fixing a malfunctioning memory wire is not complicated. If the stereo is resetting, check the yellow and red wires and repair and torn fences and cable. You can cut the cord that connects to the stereo, twist it and attach it again. If malfunctioning wires cause the resetting, doing this should fix it immediately.
4. Fuse Failure
The fuse plays a very crucial role in resetting the stereo. The fuse is responsible for providing voltage to the stereo and is your stereo’s first line of defense if a surge or an electric short goes through the electrical system. Your radio will only work well after getting the energy it needs for the wick.
If your stereo is resetting, one of the first things that you should check is if the fuse and the connections near the wick are well connected.
How to Fix Fuse Failure
If your fuse is blown, you will have to replace it. Once you replace the fuse or connect the wires well, your stereo will get the right voltage and work smoothly.
5. Head Unit Malfunction
If you have checked the fuse, battery, memory wire and all are working correctly, but your stereo is still resetting, the problem might be a malfunctioning head unit. This is one of the most expensive and challenging problems to deal with.
The head unit of your stereo is a very critical component of your car stereo. If the cables and wires in the unit are not taped properly or are mixed with other cables, they will cause a huge problem with your stereo. In addition, this unit has various internal and external complications that must be examined carefully to ensure that they are functioning well.
How to Fit It
You will need to carefully examine the head unit and check if the cables and the butt connectors are okay. If they are not, you can tape them to ensure that the stereo gets enough power from the unit. If the unit has a built-in fuse, you should also check if it is okay.
In some cases, you may have to replace the entire unit. This is a very long and expensive process and should only be handled by an expert. However, only replace the unit if you are confident that it is the only choice you have. Note that power surges and liquids can also damage the head unit. Be careful not to pour any liquid on your stereo and ensure that your fuse is in good condition.
Also Read: How to Split RCA for Multiple Amps
6. Stereo Losing Power When Engine Cranks
A cranking engine can be a huge, irritating mess. When you start your vehicle and the engine starts cranking, a warning will appear on your stereo indicating low battery, and this will cause it to go off or reset.
How to Fix It
If your stereo shows a low battery warning when you start the car, the chances are that there is a problem with the capacitor in the stereo. If the capacitor is faulty, it will not provide the radio with the power backup needed when an engine cranks. To fix this problem, you should replace the capacitor immediately.
Why a Car Stereo Turns On and Off
Does your car stereo turn on and off repeatedly? First, it is important to understand that, though car radio systems are not wired to be a vital part of the vehicle, they can help you know if something wrong with your engine.
Some of the most common reasons a car stereo turns on and off are the lack of enough power supply from the battery and overheating after prolonged use. Your battery can fail to supply the stereo with enough power if the door was not properly closed or you have left the lights on for a long time.
If the car is running perfectly, but the stereo is still turning on, it may be due to overheating, which you can quickly fix with proper ventilation or wiring. It is vital that you know what causes the stereo to turn on and off and fix it but if not, ask an expert for help.
Wrapping Up
Your music system is a vital piece of technology in your car, and it is made up of several different components. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how your stereo works to detect any malfunctions fast and fix them. These tips will help you fix any resetting problems. Check out our website for more tips on how to fix car stereo problems.
