Latest minor problem to emerge out of nowhere in my 1988 Formula is that the stock radio/cassette unit is misbehaving.
Both on the radio, and when playing a cassette, it is only putting out sound on the left channel. The Front/Rear fader works fine (on the sound coming throgh the left-side speakers), and when the Right/Left control is fully over to the right-side speakers, a faint sound is just audible.
The other symptom is a persistent "crackling" noise from the right rear speaker when the unit is on, even when the volume is down to zero. This noise remains, whatever position the L/R or Front/Rear speaker controls are moved to.
This seems to suggest that the problem may be in the radio, and not just a bad connection to either or both of the right-side speakers. But I may be wrong.
A forum-search suggests that one or two other owners have suffered this one-channel-only problem, but I haven't found an explanation of the cause or advice on a cure. I really want to keep and use the original stock unit, but over here in UK few people are familiar with it (and I'm no expert so I don't want to start trying to remove the unit unless or until I know what the source of the problem, and the possible solution, is likely to be).
Any radio-experts out there who can offer advice on how to troubleshoot?
It's probably the radio itself. The connections on the circuit boards can fracture, causing the conditions that you describe. Those connections can frequently be re-soldered and will work like new. In your case, it's likely the connections around the contacts where the speakers plug in, or maybe around the amplifier module for that channel. The radio will have to be taken apart to repair them, however. Someone who is well versed in electronics repair may even be able to spot the poor connections. Sometimes it's fairly obvious in these radios.
Before digging into the radio, be sure to ohm out the speakers first, if they have good continuity, you should be OK to look at the radio. If you don't want to repair the radio, but upgrade, look at the new ones where you can plug in a memory stick with MP3's!
Thanks for the advice - I'll check the speakers, but it does look as if I may have to bite the bullet and take the ******** radio/cassette unit out. How difficult might that be (is there a post anywhere with pics or step-by-step guide)?
If I have to remove it, the idea of replacing it with some newer model which can play CDs/MP3s suddenly begins to appeal. Are there units available which slot straight in and fit in the space without requiring butchery to the fascia panel?
There are lots of options out there, and replacing the radio will be one of the easiest things you'll ever do on a Fiero. You can either get a stereo that fits the stock dimensions, or you can get adapters to put a "standard" size unit in. Shop around, there are lots of options depending on if you want to maintain a stock look, want to save some money, or want a kick-a** stereo...
Personally, I would skip the CD/DVD and just run MP3's on a stick. You get hours of the music you want, without having to change disks. Plus you can swap out sticks for different moods.
same problem with my Formula that you described..the problem is the amplifier channel in the radio itself..i plugged in a Cadillac factory radio of the same era that a friend gave me to try out and all my speakers are working fine again..it doesn't quite match the interior trim in the fiero or the lighting color but at least my speakers are all working again until i figure out what i'm gonna do with it..you can either have yours fixed or find a good used one from another GM of the era, they will all have the same power and speaker connection plugs on them and will just bolt in. the only difference in mounting on different gm models was done by external bracketry which you can unbolt and transfer from one unit to the next so you can get a radio from any model GM vehicle and just switch the mounting tabs with your fieros. any aftermaket radio you wish to install can be mounted using a dash kit from Metra or comparable brand and you can get a harness adapter which will allow you to plug directly into your cars radio plugs without cutting any wires and this is neat because you can prewire everything in you home and then just plug into the car when your done and your finished..
Yup, you can get the wiring harness and adapter plates pretty much anywhere (even WallyMart), and as long as you can solder it can be done start to finish in about an hour. I put a Pioneer in mine, with CD plus USB and AUX inputs. I can play my iPod, BlackBerry or a USB stick. Doesn't look stock, but a decent system on a budget.
I had the loss of a channel in my stock radio and exhibited similar symptoms as yours is. I sent it to a gentleman in Mass and he sorted out the issues for me. I'll see if I can dig up his info for you if you want to keep the car stock.
If you want to maintain that factory look but have the modern conveniences of CD and Aux plug ins for IPods, etc., you can look on ebay and there are people that modify 90s AC Delco Monsoon units that have all those and plug right in to the same slot!
Good luck! John
[This message has been edited by johnyrottin (edited 09-05-2012).]
Took me all of 45 minutes to swap out my stock stereo for a new one. People have mentioned getting one with a usb to pop in a stick with mp3s, thats nice and mine has one but i use it to charge my phone or pkay pandora thru the car. I prefer SDcards. A 32gig SD will give u all the music u need. I'm poor and miserly so i grabbed a Sumas radio with usb/aux/SD/cd/dvd and a touch screen for just over $100 shipped. Plus $12 for a DIN adapter and wiring harness
Thanks to all who have commented so far. The links are much appreciated but the fact that I'm in the UK limits my options. Getting a repair, replacement or upgrade from a supplier in the US (or even eBay in the US) is a no-no. Apart from the cost and the risk of loss or damage with international shipping, I get hit for Customs duties and taxes as well.
Equally, there aren't many GM/Delco units of the right size and shape (like the Monsoon ones) available from recyclers or scrapyards over here.
So I think I may have to start looking at Pioneer, Clarion, Alpine, Sony or Panasonic alternatives. To keep things simple and tidy I'd like to find one - if I can - which has the same mounting-fittings and is the same size as the OEM unit.
The issue then is finding a suitable wiring-adapter, as I'd prefer not to have to cut and re-knit all the existing wires. My car no doubt has a US-spec GM 12-pin connection. I see that it is possible to get a GM 12-pin to GM 20-pin adapter to fit more recent GM/Delco radios - see http://replacementradios.co..._261&products_id=166 .
Over here the connections are different - most cars, and most aftermarket radio/cass/CD units, seem to have DIN or ISO connections. So I will have to find an adapter from the (US-spec) GM 12 pin connectors in the car, to a UK/Euro style connection in whatever new unit I get. Looks as if I'm going to have to do a lot of searching!
Good write up on replacing the capacitor, were you successful. My challenge is getting to the back of the board and sliding the new capacitors through. Can't figure it out.
