I had to install a new(used), stock radio in my '86 when the original one stopped working. The one I installed works, but I can't get the memory presets to stay on the stations. I'll set them and then I can turn the car off for about 15 min. and they are still there. If I leave the car off for more than 15 min. all of the presets go away, so I have to reset them evertime I get into the car.

 

Sounds like its not getting 12v constant.

 

Yep I agree with dr0x, sounds like the room fuse is blown.

Does your clock in the idiot panel and the dome lights still work???

 

Yes, clock and dome light still work and the radio will stay on after I turn the car off, but no sound comes from the speakers.

 

If the dome and clock still work then I would be looking at your connection behind the radio.

Sounds like the main power/battery (normally Yellow on most aftermarket radios) is not hooked up to the Mazda factory Blue/red at the back of the radio.

 

This is a stock radio for this car('86). If the main power wasn't on wouldn't the radio not work at all(yes/no) I've never seen a radio do this before(works and holds memory for 15min after it is turned off, but after that dumps memory, works after key is turned off, but no sound.)

 

Was the radio from the same series, or did you have to build a plug adapter???

 

The radio is from the same series, if not the same year('86) Its got a tape deck, grapic equilizer and the back speakers are powered. I believe this was the optional radio/tape deck/equilizer for this year as it also has two antennas, one in the front glass and one in back.

 

Well then the next step is confirming that there is 12V+ even after the key is off on the Blu/red at he radio, and that it is still there after 15 minutes.

If it is, then you have a bad radio

if it is not, then you have a blown fuse or shorted wire

 

After the key is turned off, the light in the radio dial stays on until the radio is switched off. The is no sound from the speakers after the key is turned off(powered speakers)

 

sure sounds like it is wired wrong... you will need to remove the radio and with a digital multi-meter check the wires.

 

Thanks for the info. I was kind of hoping not to have to take the radio out as it was a bear to get in. Oh well!

 

i saw a radio on ebay the other day, kinda like the one i had in my first rx-7/ it had a cd player, tape and radio in 1 and i was real curious if it played cdr - disks or mp3's. if anyone has one maybe they can enlighten me. I am looking for a new radio for my machine and i am yet to decide what to buy at this time

 

OEM radios were not designed to play MP3s and may have trouble even reading burned CDs.

MP3s were not even around until the late 90's