Stereo won't turn on, any ideas?

MDboater · June 2016

After removing the shrink wrap and installing the battery I tried to turn on the stereo to have some music while cleaning and it would not work. I had the ignition key in the ACC position. The stereo is a Kenwood that the previous owner installed a few years ago. Before I start taking things apart is there anything obvious that I should try first? The stereo is mounted in the TV compartment above the opening for the TV (2003 270 FV) next to the head.

Thanks,
MDboater

MDboater · June 2016

The stereo did not work while the boat was blocked in the yard. I didn't get too far into debugging as I was more focused on things that could not be done in the water. The boat was launched this weekend and now the stereo works again. Nice to have one LESS thing to do for a change.

Ransnan · June 2016

Turn the breaker on, just a guess

Dream_Inn · June 2016

Try turning the key the other way, but not starting engine.

diggin2day1 · June 2016

Are the batteries on(battery switch, starboard wall as you enter through the transom door, under hatch cover)?

Michael T · June 2016

Fuse, ground, corroded hot wire, someone got into the programming and shut-off faders, etc?

craigswardmtb · June 2016

Are you in salt? My head unit just ceased to work this year. I played around with the connections a bit and could not get it to turn on. I chalked it up to years of exposure to salty air. Now I have to replace it. Honestly we dont use it much though. We have a battery powered BT speaker that whales. And it saves my boat batteries while on the hook.

212rowboat · June 2016

it's my personal experience that unless you buy a slip system, and slide your headset out and store it in a dry, temperate place, they last about two seasons... I don't care how good a system you buy.. with all those tiny circuits and exposed points, in salt air and humid conditions- spray from time to time and the big thing- bouncing about... they just don't last.... which is why i refuse to buy a high end system... i learned that lesson at least three times...

rasbury · June 2016

When I had similar problem, I found that my remotes either the helm or the swim platform were bad- worked fine when I disconnected them. I don't have remotes any longer but I can deal with that....when you open them up, not much to them.

MDboater · June 2016

Dream_Inn said:

Try turning the key the other way, but not starting engine.

Great idea but that wasn't it. Thanks!

MDboater · June 2016

Ransnan said:

Turn the breaker on, just a guess

Breakers all appear to be on.

MDboater · June 2016

diggin2day1 said:

Are the batteries on(battery switch, starboard wall as you enter through the transom door, under hatch cover)?

The batteries are on, charged, and I tried all three positions on the selector.

diggin2day1 · June 2016

I would slide the radio out and check for constant 12v, accessory 12v(when key is turned) and ground... At least that will start you off in the right direction and you won't be chasing a ghost.