The most likely reason for your radio’s sudden death is a blown fuse. All car radios have at least one fuse that protects it from power surges coming from somewhere else in the vehicle. The first thing you should do when your radio stops working is check its fuses and replace any that have blown.
Do mechanics fix radios?
If your car radio isn’t working, or the system isn’t working properly, one of our mechanics can inspect and diagnose the problem, and then repair the system for you.
How can you tell if a radio is blown?
Keep your ears (and eyes) open for some of these issues:
- Distortion at Medium Volumes. The hissing or fuzzy sound of distortion is a common sign of partially blown speakers.
- No Vibration.
- Lack of Range.
- Rattling and Popping Sounds.
- Car Radio Isn’t Working.
- Infinite Impedance.
- Repairing Minor Damage.
Can car stereos be repaired?
Most modern radios are built on printed circuit boards that can’t be repaired by anyone but trained technicians. However, there still are tests you can perform and parts you can replace. Check your local auto parts supplier or electronics supplier for parts and tools.
What to do if your FM radio isn’t working in your car? – Related Questions
How much does it cost to fix car radio?
It can cost anywhere from $25 to $300 to fix your used car’s radio. Let’s start with cheaper options. If the fuse has blown, it’s fairly easy and cheap to replace. You can call a dealership or mechanic to order the part for about $30 and you can even replace this yourself.
How do you know if a radio fuse is blown?
Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
How much does it cost to repair a stereo fuse?
Most common fuses are only $10 to $20, although some specialty fuses are more than $100 to replace, in addition to diagnostic costs.
What do you call someone who fixes radios?
A radio mechanic is an applied scientist and communications professional who builds, repairs, enhances and protects radio equipment. Some radio mechanics work in the public sector, selling electronic equipment and performing repairs on broken home radios and car stereos.
What causes blown radio fuse?
Overloaded Circuit
The most common cause of a blown fuse is when something draws too much power from the circuit. This is most often caused by either too many lights or from using too many plug-in appliances at once.
Do car stereos have built in fuses?
A car radio will have at least one fuse to protect the unit from things like power surges or other electrical issues. If too much current is sent to the audio system, this fuse will blow out and disconnect the circuit to save the main radio. On newer models, there are a variety of fuses for the entertainment system.
How do you diagnose a car stereo problem?
Use a multimeter to test the stereo’s two power wires. This will help you determine if there is broken or faulty wiring. One power wire provides power to the stereo’s memory and is always hot. While the other wire is only hot when you turn on the ignition.
Why does my radio have power but won’t turn on?
Most probably, the power wires of the stereo are in bad condition. While one power wire is always out, the other only heats up with the ignition key. But, if their functions get inverted, the stereo will stop working. If these power wires do not have any voltage, it is time to replace them.
Where is the fuse for car stereo?
Usually located in or around the instrument panel near the dash, fuses can also be found under the hood and even under the rear seat. Next time your radio, lights or other device stops working, chances are a blown fuse is the culprit. Look under “Fuses” in your owner’s manual for help finding your fuse panels.
Can AutoZone replace fuses?
Safeguard your whole electrical system by replacing fuses and circuit breakers at first sight of wear and tear or corrosion. Luckily, AutoZone provides you with top-quality fuses, fusible links and circuit breakers at the best price on the market.
How much does a car radio fuse cost?
Most fuses only cost $10 to $20, but you’ll have to pay additional labor fees to have your fuse replaced by a professional. Depending on the shop you go to, labor can cost between $65 and $100 per hour, so call ahead to get a repair estimate.
Can I replace a fuse myself?
Luckily, fixing a blown fuse is a relatively easy DIY home repair. All you need is some basic knowledge about your fuse box and a quick trip to the hardware store and you’ll be back in business. As always, abide by the proper safety measures when working with electricity.
How do you know if you blew a fuse?
For a fuse box: If your electrical panel has fuses, check each fuse to see if the piece of metal inside has melted, or if the glass window at the top of the fuse has become discolored (usually purple or brown). That’s your home’s blown fuse.
Can you tell if a fuse is blown without taking it out?
The blown fuse will be apparent because the wire element within will have melted or burned from the higher electrical current. You can also use a test light or a multimeter to identify the dead fuse without having to pull it out.
