Does anyone else have the problem with their after market radio that it will lose the memory (saved stations/stereo setup) and be turned off when you get into the car. This doesn't happen every time the car shuts off, just randomly. I checked the wiring to make sure it was hooked up right and the were no lose wires, so I'm at a loss. Thank you for your help.

There are two wires from your radio that carry +12 volts: Yellow and red; yellow is always on while red is only on when the key is in the accessories or run position. The yellow is there to keep your memory alive. Sounds to me like your yellow and red from your radio are both wired to the same wire on the factory harness. IIRC, the wires going to the factory plug are NOT yellow and red.

Improper install; should be easy enough to check with a tester.

i agree with dennis
he is one of the best here
:)

oh i just remembered some orange is mem on some aftermarket radios

Thanks, joekewl, that's an excellent point. Radio color codes vary from one brand to another. Check your manual for the straight dope.

There are also some, but not many, with a removable face plate that use a watch battery in the face plate itself to retain memory. Not many though, most of the ones that are that style retain the memory in the unit itself. If my memory serves me.

So, if yours happens to be one of those and it set on a shelf forever before you got it that might be something to consider - but not likely.

Since this is aftermarket stereo related I'm moving it to the Car Audio, Video & Electronics forum. :thumbsup:

I'm not sure about the battery backup, but I do have it wired to constant +12 V. I checked this with a volt meter just to make sure. It does not lose memory every time, i'd say about once or twice a week. I will check the faceplate battery thing when i get home, but i don't think that is it, the radio does have a const 12 V input wire.

In case somebody else has this problem, I am pretty sure I figured it out. I used to use my headlights like daytime running lights and just leave them on. The lights turn out when the ignition is off and you open a door, but i guess this drains the memory battery. Since i started turning off my headlights I have had no problems. Thanks for the help.