Hi. I’m trying to figure out a power problem with my OEM Camry Stereo (“gold package” with CD/Stereo/Tape…CD is in separate unit from the tape and stereo, but they are stacked).

Basically, my car battery died recently because the Auto Off for my headlights wasn’t working (usually, a third party alarm system automatically shuts off the lights when I hit the alarm button). When I jump started the car, the stereo no longer worked…I can’t get any power to come on in the upper unit that has the stereo, main power button, and tape player. I CAN put a CD into the lower CD player and the disc keeps trying to register and then fails. I can then eject the disc.

So it seems to me like the upper piece is not getting power while the lower one may still be getting power. I want to check ALL of the fuses that might be involved, but I’m having trouble locating them. I found one by the driver side behind the ashtray, but can’t seem to find any others. Can you help me locate them?

Any other ideas on how to fix the problem???

Thanks!


Ryan

Sounds to me that you may have fried the stereo. The lower unit on those stereos get their power from the upper unit. Do you notice anything else not working like interior lights or horn? There is another fuse point out in the engine bay and I think the one you are talking about is behind the coin holder on the left side of the dash.

Thanks. You're right, the one I checked was indeed behind the coin holder.

I did look for one under the hood right near the battery, but all I found in the spot for Radio (or Stereo) was a plastic "filler" where the fuse should be...there was no fuse to even check. Am I checking the right place?

Everything else seems to be working fine in the car except some of the headlights/foglights are out, but I think they just need bulbs (although the dash light for burnt out bulbs is NOT lit).

Is it really possible to fry the stereo in a jumpstart like that? I'm trying to avoid shelling out $50 to get a quote on the stereo only to have them tell me that i need to replace it!

Much appreciated.

Yep, you sure can fry a stereo or anything else when you jump start. Voltage spikes are very hard on electronics.

Thanks again...any thoughts on where to look for that second fuse? I'd love to check that out before I get a new stereo!

Thanks again...any thoughts on where to look for that second fuse? I'd love to check that out before I get a new stereo!
There's only usually only 2 locations for fuses. One under or on the side of a dash and the other in the engine area usually next to the battery. My guess is that it's your stereo since you say all other electrical items work OK. You did check your horn, wipers, all lights, and other electrical items you have right?

Yeah, everything else is fine except a few lights in the front of the car, but I think it's due to bad bulbs. I'm thinking of checking all fuses.

I found the fuse under the coin tray for the radio and that one was fine. I also found the location for the second one near the battery, but the spot for the radio was EMPTY!???

Know anywhere to get a cheap aftermarket stereo?

Yeah, everything else is fine except a few lights in the front of the car, but I think it's due to bad bulbs. I'm thinking of checking all fuses.

I found the fuse under the coin tray for the radio and that one was fine. I also found the location for the second one near the battery, but the spot for the radio was EMPTY!???

Know anywhere to get a cheap aftermarket stereo?
ive got a cd playerin my toyota corolla... 1988... ill give it to you.. whats your addres? (email)..
its kinda fucked up, works fine but the up button for volume sticks.. other than that, brand new, you can HAVE IT.
grymloco420@msn.com

Yeah, everything else is fine except a few lights in the front of the car, but I think it's due to bad bulbs. I'm thinking of checking all fuses.

I found the fuse under the coin tray for the radio and that one was fine. I also found the location for the second one near the battery, but the spot for the radio was EMPTY!???

Know anywhere to get a cheap aftermarket stereo?
Yeah, go to ebay and click on "search" then go to "click by member" or something like that. Well put "selzitall" in the box and click enter. You should see a bunch of stuff from this guy. I have bought many stereos off of him. He's cool to work with. You should be able to walk away with a lower end Pioneer for under $100.

I also realized that the power antenna is no longer working...is that symptomatic of a blown stereo or just a fuse issue?

Yeah, go to ebay and click on "search" then go to "click by member" or something like that. Well put "selzitall" in the box and click enter. You should see a bunch of stuff from this guy. I have bought many stereos off of him. He's cool to work with. You should be able to walk away with a lower end Pioneer for under $100.

Thanks. I also realized that the power antenna is no longer working...is that symptomatic of a blown stereo or just a fuse issue?

How can I be sure that the stereo will fit in the slot in my camry? I'm a very novice car stereo person so I'm not sure what to do with it once I bought it!

Thanks again.

I may have another suggestion for you. The stereo may be locked out, I am having this problem with my 93 camry right now. In the upper display of tape deck/receiver, is there the letters "SEC"? Is there a 'key' looking display above the stereo dislpay that may be light up(hard to see in the light of day). My stereo has the same symptoms, no antenna, no radio/tape, can put CD in and will search then nothing. My key looking display is lit up, and stereo display reads SEC. I believe it needs to be unlocked. HOW! I am not sure just happened today. Just got car back from engine work, done by a friend.

No, no SEC or lit up key...strange that we're having similar issues!

I am having a strange issue where my car (93LE) got nicked by a deer on the right front corner. No serious damage you would think.......
Now the stereo doesn't work. I checked the fuses in the coin holder (good) and the fuse box area for the stereo under the hood on the front -left- corner is empty as reported above. However I am at a loss. There is nothing that should have caused this stereo problem. I am reluctant to pull out the factory stereo for obvious reasons unless it is shot. Any thoughts?
Thanks

No idea. Mine got fried when I jump started my car. Perhaps a light got busted and it affected the electronics. Also, I think there is supposed to be an additional fuse for the radio under the hood near the battery...I couldnt' find one there...just a plastic dummy fuse.