Radio cuts out when changing volume or pressing trim button.

[mwnitz]

The title says it all. When I change the volume sometimes or move the trim up or down my radio cuts out for a bit. I thought it was my removeable faceplate on my Kenwood KDC-128, but then I checked the voltage at the radio harness. With the engine off I am getting 12.12 volts. Then I press the trim my voltage drops to 9.8. What is acceptable for a voltage drop from the battery to the helm when pressing the trim button? Help!

 

[burp]

Re: Radio cuts out when changing volume or pressing trim button.

Evidently the voltage drop is not acceptable for Kenwood. Sounds like either a corrosion/connection problem on either the power or ground wires between the battery and helm...or the wiring gauge us too small for the current load. The longer the length of wire or the larger the current draw will require a larger wire gauge.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Radio cuts out when changing volume or pressing trim button.

If the voltage drops that much when operating the trim the most likely suspects are a weak battery and/or poor conenctions (in that order). Just because you put the battery on a charger and it shows fully charged does not mean you have a good battery. Weak batteries cannot deliver their rated output so you see voltage drops like you are seeing when applying a load. Have it load tested.

 

[mwnitz]

Re: Radio cuts out when changing volume or pressing trim button.

Problem solved! I found corrosion on the positive connection right at the battery. I cleaned off the corrosion, used dialectric grease on it, and reinstalled it. I also did the same for the negative connections on the battery just in case. No more radio cutting out! Come to think of it my trim gauge was erratic but I didn't think of it when the radio cut out. I'm sure this fixed both conditions but won't know until I drop her off in the water and take her for a ride. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Radio cuts out when changing volume or pressing trim button.

Problem solved! I found corrosion on the positive connection right at the battery. I cleaned off the corrosion, used dialectric grease on it, and reinstalled it. I also did the same for the negative connections on the battery just in case. No more radio cutting out! Come to think of it my trim gauge was erratic but I didn't think of it when the radio cut out. I'm sure this fixed both conditions but won't know until I drop her off in the water and take her for a ride. Thanks for the help!!!

And did you give the other end of each cable the same treatment? If not -- you still have 50% of the connections that can result in the same issue.