why does the radio......

coppcarz · #1 (**permalink**) 11-24-2006, 01:01 PM

Not turn on when you turn it on????????? it lights up (except the radio station indicator), but it doesn't go on, antenna won't go no, then sometimes, after a n hour of driving, music starts playing?? Does it need a code everytime I start the car????

Raymonds 75 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2006, 11:49 PM

Not sure, id just get a new deck....

**La Voce** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006, 05:57 PM

No, it needs a code only after all power is removed, i.e., removing the radio from the car or disconnecting the battery. You should be able to see the display after you turn it on though, even after all power has been removed, or so I'm told. I bought one off of eBay several months ago and it behaved out of the box exactly as you described your radio does. Lighting works though. So I'm back to looking for another. Good luck and if you discover a fix please advise.

Raymonds 75 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2006, 12:33 AM

i think its unusual to see the display background light up & none of the led's come on.... im not sure if it has something to do with the security code, if its from Alfa they should have the security code record for you, if not it may be in the manual or associated paperwork that came with the radio.i wouldnt buy a stereo off ebay if it had a security code lock...unless it was brand new in the box & sealed. Gd luck im sure you will find the problem out.

coppcarz · #5 (**permalink**) 11-27-2006, 12:57 PM

My mistake, the display does not come on, the buttons do light up when the instrumentation lights are turned on, but the radio does not come on, and the antenna does not go up, ive done the code thing, but for some reason sometimes it wont come onm,a nd while driving, all of a sudden it turns on, don't think it's worth much effort, a new and better radio might be a better idea

nizam · #6 (**permalink**) 11-27-2006, 06:19 PM

Unless you think your car will be a Concours Winner in the 2040 Pebble Beach Concours

I'd say go for an aftermarket deck.

AlfaEric · #7 (**permalink**) 11-29-2006, 10:43 AM

Mine sometimes does something similar. I've found that if I crank up the volume, after about a minute or so, I will start to hear some sound which will get progressively louder.... I just have to turn down the volume again before my ears explode.

---Eric

**Gubi** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-29-2006, 11:52 AM

Yeah, mine occasionally does the same things. I figure the switch and potentiometer controlled by the knob are just a bit dirty. Probably a good disassembly and contact cleaner spraying will fix it, but I haven't been irritated enough to get around to it yet.

**Gubi** · #9 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 04:55 PM

Okay, got off my rear and did this today. Pretty easy:

1) Pull radio
2) Remove the one screw on each side, unclip faceplate
3) Pull the top metal cover by removing the two screws on the back and the one on the top

The potentiometer for the volume/on/off switch is right at the top of the radio. You can see the pot rotate as you turn the knob. Spray it down with contact cleaner, rotate it a few times, spray again and let dry. Seems to be working much better now.

Oh...and aftermarket my BUTT. The stock deck just radiates 1987 freakin' cool for a two mile radius. Cold day in hell before I replace it.