Intermittent Problems

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Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 23:19:13 -0700
From: rmurray@gvn.net (Rick Murray)
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: TOY4X4@TLCA.ORG

>This may be an easy question to answer but my local Toyota garage couldn't
>figure out the problem or they lied to me when they said they couldn't get
>the truck to do what I said it was doing. But when I picked my truck up I
>didn't get a 1/2 mile down the road when the problem started again. My
>radio stops every time I hit my brakes or turn signal or wipers. It only
>stops for a second then continues to play.

I have a very similar problem.  No problem at all until I had my stock,
Toyota cassette deck replaced with a Blaupunkt unit (removeable face).
Now, the cassette/radio unit occasionally goes silent for about 3 seconds 
when I step on the brakes, or use the turn signals.  It only does it once in
a while, I can't reproduce it on demand.   The dealer who installed the new
unit looked at it but couldn't find anything.  He just grumbled and implied
that all the non-original wires behind the dash (alarm, driving lights, 
aftermarket cruise etc) are probably the cause.  It never happened with the
stock radio.    Its annoying, but not worth spending a lot to fix it.

It behaves like the unit occasionally can't handle a sudden, slight drop 
in voltage (or current) and shuts off to protect itself.  
##################################################################
Rick Murray                      stock 22R motor ; 3" ProComp Lift
84 Toyota 4Runner SR5                    33" BFG M/Ts ; 4.88 gears
Rancho Cordova, Ca.                   Rancho 9000's ; on-board air
 http://www.gvn.net/~rmurray/           Marlin TCase #67 ; TRD LSD
##################################################################

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Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 09:35:59 -0400
From: Ed.Wong@astramerck.com
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: "        -         (052)toy4x4 (a) tlca.org" 

All this "radio clicking stuff" makes me think that its a voltage issue -
esp with power hungry "high power" heads (aka 15-20 watt RMS).

(Its been awhile since EE school - the following is *simplified*)
It seems that there are fundamental differences in approach to the design
of amps. The low wattage ones (approx 5 watt) the high powered internal
amps (15-20 watt) and above (external amps ususally 40 watt plus). Most
of the circuitry involse the power supply to the final stage - thats why
there is a gap between the head unit amps (a realistic 15 watts) and the
lower end external amps (starting around 35 watts, but usually 50 watts).
If you have to change the funadamental design - then the cost is the
same to build a 25 watt as it is to build a 35 watt - and the 35 watt
will will sell better (more power).

OK - so this means that aftermarket head units are MORE sensitive to low
voltage conditions than stock units are - if the voltage drops
so say below 11.5 volts, then the output "ceases". On a stock unit,
the output usually "distorts" for a brief second, and since you are not
driving much power - the speaker does not rip.

IMHO - the Yota's - in the quest for effeciencies - has maade the
wiring harness to spec - i.e. - they can handle all the stock
equipment fine, but not much more. My guess is that with all
the other electonic add ons - the voltage drops with the
brake lights and stuff enough to cause the head unit to cut out.

PainlessWiring and others make add on relay driven circuits so that you can
tap directly to the battery. This will isolate the radio power
supply from the "marginal" dashboard supply. It should solve your problems.

BTW - I have a voltmeter and for convenicen its wired to the
dash power supply. (I was lazy). It drops to 12 volts when the brakes are 
on or the blinker is going. Its annoying as hell. One of these dyas I'll 
wire it to the battery with a relay connected to the ignition.

Doesn't everyone juist LOVE electrical problems?

EWong

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Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 12:28:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: DRM033@aol.com
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

I agree totally!  I am running a Pioneer 50 w head unit, and an external 80 w
amp.  If I turn the bass way up, and turn up the volume too, the head unit
illumination pulses with the music.  That tells me that it is close to those
limits the wiring was designed to handle.  
Also, if you notice, most of those super-hi-end car stereo people wire them
as a seperate unit from the car's harness, and put in better wires, etc. to
handle the demand.

David
DRM033@aol.com

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From:  'mail@UUCP '
Sent:  Monday, May 19, 1997 9:43 PM
To:  Rosenber; 'mail@UUCP '
Subject:  Electrical Problem???

