Evening everyone! I've been a club member for just over 3 years and have owned five 1st gens in that span. As the title states, I'm currently working on a 85 GSL and am having issues with the stock "luxury" head unit. I love the way it looks and it sounds pretty good when working properly. I'm running into a few issues and hoping some of the audio people can help. I just installed new speakers all the way around because the stock units were toast. 4in Rockford Fosgate Primes in the front and 5 1/4in Kickers in the rear.

Issues:
1. There is a lot of static/ popping when turning the radio on, adjusting the volume, and when using the joystick in the center console.
2. The passenger side speakers work when they want to. If you get the volume just right or wiggle the volume **** up/ down & sideways they'll sometimes come to life and work like normal.
3. The car currently has the stock floppy rubber antenna that is only picking up AM stations right now and they sound alright. When stitched to FM, nothing. The radio won't even scan for a station. I have no idea what's going on there.
4. When I turn the the driving lights on, there is a considerable amount of interference. I replaced all the stock bulbs with LEDs except the turn signals and headlights. Not sure if that has anything to do with it.

I know many would suggest ditching the factory radio/ associated hardware and going full aftermarket. I don't want to do that. I love the design of the system and would prefer to keep it in tact (and hopefully working). My first RX-7, also a 85 GSL suffered from issue #1 but worked perfectly other than that and it was sweet. Any information is welcome. Y'all have been soooooooooooooo helpful with other issues I've had with these old FBs. Thank you!

Pic. for reference:

 

for the popping and the interference, try checking the ground for the radio itself and/or the negative battery cable.

for the antenna, i don't think what you're describing is stock. i thought the GSLs came with an electric antenna. at any rate, does it make a difference if you hold it?

 

Thanks for the advice. I’ll check the grounds as soon as it warms up a little.

About the antenna: I don’t believe it’s stock either. Also, yes, when I grab the antenna, the signal is much more clear when listening to AM stations. I’ll have to check with it set to FM.

Thanks again!

 

Sounds like the radio needs to be cleaned. Specifically the **** rheostats. I'd also clean the joy stick since it control the fader.