Sometimes Radio Problem?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Sometimes Radio Problem? For the past week, I have been having a problem with my Monsoon radio. Nothing else in the car seems be giving a problem (2002 FB Trans Am WS6).
The problem is, the controls become totally unresponsive (intermittently)-- both the controls on the radio and the controls on the steering wheel. The radio still plays, I just can't change the station, the volume, the band ... well you get the picture.
I was wondering if it's the Body Control Module (or whatever it's called). From some writeups I've read, that is a possible source of intermittent problems. However, the radio works, the controls SOMETIMES don't work.
I just don't want to start pulling the module out to check for a cold solder joint if it's not what anyone thinks is the problem.
The problem is, the controls become totally unresponsive (intermittently)-- both the controls on the radio and the controls on the steering wheel. The radio still plays, I just can't change the station, the volume, the band ... well you get the picture.
I was wondering if it's the Body Control Module (or whatever it's called). From some writeups I've read, that is a possible source of intermittent problems. However, the radio works, the controls SOMETIMES don't work.
I just don't want to start pulling the module out to check for a cold solder joint if it's not what anyone thinks is the problem.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,329
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The BCM has absolutely nothing to do with the radio other than managing the retained accessory power circuit (provides power to the radio for up to ten minutes after turning off the ignition). The BCM fix that everyone talks about is for the specific problem of the radio (and power windows) cutting off intermittently because the RAP circuit stops providing power.
Anything related to radio controls is internal to the radio itself. There are places that fix them but used ones are so cheap that it's better to just replace it.
Anything related to radio controls is internal to the radio itself. There are places that fix them but used ones are so cheap that it's better to just replace it.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Thanks ... for the help.
I was just hoping that would be the problem. I'll probably pull the radio out and check the connections and then check under the steering column for anything loose.
Then I'll look for a replacement radio (maybe with builtin Bluetooth).
I was just hoping that would be the problem. I'll probably pull the radio out and check the connections and then check under the steering column for anything loose.
Then I'll look for a replacement radio (maybe with builtin Bluetooth).
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,329
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
You should be happy the problem is not the BCM... you can buy a replacement factory radio for around $30 and swap it in ten minutes. It takes longer than that just to pull the BCM out from its mount behind the glove box (believe me, it's not an easy thing to access). Replacing with aftermarket equipment opens up a world of options and possibilities but also means higher cost. If you just want Bluetooth, you can add that to a factory radio using plug-in adapters. At the other end of the spectrum, you can install a double DIN touch screen unit with GPS and all connectivity you can imagine.
Also, as mentioned, the problem as described could not be related to anything external to the radio (BCM, wiring, connectors, etc.) because none of those would have any impact on using the controls on the face of the radio. And the steering wheel controls only provide remote switches to functions that are internal to the radio (through just a single dark blue wire) so when the radio has problems with those functions from the switches on the face, of course the steering wheel switches will also have the same problem. Checking your connections won't hurt anything but also won't find anything.
Also, as mentioned, the problem as described could not be related to anything external to the radio (BCM, wiring, connectors, etc.) because none of those would have any impact on using the controls on the face of the radio. And the steering wheel controls only provide remote switches to functions that are internal to the radio (through just a single dark blue wire) so when the radio has problems with those functions from the switches on the face, of course the steering wheel switches will also have the same problem. Checking your connections won't hurt anything but also won't find anything.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, FL
I am happy that the problem does not seem to be the BCM.
Before I do anything drastic, I'll remove the radio, clean the contacts both inside and out. Clean the control contact points and vacuum out the unit. Once I reinstall, we'll see what gives.
Before I do anything drastic, I'll remove the radio, clean the contacts both inside and out. Clean the control contact points and vacuum out the unit. Once I reinstall, we'll see what gives.
