Need help with the radio wiring

 While waiting on parts, I decided to tackle the radio. It works when the key is on, but resets when the key is off. I found the black and gray plugs, but don't see what they would plug into? I assume there are 2 more plugs somewhere behind the dash or the PO that installed the radio removed them. I have found a few articles on here, one where Gary has the wiring harness. It was dark here when I found Gary's post post so I haven't been able to check wire colors or check them with a test light. On the gray plug, the orange wire and the yellow wire are cut off.

Sounds like the stereo battery connection is not complete. Stereo needs a constant 12V source from the vehicle's battery to "keep alive" the clock and your settings. Check that inline fuse on the yellow wire coming from your stereo. If the fuse is good, check for voltage on the wire, then track down where the wire goes.

Thank you. Fuse is good. Wire went to fuse box. End of wire was stripped and jambed under a fuse.Do you know what the plugs attach to?

They would have connected into the stock radio.
But somebody butchered that install.
You can still buy the adapter harness. Metra 70-1770 for $6.09 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-1985-2004-Lincoln-Mercury-Premium/dp/B0002BF0BQ?th=1

The grey plug is C333, the black plug is C522
Yellow in C333 is constant power, Light Blue/Red is dashboard illumination/dimmer and Light green is 'lights on'



The vehicle side is right angle like this



http://www.metraonline.com/part/71-1770

Thank you Jim. Yep, it's a butcher job. I appreciate the part reference. Thanks you tellin' me the plug numbers.

ArdWrknTrk wrote

They would have connected into the stock radio.
But somebody butchered that install.
You can still buy the adapter harness. Metra 70-1770 for $6.09 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-1985-2004-Lincoln-Mercury-Premium/dp/B0002BF0BQ?th=1

I used this same kit in my 1994 F150 to install a Kenwood head unit. Worked perfectly.

Thanks for letting me know the kit worked!

Thanks for the help. Radio is working correctly. The yellow wire that was cut off was the hot battery wire for the memory.

I'm glad you've got it working!  

Having the main power wire stripped and stuck under a fuse seems crazy when the power is right there and they cut it off.  

ArdWrknTrk wrote

I'm glad you've got it working!  

Having the main power wire stripped and stuck under a fuse seems crazy when the power is right there and they cut it off.  

 Yeah, I hate when I find butcher jobs, not to mention a fire hazard. There have been several butcher jobs under the hood I've had to repair. Had her runnin' great and the last time I started her after warming up she started actin' up, idle was up & down. The plug on the sensor for air adjustment (?) had the lock ears broken off and the plug was moving off and on the sensor causin' the idle issues. Gotta get a new plug.