So about a month or so ago my radio wasn't working, but the back light would turn on and nothing would display. All of a sudden my friend tried to turn it on and it worked perfect from then on.

I hadn't used the radio for a few weeks, but when I tried it a week or so ago, it wouldn't turn on. The antenna goes up, but the back light won't come on and no sound comes out. Also all the illumination other then the backlight still lights up when the running/headlights are turned on.

It's the 3 slot with Radio/ "Electronic Auto-Reversing Cassette"/EQ

I checked power with the car running and I get 15+ volts at the battery, ~12.5v at the ACC pin of the connector into the cassette and ~11.9v from the cassette into the Radio. The FSM says I should be getting like 13.2v (old wiring maybe?)

Is my stock radio ready for the shelf of misfit parts or can it be brought back to life?

-Blake

 

Blake,

You killed the radio?

Couple of suggestions. Sounds like one or more loose wires that either feed the amp or feed the speakers. Or, might simply be a dirty volume control "pot" that feeds all things with sound.

Check to see that all the plugs are firmly plugged into the back. To access, two screws behind the ashtray and behind the vents at the top. Be DAMN careful removing the vents to get to the screws.

Check to see if sound is at least coming from the front or the back. (Separate feed to the rears via that little box at the bottom. You rear speakers are the individually amped version.) The front speakers are powered by the stock head unit.

I've got some old S4 units you can have for parts if it helps.

 

i have a stock radio if you want it...

 

If you need it, I have a complete factory stereo just like yours w/ all four speakers and related amps I'll sell cheap, worked when I pulled it out.

 

Try some electronic cleaner and clean all connections, before you start replaceing wires or buying a new radio.

 

Jon, the radio actually didn't work when I bought the car, but started working when my friend pushed the volume control button in so I'll try tearing it apart and cleaning the pot like you said. Checked the speaker outputs for voltage. Nothin.

(HEY! don't blame me for killing the radio, I actually don't like listening to the radio that much, it just bugs me that it doesn't work )

If that doesn't work, I might take someone up on their offer. Thanks all.

 

If i remember correctly there is the fuse behind the radio or the stock amp might want to give that a check.

 

Huh.

I swear it was working just fine other than the balance control needing a little playing with once in a while for the front left speaker. Thus my suggestion regarding the dirty potentiometer.

I still suggest checking the plugs in the back of the radio. Or, the radio is just being a girl (the good ol silent treatment) for you neglecting her.

By the way, I drove the garage vert around the block today.............

 

It works now.

I tore apart the stock headunit, but I decided just to take up santos on his offer and used his old headunit with my top plate, front plate, and the accessories. Works perfect.

Thanks to everybody for their suggestions/offers.