Short or Radio channel going bad?

Moeses18 · Post by **Moeses18** » 09 Mar 2011, 16:39

I have a problem with the rear deck speakers...they work every once in a while...this morning they actually came on for about 5 minutes and then just quit...I don't know if I should be looking for a short or if the radio itself is going out...Any help would be appreciated...I took the unit out and cleaned the connectors and blew them out with compressed air but still don't work...Do the wires run through the center console...if so is there a thread on here that shows how to remove the console so I can get to the wires and make sure there's no cuts or bad connections...Thank you in advance for all your help!!!

Post by **JRL** » 09 Mar 2011, 16:46

Probably the speaker(s), they do die and short out being under a piece of hot glass for years

Moeses18 · Post by **Moeses18** » 09 Mar 2011, 20:39

After some more research...I think it's a problem with the radio unit itself...Yes the back speakers are old and the magnets have fallen off but they do still come off and on...the rear door speakers are doing the same thing, cutting in and out...so when I mess with the fader knob on the radio and put it to the rear speakers nothing happens...unless I wiggle it and then the driver door speaker works, strange I know so this has me thinking it's a problem with the head unit itself. None of the speakers have been replaced and it looked like I'm the first one to mess with them at all. So now more stereo questions, can I install aftermarket speakers and subwoofers to a stock Volvo head unit? I really like the look of everything matching and being stock, you won't see the speakers under the covers so I thought upgrading the speakers would improve the sound while still maintaining the stock factory look in the dash....I've seen some stock stereos on some of the supporter sites...has anyone had any luck with these receivers? I love my music and am getting by with just the fronts working but I want more and already have a amp and set of Polk Audio subs that I want to install...should I keep the stock receiver or go with a aftermarket stereo? And are Volvos just like any other car, meaning can I take it to a stereo shop and let them hook everything up without worrying about shorting issues to any of the other electronics in the vehicle? Sorry for the long post, this is my first Volvo and it's super clean and in great shape so I don't want to do too much to it...getting the windows tinted this week and am looking for some OEM wheels...don't like the ones that are on it now, they take away from the sporty look I'm going for. Thanks again for any and all help/comments!!

billy · Post by **billy** » 10 Mar 2011, 03:49

Guaranteed short in the head unit, nothing wrong with the speakers. Fairly common short on the fader. Will go in and out when it develops. simple, easy fix. Best way in my opinion is replace it with a used oem unit, that way, it will plug right into your current wiring harness. Easy to acquire, not expensive, good quality sound, and can be installed in less than 5 minutes, maintaining the "factory orginal, everything matches up" appearance. It's best to pick one up that has the code furnished with it, will save you having any dealer time and hassles. There may be more, but I do know the sc811, and the sc710's are both very common, you probably already have one of those models, but either one will plug right in. both will accept a cd player if you want. I've got xtra unit- I'll trade you for a new pair of Naconna boots and a chicken fried steak dinner. I've noticed "rap" music doesn't sound very pleasing to me on the old audio systems.....Come to think about it...stuff doesn't sound good to me on any system.