SOLVED! Turn In Radio Troubleshooting

If your car radio refuses to work properly, there are many reasons for this problem. The problems can range from the car radio is too old or installation issues. However, you can try to determine the cause of your problem and see if you can fix it yourself. This will save you the stress of having to replace the radio with a new one.

1. Car Radio Won’t Turn On

Where your car radio doesn’t work altogether, the problem may be from the wiring. This wiring connects the radio to the speaker and the power source.

Another cause of this problem is a blown fuse. To check if the fuse of your car radio is blown using a multimeter, follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Ensure that the system’s power is off.
• Step 2: Set your multimeter to ohms.
• Step 3: Touch the metal caps of the fuse with the multimeter’s testing leads.
• Step 4: Check for any readings on the multimeter’s display.
• Step 5: If there is reading it means the fuse is working if there isn’t you need to replace it.

If the fuse or wiring isn’t the cause of your problem, then it must be from the ground connection. A loose or rusted ground connection will not allow the car radio to turn on.

2. No Power In The Head Unit

If you notice that the head unit cuts out and comes back later, it means there is no power.

When there is no power in your head unit, it means it isn’t receiving 12v. The cause of this problem could be that the amplifier has switched into protection mode. In this mode a car radio won’t work if the power is cut off, this is to prevent theft.

Another cause of this problem is if the battery cannot give the radio a constant voltage.

Follow the steps below to check if your head unit is receiving up to 12v using a voltmeter.

• Step 1: Use the voltmeter to touch the wire.
• Step 2: If the wire is sending up to 12v, then the problem is from the head unit.
• Step 3: Change the wire if it doesn’t send up to 12v.

Also, try refilling the battery water, it could be another cause of this problem.

3. No bass from speakers

If you can’t hear the bass at any volume, the problem is from the car radio. This usually occurs after a factory speaker upgrade. To fix this problem, install an external amplifier. Another option is to,

• Ensure that the speaker is connected to the radio amplifier and head unit correctly.
• Check if the positive terminal of the speaker is connected to that of the other components.
• Make sure the negative terminal of the speaker is connected to that of the other components.

4. Noise From The Car Radio

Hearing unwanted and mysterious noise from the car radio can frustrate you.

If you hear a sound that rises and falls with the sound of your car alternator, it results from a poor connection.  Here, find the component causing the noise and fix it. Also, try to ensure that all connections are secure.

Where a sharp sound is heard when you try to use your headlights, it is an accessory pop. To fix this, place a bipolar capacitor between the accessory and its ground.

Besides, try to change the radio channel if you hear a crackling sound. You need to replace the speakers if the problem persists.

5. Car Radio Is Heating

It is quite normal for electronic devices to warm up occasionally. However, if the heat of your car radio is becoming much, that means there is a malfunction. Too much heat can damage parts of your car radio or even cause a fire.

If your car radio becomes too hot to touch, you need to check the wiring and installation of the audio system. Where there is no fault with the wiring and installation, you need to service the entire audio system.

6. Problems Because Of Poor Grounding

A car radio problem that is not caused by any component should be from poor grounding. This causes the audio system to produce crappy sounds.  To ensure your car radio is grounded properly, you need to service the entire system. Installation and other problems will be fixed, this will cause your radio to produce quality sounds.

Conclusion

The radio is an important part of your car’s audio system.  However, any car radio will experience problems sooner or later.

If you are a music lover, you won’t be able to drive a car that has no radio. For this reason, try to maintain your car radio. Maintenance should include regular servicing and taking extra precautions to increase the life span of your car radio.