Just got a 2001 sunfire, and I'm impressed by the audio quality, and then I realized the back speakers aren't even working. they are back there, but for some reason there's no sound. (factory CD player)

Is that common, and what's the best way to trouble shoot to see if the issue is the stereo or the wiring?

Disconnect the cars negative battery terminal. Disconnect the rear speakers and remove them from the car. Hook them up to a known working audio source like a home stereo to test them. Make sure that the - and + wires don't touch and make sure the polarity is correct. If they work, check for continuity with an ohm meter/multi meter between the wiring harness on the back of the radio and the speaker wiring harness'. You can find the correct factory wiring color codes here : http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/stereodetail/1897.html
Make sure to use the proper ohm/resistance setting on the volt/ohm meter. If the wiring checks out good, then there may be an issue with the radio itself.

See if you can borrow a known workng factory radio from another car or from someone you know, plug it into your cars radio wiring harness and re-install your rear speakers. Hook the negative battery cable back up once everything is hooked up properly and try it out. If it works, then you now know that there's an issue with your radio.

You can also find out more info about vehicle wiring, etc.... Here :http://www.metraonline.com/

thanks, I ordered a new radio today from ebay that was tested to work (not just because of this, but it's a factory radio that has been converted to add a MP3 input)

I'll install it and see if the rear speakers are still out, and if so I'll investigate the wiring per your suggestions

in case you're wondering, yes the new radio is unlocked, so I shouldn't have to go to the dealership

here's what I got.... little expensive, but I like the factory look, and it's my wife's car, and she loves having a mp3 input

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281008552341?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

You could have added an aux input for like 30... also i dont think the radio can be unlocked... pretty sure your gonna have to get it programmed to your car at a dealer... so another 50-100 bux there


Have a nice day.

Is there a tutorial for adding a mp3 input? I have not seen one

There was one somewhere for the older delco radios not sure where it was. Its basically opening the radio and splicing into some wires and adding the input to the radio. OR there is a kit that will intercept the signal from the antenna and input your signal from mp3/ipod whatever. And it is not a fm transmitter, it is a direct signal that travels through the antenna coax. I have used it several times and it works well so this could be an option if your new radio doesnt work out for you


Have a nice day.

It's cheaper and more effective to simply get an aftermarket deck. The harness, install kit and antenna adapter are only like $20 and you can find decent decks for $50 all day. Could be bias since I've had an alpine head unit since I started driving lol

Or you could by one if these:
For inputs use this.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5276_PAC-AAI-GM9.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=productads&gclid=CPeJ5a_o-rMCFQSg4AodvTkAYg

For outputs use this:
http://www.amazon.com/PAC-SOEM-4-4-Channel-Line-Out-Converter/dp/

I use these all the time for older vehicles to keep factory radios in old cars and still be able to hook up new equipment to them.


<img src="http://www.v6z24.com/jbodyforum/images/signatures/cavalier3400z.jpg" width="319" height="199"/>

Rob, I searched for that exact unit before I bought the replacement unit and couldn't find it anwhere. Oh well, I may pick it up anyway.
Thanks for the link

As for aftermarket units.. no way. Most aftermarket units look cheap and out of place in any car. I've seen a couple double DINs look good, but no single DIN looks right.

Get a Clarion NX702. Best radio ever. I use to ave an avic bt920.
http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-NX702-Built-In-Navigation-System/dp/B006ZZUIXS


<img src="http://www.v6z24.com/jbodyforum/images/signatures/cavalier3400z.jpg" width="319" height="199"/>

Nice!


Ouch!!!

finally got around to putting the stereo I bought in the car. Worked great, it said calibrate for about 5 seconds, then started working. No need to take it to the dealership.

It's nice having the MP3 input, but the rear speakers still are not working... darn

guess the problem is a wiring issue

what i did when i got my car is my rear speakers were not working i checked them to replace them and found they were blown and instead of black they were brown like cardboard so i replaced mine and then later on i rewired all my speakers with a bigger gauge wire which gave me better sound and i agree aftermarket decks are the way to go so much more features to them then factory i got a deck for $100 and its bluetooth, usb, aux, cd and if wanted siriusxm radio ready