Help...Radio posessed or short?

[bseale]

:fire: I have a 98 Explorer with the factory radio. I have been living with the display out for 3 years and this has been a minor pain, but not big enough for me to do anything about it. Recently, the radio has started turning on and off at different times, but mostly when I hit a bump. I have found that I can quickly get it turned back on by whacking the dash above the radio. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do to get this problem fixed? I am tired of the radio turning off in mid drive and my fist is starting to develop a callus from me hitting the dash. Thanks for the help.

 

[gatorpatric0]

Had this problem back when I used the Stock radio. My problem was there was a blown fuse. Check fuses 27 and 29 I think. 27 is for the Radio and 29 is labeled audio system so if either one is blown then it could throw the whole thing off. If thats not a problem I would recommend getting a New HU because that will replace most of the wiring and should Fix the problem.

 

[Raminator157]

I have heard a bunch of Horror stories about the Stock Units. They suck no matter what. You should maybe cowboy up and buy a aftermarket head unit. Every year they seem to come down in price and are better.

 

[lish_xlt]

my stock radio was doing the same thing. my fuse was not blown but after i put it back in after checking it, it worked fine and has been working fine ever sense

 

[KC]

Here's a couple of things to try... As posted above, it could be a loose or corroded connector at the back of the unit. OR, it could be that the same problem that has your display blanked out is causing the whole thing to cycle on/off. That problem is really an easy fix as it is caused by poor solde joints on the power supply board inside the radio. If yer handy with tools, do a search on this forum for "LED Fix" or "Blank Display". Follow the directions in those posts to learn how to remove your Head Unit. Try unplugging it then plug it back in a few times to clean off the contacts. But while you've got it out, fix the display! I fixed mine and wrote up some details and others have had success too. Give it a try and maybe all of your problems go away!