Audio (and aftermarket electronics) This is your place for alarms, remote starters, to brag about your system, exaggerate your db levels, or simply ask questions for stock or aftermarket audio. No Flames! (except from roasted amps)

Bizarre radio problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 24, 2006 | 04:07 PM
  #11  
T-Keith's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
T-Keith is on a distinguished road
Default

OK, just to clarify again.

The first stereo was an aftermarket one, I replaced it with the factory one from this car(8. Then I tried the one from my other car(87). After 3 radios doing the same thing, I tried hooking up the original antennae with a new antennae wire. Now today I put the 87 radio(the one I've been using lately) back into my other car(the 87), and it didn't work.

The aftermarket stereo has the same symptoms and is an older pull out unit, the two factory ones are like the one here.

It does work intermittently, it just jumps around to different frequencies.

thanks again for the help guys, it'* impossible to find anyone that will say anything other then buy a new aftermarket stereo.[/url]
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2006 | 01:53 PM
  #13  
T-Keith's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
T-Keith is on a distinguished road
Default

I wouldn't mind getting a newer unit for my daily driver, but it would have to be all black with red/orange lights like my factory one. The problem is that I'm not sure that'* such a good idea since I've lost three radios in a row in the same car in a short time period. I'd like to narrow down the cause first.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2006 | 02:09 PM
  #15  
T-Keith's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
T-Keith is on a distinguished road
Default

~12 volts with engine off, ~14.5 with engine running. The car'* voltmeter is always dead steady.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2006 | 07:37 PM
  #16  
shortstuf212559's Avatar
Executed
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Purgatory
shortstuf212559 is on a distinguished road
Default

check with a external Volt meter at the battery. dont rely on the the dash volt gauge.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2006 | 10:03 PM
  #17  
T-Keith's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
T-Keith is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by shortstuf212559
check with a external Volt meter at the battery. dont rely on the the dash volt gauge.
I've tested right at the radio, it'* good. While the car'* voltmeter may be a little off, it'* still good for checking for peaks and drops.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2006 | 01:32 AM
  #18  
BlackIce's Avatar
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit
BlackIce is on a distinguished road
Default

The tank circuit in the FM tuner block has probably gone bad. Wandering stations, while not very common with digital tuners, can still happen when the capacitors and resistors (more commonly now part of an IC, but may by individual surface mounted components in an older unit such as yours) used to select the IF frequency fail, in your case they are likely going into thermal run away.

Time for a new radio.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2006 | 05:28 AM
  #19  
T-Keith's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
T-Keith is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks for the information. However, I've already replaced the radio twice. Aren't I risking destroying yet another radio? I need the source of the problem.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2006 | 12:46 PM
  #20  
BlackIce's Avatar
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit
BlackIce is on a distinguished road
Default

Ultimately your radio needs to be repaired or replaced. Unless you somehow had voltage back feeding through the coax I don't see how its possible. Go to your local stereo shop and grab an antenna extension of reasonable length and substitute that instead of the antenna lead that is already in the car. Purchase an a stereo that offers a return policy so if by chance it does become damaged you can easily return it for a refund.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:08 PM.