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Radio - Flaking out - Turn Volume up or down it just Breaks up.


mrvwbug
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This just started. I have a radio which was working just fine. The yesterday whenever I turn up or just simply adjust the volume. It just crackels and no sound comes out of the speakers. It's really annoying. This worked and now it does not. I do not have any other electrical issues whatsoever. Everything else works.

 

I have a theory one of the speaker wires is ground out which is causing this crap.

 

Please help me. I do not want to take every speaker panel off to troubleshoot this - without a solid direction from someone who has experienced this before. Please know your thoughts. It does it with a tape or just the radio on.

 

Thanks!

 

SLim Jim

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Stock stereo unit? Do the lights and display seem normal - and can you change stations normally (on the display) even if you can't hear them? If not, the issue is a power supply issue. Any work done on the dash recently? The stock stereo grounds to those metal bars running vertically between the transmission tunnel and core of the dash so loose/missing screws on any of those parts leads to a no-ground situation. Also, try the stereo with the key in the ACC position instead of ON/RUN. If that makes a difference, the ignition key electrical switch is likely dying. At least those are still available in parts stores.

 

If the display and lights are normal, then try this: wiggle and turn the balance & fader controls. They are standard potentiometers that do wear out with time. When they fail you'll get a scratching/crackling sound as you move them and total drop-outs in speaker sound output too. Basically the mechanical wiper arm (rotates with the knob) has ground a divot in the resistance material leading to sporadic poor contact. Very similar failure/problem as the engine TPS experiences. Just a little vibration - including pressing the volumn buttons - might be enough to shake the front panel of the stereo which in turn affects the balance & fader potentiometers.

 

mike c.

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Yes, Stock Stereo. Everything electric appears to be normal except the radio/tape player. I checked the grounds. I also tried it with the ACC position instead of the ON/RUN. Still no dice. I took some contact clean DeOXit to remedy this this appears to had helped a little. But my questions is - if the root cause is the balance and fader potentiometers, I do have a spear EQ I could remove the radio and replace these potential problem areas. This stereo is very modular. I do have a spare (like mint) but never tested. And a spare parts one hence the reason I could swap out this module? I have had the drop outs regarding the sound/speakers forever since I've owned the car. Circa 2009- But as a solid plan B what DOUBLE DIN STEREOS fit in these cars? I have someone to do the work, but want to make sure they have everything they need?

 

It sounds like you know alot about these cars. I know a fair amount about home hifi. But auto car stereos I am still in the dark. Please I am handicapp which limits what I can do on these cars. And additional information would be most helpful. I think we are very close to solving this one Mike.

 

Thanks so much!

 

SLim Jim

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