Stock radio problem

[Fidhle007]

My radio has started making weird noises lately. It seems to happen more when it's warm out or when I have the heat on but that could also be my imagination. It tends to makes hissing and popping sounds and then also clicks a little too. It almost sounds like some sort of static issue as the sound will often get worse as my enginge revs increase and then calm down again as I come back down to idle. Sometimes it seems to "overload" and it makes a loud snapping sound and the sound cuts out for a moment. It's very annoying and I know it's time for a new head unit but I'm just affraid it's something more serious than a 16 year-old head unit slowly biting the big one. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Brendan

[Fidhle007]

Any idea if this is fixable? I haven't budgeted for a new stereo until my suspension is done but this is REALLY getting annoying...

[AndrewBird]

Sounds just like it is going out. You might check the connections at the back of it though. Could be a loose wire either causing power to get cutout to it or signal being cut out going to the speakers.

Does the display flicker when this stuff happens?

Does it happen when listening to the radio or a tape or both? If it only happens when a tape is being played, clean the tape deck with a tape cleaning kit from Walmart or somewhere. Clean it a couple of times and see if that helps.

If it only happens when the radio is being played, you might check the antenna wire coming from the back of the car. Make sure it isn't shorting on anything.

[Fidhle007]

It does it with both radio and tapes playing. I've checked the wiring but I will double check it again. The display does NOT flicker when any this is happening and I'm pretty positive it's not the power connection anyway. It almost sounds like some sort of static issue??? That's just the impression I get from the sounds it makes...

[MA325is88]

I had that happen in a 92 318ic with the stock radio and it was a bad ground.

[StereoInstaller1]

Brendan, take a look at your amp too. There is far more chance of moisture or corrosion in the trunk than in the dash.

From what you describe, it really sounds like an amp crapping out to me.

And just so you know, my favorite cheap deck is $200 at full retail.

Luke

[MA325is88]

whats the favorite cheap deck at 200?

[StereoInstaller1]

whats the favorite cheap deck at 200?

The Pioneer DEH-P 5800 is so nice to use, has every useable feature (except USB input) that I consider necessary, sounds great, feels decent enough for cheap.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069880_291063713,00.html

Luke

[Fidhle007]

I actually wondered if it was the amp shitting the bed on me, is it worth replacing it with a new amp of some sort or should I just be getting a new deck? I've been looking at the lower-end Alpine decks and one of my friends sugested I try Eclipse... Also, if I were to get a new deck will the stock speakers sound ok or will I want to upgrade them as well?

[Fidhle007]

I also have a decent-sounding JVC tape head unit somewhere, maybe I should just throw that in there for now?

[AndrewBird]

You didn't say you had an amp. Check that out for sure.

[Fidhle007]

You didn't say you had an amp. Check that out for sure.

Truth be told, I'm not sure I have an amp. If I do, where do I find it?

[StereoInstaller1]

You do. All "is" models, AFAIK. Look under the inner fender trim (trunk liner) near the antenna.

If you want to install an aftermarket deck, you will need to re-wire all 4 corners of the speaker system, including getting your tweeters to play, due to the crossover being attached to the midrange.

The stock premium sound speakers embarass lots of aftermarket speakers. Especailly if you chose a deck with a high pass filter and add a subwoofer.

Luke

[Fidhle007]

I'm not sure I have the "premium sound" option but yeah, the guys at circut city were showing me all the different speaker options and they played their version of oem speakers and it sounded nothing like mine... Kinda made me chuckle.

[AndrewBird]

OOOHHHH.... Luke, you were talking about the stock amp. That could be it. Do you have tweeters in the corners of your doors? If so, you have premium sound and you do have an amp. It's in the trunk behind the carpet on the driver side right next to the antenna. Even if you don’t have tweeters, you might look to see if there is an amp as the tweeters could have been taken out by a previous owner.