Hi, I just bought a 96 Outback as a project. So far it hasn't disappointed me on that part. Here's what I know, the car had a complete factory system with a CD controller mounted under the radio and a changer mounted under the passenger seat. What's left of the original system is the controller and the changer. The original radio was replaced with an Eclipse model 4441 head unit. The original controller is no longer being used, but there is still what looks like a ten pin connector plugged into the controller from the changer. The Eclipse has another cable from the changer plugged into it and is now controlling the changer. Whew... The problem is the radio powers on, shows all functions, works the changer, but has no sound at all. Nothing. Mute turns on and off with no effect. From the little I can find out about this old radio, it seems it might have some kind of security system. Now...my experiance with security systems with car audio is limited to the old GM theftlock where if the radio lost power it did nothing until the code was entered. As I say,the Eclipse seems to have all functions, except sound. Could the no sound be because of the security system? One last thing, the Eclipse calls for 4 ohm speakers. When I checked the speakers at the harness connection at the radio (unplugged) there was 16 ohms. Could this have blown the amp in the radio? OK then, sorry this was so long winded. Thanks for any ideas or help in advance.
This may sound stupid but did the old owner remove the speakers from the car when they sold it? i did when I traded in my tbird. does not hurt to check.
lol, it was so quiet when the radio was turned on, or off, that I thought the same thing, but I did check and the are in fact speakers. I'm pretty sure the radio needs to be replaced. My concern is the high ohm reading from the speakers. I can't recall ever seeing speakers with 16 ohms, never mind a radio rated for 16 ohm speakers. Replacing the radio and having it blow out again isn't an option. I guess that pulling one of the speakers for a look see at what the ohms are supposed to be is in order. I'd really like to find a schematic on the system, maybe it could answer some questions. Thanks for the reply.
maybe the previous owner had an amp and took it out. also, i dont think a 16 ohm load can hurt a head unit. it will not make full power, but it will still work.
I suppose there could have been an amp, although I haven't seen any sign of one ever being installed. I'll take a closer look. How could an external amp damage the radios amp? Doesn't an amp just boost the radios signal? Guess I should just get a JY radio and see what happens. Don't mind being out a few bucks if it blows out, a couple hundred is a different story. Thanks for the ideas.
Update, Installed another radio and there is sound. So at lease I know the system is not the problem. Now I need to find a head unit that will work with the CD player. This is another problem and I'll start a new thread to see what information I can find about the changer. Thanks for the help in this matter.
