CB Power Problems 2008 Gmc sierrra

[lowegreg]

I tried hooking up the red power wire to a fuse and putting the fuse back in and then grounding the black to a bold and washer that connects to a large metal bracket. I have not been able to get any power to the cb. I am trying to access fuses on the driver side of the dashboard on the side where you open the door. Any help would be greatly apprectiate. I do not wanna wire into the battery can someone please give me some guidance.

[freqs]

3 things to check 1 is the fuse that you are using in the fuse block hot all the time (does it have power all the time)some fuses dont have power unless you have the vehicle or that acc on .2 is the in line fuse good.3 make sure you are getting a good ground from the bolt / bracket you mite need to use a little sand paper on the bracket arond the bolt to get a good ground .the ground needs to touch bare metal .try that for starters

[K4IHS]

Also check the wires going to the radio. They usually have an inline fuse... and it could have failed? If you don't have a DC voltmeter... barrow one or buy one. They're pretty cheap at Radio Shack. That would quickly allow you to troubleshoot the issue.

[MOGA]

I just read the following last night while studying for the General ticket. Take it for what it's worth, but it seems to be a best practice.

"Do not assume that the vehicle's metal chassis is a suitable ground connection. Many vehicle bodies are made in segments, which leads to erratic ground connections over time. Some pieces may be made from plastic or other non-metal materials. Connect the radio power ground either directly to the battery or to the battery ground strap where it attaches to the engine block or vehicle chassis."

ARRL General Class License Manual, Section 5.6 Mobile Installations

[Nubz]

going to the battery would be the best idea but to each his own i guess