Why does my new car stereo only turn on when i have my key set on ACC and the lights on as well?

Question

i recently just got a new kenwood stereo for my ford festiva 2000 model. i took out the old stereo and wired up the new one myself, everything works fine, except that the stereo will only turn on when i have my lights switched on, can i fix this?

Answer 1

when u wired it u must have hooked either the fused wire up to the dash lights or u hooked up the dash light wire which isnt required or u got a blown fuse just check ur wiring then start checking fuses

Answer 2

It's a short circuit from the wirings. Find the source then rewire it properly. Check the fuse box if you have a burnt fuse, replace that fuse with the same type.

Answer 3

easy fix, just hook ur power to ur amp kit, and when wiring u can twist the deck display power wire and deck power wire together then u could hav ur deck on anytime u want it, even with the car off,

Answer 4

my guess is, your stereo gets its power from the lights circuitry.