Fitting new "car" stereo system in a boat - won't turn on

[Hacola]

I'm in the process of fitting a Sony "car" music system, DAB/FM Radio, bluetooth, links to Ipods etc etc . Fitted all the wiring, but the damn thing wont switch on. I have carefully checked with multi meter that it is receiving power, have tried connecting the casing to negative, have tried with a small 12v battery as well as boat batteries, but wont fire up. I have also checked the inbuilt fuse. Any ideas anyone ? Surely it doesn't know it isn't in a car?
If no-one has any bright ideas it will have to be returned as 'dead on arrival'.

[AsLan7]

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Hey Hacola. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Sorry to hear about your stereo blues. You’re right. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a boat or car...your radio is still receiving the same 12 volt power from the battery.

Curious what brand stereo you purchased and the adapter harness. A good ground wire is essential for proper operation. You’re checking all the right things. Sounds like it may be going back to Amazon. If you used Crutchfield, they have a great live installer support line which may help. Click here

This support also may help.

What model Cobalt do you own?

Again, welcome aboard mate.

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[Big Block Power]

Correct you need a boat radio. Read the fine print it will Tell you that it ain't work in a boat because it's fiberglass. No metal to grd it on.


Ok you have a dead unit. Welcome