93EB JBL Audio System

[Skip Pendle]

For a few months the left channel would sometimes go off until I increased the volume and then it would pop back on. This morning both channels came on normally then went out about 10 seconds later and the volume control trick no longer works...sounds of silence except for a very low "pop" from both front speakers when I turn the power on or change from AM to FM, and sometimes a very low "crackle" for a few seconds. Also, no sound when I play a tape. The head unit display is normal.

I pulled the head unit and verified that the connections look okay. The "radio" and "premium sound" fuses are okay. But now I need some help:

1. I can't find the 4x60w amplifier. Where is it?
2. If there are any intermediate connectors, where are they?
3. Are there any other fuses in the system? Where are they?
4. Does anybody have, or know where I can download, a wiring diagram of the JBL audio system?
5. Any suggestions on where to look, what signal levels to measure, or diagnostic procedures to follow would be greatly appreciated.

Note that I am in Central America (Guatemala) and that going to the local Ford dealer for help is out of the question.

Thank you in advance for any and all assistance with the above.

Skip Pendle

 

[pacman]

Skip,

I had a similar problem in a previous vehicle. The problem ended up being a screw that pierced the insulation on the speaker wire and effectively grounded the + speaker feed from the amp. Check your wires and make sure the insulation is good. A quick check would be to disconnect the wires from the amp and speakers and then ohm them out to ground to see if there is a problem.

Hope this helps.

 

[TimR21]

Skip,

I have to believe it's the amp in your head unit. I don't have the Premium Sound Amp, but I do have the upgraded AM/FM/Cassette deck in my '93XLT and have experienced the exact same symptoms as you. Once you turn the radio up loud enough, the other side would pop on...or if you leave it on long enough the other side would gradually come up to the right volume.

My situation was brought to a head when (I think) the Explorer was struck by lightning. My wife was driving at the time...she heard a loud crack of thunder and saw a bright light...then nothing from the radio. The panel display looked and operated fine, but no audio except an occasional crackle. A few days later my battery died. The wife's ok, but the radio's done.

My solution? Bought a used OEM head unit on E-Bay.

Good Luck
TimR><>
'93 XLT 4x4
'93 Ranger Splash