This may be an easy question to answer but my local Toyota garage   
couldn't figure out the problem or they lied to me when they said 
they couldn't get the truck to do what I said it was doing. But when 
I picked my truck up I didn't get a 1/2 mile down the road when the 
problem started again. My radio stops every time I hit my brakes or 
turn signal or wipers. It only stops for a second then continues to 
play. If I hit my brakes 2 or 3 times in succession the radio only 
goes off the first time I tap the brakes. I did experience a brief 
lapse when it stopped doing this but now its back! also I can hear 
a whine when I turn my heater or defroster on in the mornings(Its
still cold in Maine) Any ideas? One other thing. I flashed my 
headlights at a friend while I was doing about 60mph and the truck 
sounded and felt like everything went dead. Just for a split second. 
If I do it 2 or 3 times in succession it would only hesitate on the 
first one. When I say it went dead for a second it was like cruising 
at seventy and letting up on the accelerator really quick. Its really 
hard to explain. I would appreciate any help or advice. My CD player 
is a sony that was installed at a local shop.
Thanks
Semper Fi      Rex

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Date: Tue, 20 May 97 10:41:00 -0500
From: Rosenberger Bud 
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: "mail@UUCP {Toy4x4@tlca.org}" ,

Sounds like a bad ground/connection somewhere, perhaps even at the   
battery connections.  Easy to clean.  Then clean all connections from   
accessories that cause troubles.  Especially the radio. I've had 
several british cars over the years and that is just a normal 
phenomenon!  The intermittancy could be because it is a weak 
connection that "makes" after a bit.  
Hope this helps...Bud

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Date: 20 May 1997 08:53:38 -0700
From: "Jay Kopycinski" 
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: "Toyota 4x4 List" 

                      Subject:                              Time:  8:27 AM
  OFFICE MEMO         Electrical Problem???                 Date:  5/20/97

I assume your battery is in good shape. It almost sounds from your 
description that the problem may be related to the stereo install.
I would check to see where they tied in the power line as that may
lead to the cause of your problem. You may also try disconnecting
it from that source and temporarily connecting it somewhere else
(battery direct maybe) to see if the problem persists.

________________________________________
Jay Kopycinski    '85 Toylet (ROKTOY)   '91 4Runner
Gilbert, AZ
ryna10@email.sps.mot.com
http://www.netzone.com/~jayk
Arizona Lo-Rangers 4WD Club            TLCA #3243
________________________________________

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Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 11:15:06 -7 GMT
From: "Leo G. Divinagracia III" 
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

> From: HIKEREX@aol.com

[stuff about intermitent (sp?) electrical problem snipped...]

> help or advice. My CD player is a sony that was installed at a 
> local shop. 
> Thanks

until this last line, i was gonna give you tons of stuff to do, but since 
your electrical system was touched, my first thing to check is the battery 
terminals.  yes, even the 'pros' make mistake.  i had this similar thing 
happen.  i even got so frustrated one day that i punched the radio front 
panel.  turns out that the terminals WAS kinda loose and any jarring or 
movement would disconnect it for a new milliseconds...

btw, that radio is still going strong (sony xm-7500) today...

- -----------------------
Leo G. Divinagracia III           
ldivinag@csuhayward.edu

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Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 17:16:47 -0700
From: "Brian Smillie" 
Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: 

Subject: Electrical Problem???
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

 Well Rex if your toyota shop can't figure it out don't go there. It is
their job to know. It could be your alternator, batery, a ground wire to
your frame, or a power wire. Your best bet is to check if all your wires
are good from your batery. If they are all fine get an electrical system
check all they do is hook up to your posative and negative terminals and
should tell you your problem. Don't blame it on your deck, unless you are
like me and have a an amp or two you might need more power if you still
have the 60 amp alternator (this could be burning out if it is I sugest
going bigger). Your batery could be going dead also. If you have a stereo
that rocks look into capacitators they help alot.If you would like to know
more about elecrical power I will be around or e-mail.

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