Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

I recently inherited a 2007 Crossfire and tried to replace the stereo because the stock one wouldn't change station or volume or anything. I swapped out the stereo with no real problems, but the car won't start with the new stereo in. When I put the key in the ignition, the car has power and there's no issues. But when I turn the key, the power immediately cuts off and stays off. If a disconnect and reconnect the battery the power works normally again.

If I plug the stock radio back in, the car will start like it's supposed to. I have the Infinity Modulus stereo with two antennas, one for AM/FM and one for GPS. I vaguely remember my dad saying something about a security feature in the radio at one point, but that was many years ago and nobody else remembers so maybe I'm wrong about that.

I just tried it a few more times all with the stock radio plugged in. I turned the key and the power immediately cut off. Then I waited a few minutes and the power came back on. I turned the key and the power cut again. Then I disconnected and reconnected the battery. After doing that the car started like normal on the third attempt. Also at some point during this I realized the stock radio was now working correctly.

Does anyone know what the issue is? Do I have to do something special to change out this stereo?

Re: Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

I would keep the stock stereo in until I was sure the car was dependably starting every time.
Then and only then would I try the stereo exchange.
Swapping wires is required on some radios, most match color for color, but some wires have different coloured wires connected to each other. On the Kenwoods I have seen two wires are switched to the same two coloured wires on the other stereo.
The stock radio in North America at least, needs no recoding.

Re: Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

The radio is not at fault here, get that idea out of your head.

This all reads like a battery that has a fractured connection between a battery post and internal plate or bad battery cable clamps or something similar. I sure could be wrong, but I've had this happen before - and I found it by turning the headlights on with the engine not running - and using pliers to wiggle the battery terminals/posts, when I put stress on the one post, the lights cut in and out, which indicated a bad connection inside the battery.

A new battery fixed that.

Re: Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

Exactly!

Re: Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

This was the problem. After shifting and retightening the battery connectors, the car started on the first try with both stereos. What a relief!

Re: Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

Thanks for the update. So many people ask for help and never respond with the solution. This helps everyone to understand the outcome.

Re: Car Won't start after stereo swap
 

It also helps everyone understand how right I was. :)