Need help diagnosing this bizzare radio failure
 

The CDR220 on my '99 cuts out, as in loses all power, at random. Sometimes it will cut out for just a few seconds before turning back on, sometimes it won't work for several days. It seems like electrical loads sometimes influence the unit losing power, such as turning the AC on, using a window switch, etc. Another time I noticed that the radio would work just fine with the engine idling, but lose power once you gave the car any revs! What's interesting is it works 100% of the time when the key is turned to the accessory position, but once you start the motor, the intermittent failures start. Car has no other electrical glitches.

Ignition switch? Bad head unit? Fuse? What's the prognosis?

Failing Ignition Switch would be my guess, too. That can cause all kinds of electrical gremlins. Then, look at a poor ground.

Mine will not play a CD in winter until the car warms up substantially. Swapping next week.

An original CD or a "burnt" copy??

Going through same thing right now. Planning on replacing ignition switch soon. I've done it before and it solves lots of weird stuff!

New ones or CDR. It is sluggish then re-starts. Looses presets. That's just when it's below freezing. I turn it off then back on when it warms up.