Since i changed the stock radio to a plain cd deck, nothing special, just an alpine i got for free, the clock has stopped "remembering" the time, and the new radio will not keep presets. im assuming that there is something wrong with the battery backup wire, as it is hooked up correctly. I still have power when the key is in the accessory AND when engine is engaged. Just not when key is off, it wont even eject the cd. Anything that i could be missing?

 

What vehicle are we talking about? And did you use a wiring harness adapter?

 

check fuses

 

Your constant wire (yellow) is obviously not getting power. As previously stated check all your fuses in the car as well as under the hood. Then check the fuse in the back of the radio. If those are okay then make sure you have the constant 12volt wire connected to a constant 12 supply.

 

The car is a 93 ex civic sedan. I just used wire caps instead of a harness adapter, because the radio had been cut out of the car before i got it. I know all the wires in the installation are hooked up properly, but im not sure where to check fuses under the hood for the constant 12V supply wire. Would the fuse be closer to the windshield on the passenger side?

 

Got it, i didnt think to check the fuses under the hood, stupid me.
Now that the fuse under the hood works, i can turn my radio on when the key is removed from the ignition, anything i should know about this, or is it the norm?

 

You have miswired the HU, red acc. and yellow constant power are reversed, or you have a problem with the HU, make sure the wiring is correct http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/HA-Wiring.pdf
Also what is the model of the Alpine HU? 94