In some quarters, a vehicle stereo is as important as a steering wheel, and loss of it could make a driver’s day bad. To others, it is a luxury, especially to those who enjoy quiet drives and aren’t big fans of music.
Either way, I assume you don’t want to be embarrassed when your car occupants ask you to switch on your radio or play some music.
Let’s help. Also, see here for the leading Mississauga European car repair company.
The 10 Common Problems and Solutions
Here, we would run through a number of common problems associated with a car stereo and the solutions. You may find yours here or at least learn to recognize them when they occur.
Most stereo problems are fixable, either by an overhaul or simple repairs, so we have listed below, ten common problems of your car stereo, their causes, and solutions:
1. TheRadio Is Not Working:
Cause(s):
This is often due to the wiring; blown fuse, loose connection, inadequate distribution of power, etc.
Solution(s):
After taking measures to ensure that the system power is off, use a multimeter to get readings off the metal caps. If you get a reading, there’s a blown fuse. Replace or fix the cable.
2. Overheating Stereo:
Usually, it’s the amplifier but sometimes, the stereo overheats.
Cause(s):
It’s usually incorrect wiring which might lead to burnt components.
Solution(s):
Repair.
3. Stereo Is Not Coming On:
Cause(s):
A faulty power cable connection.
Solution(s):
Ensure the cable is fixed properly. If the problem persists, have the stereo checked.
4. Sound Is Cutting On And Off:
Cause(s):
Loose speaker cable connection or overheating amplifier.
Solution(s):
Fix cable properly and then, have it checked if the problem persists.
5. No Bass:
Cause(s):
Weak head unit.
Solution(s):
Properly connect terminals or add a new amplifier with enough bass.
6. Amplifier Is Cutting Off And On:
Cause(s):
Poor amp grounding and loose power connection.
Solution(s):
Check cable connection and grounding.
7. Amplifier Is Shutting Down:
Cause(s):
Overheating is caused by poor grounding, high bass level, and blown speakers.
Solution(s):
Add fans to cool amplifier, and ensure a perfect connection and correct size of cables.
8. Speakers Are Not Working:
Cause(s):
It could be a faulty speaker cable connection, radio or music player.
Solution(s):
Replace cables or speakers.
9. Amplifier Doesn’t Turn On:
Cause(s):
Poor cable connections; remote cable (to the blue cable with white stripes) and power cable. Also, blown MOSFETS (known as Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) could be the cause.
Solution(s):
Replace blown transistors and ensure proper cable connections.
10. Noise:
This can be buzzing, crackling, or popping. Either way, they are definitely not a part of the intended sound from the stereo.
Cause(s):
Contact with speaker cone, extremely high bass, distorted voice coil, too powerful amp relative to the speaker.
Solution(s):
Disconnect amp and use speakers directly, replace or repair faulty parts.
Knowing all these, you would cut costs as not every hiccup with your car stereo needs a complete overhaul now. There are minute things that simply need changing or a little adjustment.
