Radio Trouble

[GK]

Hi All,

The radio in the S1 Futura wagon isn't working properly.

It's the unit that had a cassette slot, and had the cd controller unit. I installed the Alpine 6 stacker under the seat when we first bought the car in 2003, and it's worked a treat until now.

The orange display isn't working and the unit will not switch from the cd to radio.
The cd works, with the steering wheel controls (from a S2) but the unit won't allow the stacker to change cds. I can scroll through the cd (fwd tracks) and increase and decrease volume, but nothing else.
It's as though there's limited power going through the unit to partially work the cd unit, but nothing else.

I've tried pulling the fuses for the radio, they were fine. I've pulled out the airbag and disconnected and reconnected the steering wheel buttons for the audio.

I changed those today, and the ones I installed were from a S2 ute. Would that have any bearing on what's going on do you think?

Any ideas are appreciated.

Cheers,

GK

[aye you]

sounds like a loose connection between the stacker and the player. could also be a broken wire inside the insulation. maybe replace the wiring if it isn't too hard?

[GK]

Originally Posted by aye you

sounds like a loose connection between the stacker and the player. could also be a broken wire inside the insulation. maybe replace the wiring if it isn't too hard?

Thanks for the post.

If the connection between the stacker and the unit was loose, why would that stop the unit from operating normally (that is, playing the radio etc)?

I'll go have a lookie under the seat where the stacker is.

GK

[aye you]

Ah, didn't read that part properly. obviously it wouldn't explain it, i'd be tempted to call it a dead/dying unit

[GK]

I pulled the radio fuses yesterday for 5-10 minutes, hopefully to reset the system, but all that did was lose me the cd player as well! Ah nuts!

Driving last night, I tried turning it on, the lcd screen had a glow to it, but nothing else. Also the numbers and symbols on the buttons all lit up with the lights on, but that's all.

GK

[JC]

Originally Posted by GK

I pulled the radio fuses yesterday for 5-10 minutes, hopefully to reset the system, but all that did was lose me the cd player as well! Ah nuts!

Driving last night, I tried turning it on, the lcd screen had a glow to it, but nothing else. Also the numbers and symbols on the buttons all lit up with the lights on, but that's all.

GK

GK - try contacting site sponsors ASL - they may have an easy fix for you (or not!).

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11232467

[GK]

Originally Posted by JC

GK - try contacting site sponsors ASL - they may have an easy fix for you (or not!).

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11232467

Many thanks for that JC.

Gave them a call. Sounds like the unit is caput. $150 for a refurbished item installed.

Makes me wonder if it's time for an upgrade now. Mp3 or other, maybe dvd also. I'd prefer the roof mounted unit like you had in the wagon, or screens in the seats.

With the screen on the roof, was the dvd player there also, or was is in the dash?

Oooooh a unit that plays dvds in the headrests, that allows you up front to be listening to your own music, that'd be nice.

No point dreaming though, we both know that kind of upgrade's going to be hard getting by the Mrs! LOL!

Maybe a standard unit replacement it is!

GK

[JC]

I'd start with a single DIN DVD unit that has dual zone - that way the kids can have music from a CD or DVD in the back, and you can listen to Radio or MP3 player in front. Most of the JVC units do that, and they're not that much more than the replacement cost of the standard factory featureless unit.

Then you can always get screen at a later date, which separates the costs a bit. If that little portable unit you have has an AV input, then you could use that screen running off the in dash DVD player as an interim measure.

to answer your other questions - my roof mounted monitors have always only been monitors, with DVD coming from the in dash unit(s). 8" is the max I'd go in a wagon; you can get 10 or 15" screens, but they're only really good for back seat passengers in a tarago or similar.

Something like this would be ideal, but at $550 is probably a bit much.
JVC KD-AVX2 on eBay

[Uncle_Ken]

We might be insync GK. I just lost the fade to my rear speakers. Sound only coming from the front now. Be watching what you go for.

UK
PS Don't forget the tech guide if you do it yourself LOL

[lostdude]

Hi mate, is the deck your talking about just a standard single din ford tape deck?
i have one from my forte series 1, which you can have.
i've sold my car and the guy didn't want it.
just thought i might be able to help since you pointed me in the right direction to fix the stupid s1 seat belt and the b piller plastic.

[GK]

Originally Posted by lostdude

Hi mate, is the deck your talking about just a standard single din ford tape deck?
i have one from my forte series 1, which you can have.
i've sold my car and the guy didn't want it.
just thought i might be able to help since you pointed me in the right direction to fix the stupid s1 seat belt and the b piller plastic.

That's a most generous offer. I believe though that the Forte item won't control the alpine 6 stacker that you could option up. If it does have that capacity though, then I'd take it gladly, with many thanks.

Could you put up a picture?

GK

[lostdude]

[lostdude]

just had a flick through my old logbook/manual theres 4 models and sorry to say but i think it might not work, anyway let me know maybe you can use it for spare parts or something to repair the other one