[Midlife]

Midlife has a strange radio problem, one that the electricity expert can't figure out. Here it is:
The lights for the radio flicker according to the signal level of the radio: speech or music. I can turn the speakers down all the way, and that doesn't affect the flicker, nor does turning up the volume. I figure that it is a grounding problem, but where? Light power line? Speaker? Internal Amp? External Ground? The radio is a standard aftermarket POS, connected to two tweeters in the dash and speakers mounted low on each door (turned off by fade switch).

Any radio installation expert's opinions are most welcome.

http://clubs.hemmings.com/baymustang/flamicon.jpgLet me check your shorts! My multimeter is just a-waiting! Formerly known as Midlife in the old VMF.
King of the Old Farts *struts*

 

[theboogins]

I think I'm having the same problem only my lights flicker slightly at idle, and the radio sound flickers if you will at idle also. Don;t think it's the ground.

I'm still hunting.

J. Boggs


http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1574992&a=11972962&p=43108527.jpg

 

[68390gt]

probably internal problem with a loose/bad connection or cold solder joint. Should only be one external ground, covers power for unit, lights clock,etc. You did run a pair of wires to each speaker - dont use the chasis ground as the second wire.

 

[Guest]

Ok:

1. Unplug the antenna and see if there's any change. If that fixes it, get yourself a dummy antenna (you can use one of them antenna adapters) and ground the ground part of the adapter to the car. If the lights start flickering again, there's a problem in the antenna circuitry inside the radio. It could be a broken ground or a broken solder connection, but it's more likely a blocking capacitor that's on the way out. If the lights don't flicker with the dummy antenna hooked up, then there's a problem with the antenna on your car (or really poor grounding in the car).

2. If the lights flicker when you're using a tape or cd (assuming you have this capability), it's most likely an amp that's pulling way too much current or stray frequency spikes with some applied voltage that are getting into the lighting circuit. In this case you might as well replace the radio, as parts + the time tracking down the problem will cost more than a new deck.

Visit my repair page for Repair info, with pictures! http://home.dencity.com/mustangcub

 

[BillScott]

sounds like internal amplifiers are getting saturated and pulling lamp voltage down - if so then when hi input occurs the lamp should dim and visvsersa. agree with Teebone best to pitch it. what happens if you remove ant and stick coat hanger in ant socket?