Radio head unit is shut off won't turn on.

I dont remember if that year had a theft lock system or not, but I am looking into it. disconnect the negative battery cable for ten minutes and that should get you back to where you can enter the unlock code again and use the radio.

there is usually a fuse in the head deck at the back, also check the positive and negative wire going into the head deck

It is in Theft lock from the loss of power. Contact your local dealer for help getting it unlocked.

Odds are the electronics inside the audio unit (head) have malfunctioned. There is only one way to check/verify this. The passenger compartment Fuse/Relay box has a power bar (shunt fuse) yellow in color. Pull this fuse out (not all the way out). Wait 60 seconds then reinsert (push back in) to reset the Audio (Radio) unit. Recheck the CD functions (load/eject). If the same problem recurs, then it's the audio unit/head which has malfunctioned. The typical repair is replace the audio unit.

check here and make sure that you have power coming into the harness, if not back track it to the fuse http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/Ford-Wiring.asp you want to look at this one Standard 2 Piece Harness Up To Late 1990's

Well, I guess you won't be using the radio or driving after dark

You will get the code when you spend something,
because without the scan tool it won't happen.

"my daughters 1998 vw cabrio has a top that won\'t go up or down. i need to find the fuse for it. i know it\'s not the motor or hydrylics i have already checked those out. so that leaves the button or the fuse... but i don\'t have a diagram for the fuse box. Please help. "

Here's the list and link for the fuse locations.

Fuse/Relay Locations on 1996 VW Cabrio.

Fuses, left to right:
1. Head light, low beam, left
2. Head light, low beam, right
3. Instrument & License plate lights
4. Glove box light
5. Wiper/washer
6. Fresh air fan
7. Tail light & side marker, right
8. Tail light & side marker, left
9. Rear window defogger
10. Fog lights
11. High beam & indicator, left
12. High beam, right
13. Horn
14. Backup lights
15. Open
16. Dash warning lights
17. Emergency flasher & turn signals
18. Fuel pump
19. Radiator fan & AC
20. Brake lights & cruise control
21. Interior lights & digital clock
22. Radio & cigarette lighter

Relays

1. AC
2. Rear window wiper
3. Digilant control unit
4. Load Reduction
5. Open
6. Emergency flasher
7. Fog lights
8. Intermittent wiper
9. Seat belt warning
10. Open
11. Horn
12. Fuel pump
13. Radiator cooling fan
14. Starting interlock
15. Open
16. Open
17. Open
18. Daytime running lights
19. Auto trans
20. Open
21. AC & power seats
22. Power windows
Google Image Result for http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_cab_1.jpg

Here are some causes for this failure: "E2"or "E3" (Without CD Changer)

1 Input Power to the RECEIVER UNIT (Trunk mounted) is missing, Check with volt meter to test for 12 volts
2 Fuse of the RECEIVER UNIT (Trunk mounted) is open, Replace it with 7.5 amp fuse.
3 The BUS CABLE (gray colored) that connects to HEAD UNIT(dash mounted) to the RECEIVER UNIT(trunk mounted) is not connected or is defective.
4 RECEIVER UNIT(trunk mounted) is defective. Go through these and try your radio. Hope this works out for you.

I found a paritally blown fuse. When the fuse blew metal pieces ended up partially making contact. After replacing the fuse everything worked great.

Just got an update from a dealer that might work...take the head unit out and unplug the power for about 30 sec. plug back in and the unit should basically reset itself. If that doesn't work I'm out of guesses.