ynk1121

iTrader: (2)

My stock radio started cutting out on one of the rear channels. It was a few years ago but I remember it would give static and do all sorts of weird stuff. I put an aftermarket system in there but I like the factory look and want to switch back. I took apart the old radio and I see a few of the capacitors leaked. I figured rather than mess around soldering it would be easier to buy another one off ebay. This radio was supposed to be tested and fully functional but of course with my luck it has issues. The front right channel is really low. I can't win. I haven't taken apart the ebay radio yet. I'm going to wait to hear back from the seller first. Attached are pics of my old radio.

My question is, is it as simple as replacing the capacitors for either the radio with the static or the one with really low volume on one channel? I'm 100% sure some of them failed as I see them leaking. When they fail do they usually knock out the amp IC with them? Thanks.

red88tagta

iTrader: (14)

That is the usual bad broblem with those 2 board radios. From your pics, looks like you already have ic damage. See if you can find a Caddy symphony sound radio. They had a lot stronger output and seemed to last a lot longer. I never had an issue with one coming across my bench. All you will have to do is swap out the faceplate and buttons

ynk1121

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. Good to know.

The seller is sending another radio and is letting me keep the broken one so fingers are cross this one works. I also order new capacitors. I'm going to give fixing it a go since I have nothing to lose.

hotrodln

Funny- but my radio is doing screwy things too...i was going to send it out....but then by chance, my daughter's HP printer was acting screwy- she read about replacing ONE cap to fix it....so i got a new cap and a cheap soldering gun and replaced it! the darn thing works great now....so i might just try fixing this thing. if all ealse fails, there's a radio repair place in Syracuse that i've sent things to before.

kfsullivan

My stock radio was had static problems, primarily on the right side, both front and back. I followed the information contained on this link, as well as here on Thirdgen.org.

http://www.a-body.net/forums/showthr...thumping-noise

I had never done any electronics work like this before, but found it to be pretty straight forward. A little tedious because of how small these capacitors are, but all-in-all not too bad. I did have a second radio that suffered from the same issues that I practiced on first. When I was successful with the 2nd one, I felt comfortable doing it on my primary head unit.

My static is gone, the stock speakers (which really now do need to be replaced) haven't sounded this good for many years! I was happy to run across this information. Hope it helps.

ynk1121

iTrader: (2)

I just finished replacing the capacitors and I don't remember it ever sounding so good!!

kfsullivan

Glad it worked out for you. I feel the same way about mine.

Edwardgp

I just finished this repair and yes it worked great. I used the new style caps. The other question I have now is the right channel is now a little louder than the left. This is not noticeable when they are blended, but was wondering if you would know what caps I could change to even them out? Thank you for posting this wonderful information. Edward.

*84TA

The main problem that these radios develop it the small green 1uf filter caps go bad. These are on the right channel. Occasionally the 100uf axial caps go bad. When the 1uf filter caps go bad and the radio is still used it can cause damage to the IC's.

Edwardgp,

With regard to the left channel look on the amp board you find 3 other 1uf caps next to the top IC they are larger then the small green ones. Replace those and both 100uf caps. If this does not work your IC could be damaged. I have about 10 spare IC's if anyone is looking for one. I don't suggest trying remove them without a decent Vacuum desoldering gun. The other option, since they are through hole components, is to clip the legs from the top side and then use solder sucker on the bottom side. This does not always work but if you have steady hand and take your time you can get the holes cleaned up.

Edwardgp

Alright, and thanks for your help. I don't use the radio much because I like listening to the motor. It is still nice to have the OE radio working.

Edwardgp

Can I use the same caps on the left channel as I did for the right channel?

Jeffs82TA

iTrader: (1)

doctordons

*84TA

Yes, any caps will work as long as they are of the same capacitance, and pay attention to the polarity.

Edwardgp

Thank you, and thanks for helping me keep my OEM radio.

timfitz63

My OEM UM6 radio seems to have developed the problem being discussed in this thread: sound is only truly projected through the left-hand (driver's side) speakers, front and rear. The entire right-hand (passenger's side) speaker set is very muted and almost non-functional. It started with the right-hand rear, but has now progressed to the right-hand front as well. The source of the problem has been stumping me for a few years now, mainly on a '97 GMC Jimmy that I used to own, and that had a similar radio head...

Although it sees limited use, I'd really like to get this radio working properly again -- and don't want to risk damage to the IC through continued use in this 'degraded' state... I'm a rank amateur with a soldering gun, but it looks like others with a similar level of experience have managed to tackle this, so I should be OK... I'm just a bit leery of permanently damaging the radio...

The next, obvious question with this repair is: how difficult is it to remove the radio from the dash, then disassemble it...?

timfitz63

Bump. Still looking for clues on how to remove the radio from the dash...

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

The bezel in f-bodies is held in by clips so even pressure will work in removing it. After that it is straight forward, there are 4 screws that hold the radio in place. The rest is self explanatory as you go.

timfitz63

OK, thanks! So just that trim faceplate (bezel) on the center 'stack' (with the radio & HVAC controls) gets removed to access the radio anchor points?

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

Yup good luck

MintWS6FORMULA

I no longer buy ANY electronics off of ebay. Every one I buy - camcorder, video recorder, etc - is not functional. Doesn't matter the seller's feedback rating or that they claim it works like new. I wasted 60 dollars on a broken camcorder and should have used that money toward a brand new one, it would have been half the cost of a new one.