Lose Memory on Aftermarket Stereo...

[TMCinDC]

Hello Everyone,

I have had two aftermarket stereos installed in a 2004 beetle. Both have had the same problem...

The stereos work fine and have all the functionality you would expect. However, once the car is turned off, the stereo loses all memory of stations/settings. I have checked the fuses and have not found a problem there.
Any help anyone could give on this problem would be greatly appreciated!


TMCinDC

[TMCinDC]

Does anyone here know the answer? Any help would be appreciated...

[Rbug]

Generally there are 2 power sources for car steeos. One will be switched with the ignition and the other will be to an "always on" source to keep the memory and settings. Probably both are connected to a switched source which will require a small rewire job to get the memory to an always hot source. Also check for two fuse holders, there should be one for each source.

[TMCinDC]

Rich,

Thanks for the info...I appreciate it! Are the two fuse holders just to the left of the driver in the door area?
If that is not the problem, then I assume that if the stereo is wired to the "always on" wire then that would fix my problem, correct? I'm sorry, I'm new with this and not very handy.
If you could just clarify this for me I would be very greatful.

TMCinDC

[Rbug]

Aftermarket stereos have in-line fuse holders. You will need to trace the wires from the stereo back to the power source where you should find a 2 small plastic holders inserted in the wires. Inside the holders you will find a fuse. A competent installer would have placed them near the power source so they would be under the panels of the dash by the door.