hey guys, so i've been using a tape adapter with my ipod for a while, and the tape player in my 83 gsl (tape deck, digital radio, EQ AND joystick) works fine, outputs to all four speakers, and sounds decent with the aftermarket speakers that are in. HOWEVER, occasionally, i'll want to listen to the radio instead of my ipod, and it won't work.

the antenna does not go up and down, and i've looked back there and the wiring does look....funky. the actual antenna plug from the radio is hooked up properly, however.

when the radio's on, there's no sound from the speakers, not even static - just a hum from the amplifiers if i crank it up.

even if my antenna doesn't go up, shouldn't i at least get static? what would cause the tape player to work fine, but the radio to output NOTHING at all?

thanks in advance!

 

hmm, make sure you're antenna wiring is good and tight, look behind the rear panel where the antenna goes in make sure it's plugged up, also try to play local radio stations that you know it'll play w/out an antenna, hopefully you have a local station like that.

 

well, i know that the cable that sends the signal to the radio is good and tight, but i haven't checked the connection behind the radio itself, so that may be a culprit. and i've tried well-known, strong-signal stations and no luck.

i think the oddest part is that i don't even get any static. darn.

 

i cannot remember how the stock radio worked, but (this may sound stupid) is it in radio mode lol, not in tape mode, some stereos were like that. also do and check behind the stereo, you just have to take that little kick pannel right beside the center console, that kick panel is covered in carpet stuff. and it only has two screws holding it.

 

you also might want to try plugging in another antenna, at the radio, theres a bulletin about the antenna getting sliced by the storage bins, and ive actually seen it, although its odd/rare

 

@ black death - haha yeah i'm pretty sure it's in radio mode, turning the right dial scrolls through stations. which kick panel are you referring to? there's a carpet-covered kick panel covering a speaker near the door, but all there is around the stereo and center console is plastic trim...

@ j9fd3s - i'll try another antenna. it actually looks as though someone sliced up some metal back near the antenna, and like i said the wiring looks funky, but the cable looked alright at least back there. but i will try another antenna.

thanks for the help!

 

i don't know where my cam. is at so i just found this pic..

as you can see the small kick panel thing is right where the key is dangling, i thought all models had it but i could be wrong.

 

well if the tape player works then the amp which is in the radio is fine, it sounds like the front end, or the tuner stage is bad ... these radios are 30+ years old and components fail specifically the capacitors dry up and either open, or short out the circuit.... you may find a local TV repair or a shop that services stereo equipment might and the key word here is "might" work on it... most will not deal with car stereos because they are so compact and hard to get at... my stereo died altogether and I do work on electronics , but I will not work on car stereos because of the reasons listed above I will just get a aftermarket unit because even if you get someone to work on it , the labor alone will be more than a new aftermarket set...unless you are determined to keep the car original then go for it..

 

Ten year old thread. The amp for the factory radio is a separate unit hidden under the rear bins behind the driver's seat. There is a really nice troubleshooting guide in the factory service manual.