Radios have been installed in cars since 1929. They have evolved, adding FM, eight-track tape players, cassette tape players, and now compact disc (CD) players. As they get more complex, however, there are fewer things that you, the car owner, can do to repair them. Even so, you still can fix a few things--and replace the radio with a new one if needed.

How Does It Work?

A car radio typically has only two external wires, one from the power source and one from the antenna.

A car radio receiver uses an antenna to gather audio signals which it then amplifies and feeds to speakers for your enjoyment. The radio signals are amplitude modulated (AM) or frequency modulated (FM). The units often include other entertainment components, similar in design and repair to battery-operated miniature component systems, so refer to the Portable Stereo Fix-It Guide for more information on them.

What Can Go Wrong?

As with other portable stereo devices, a car radio/tape/CD unit is vulnerable to mechanical problems caused by dirt and moisture. Keep the system clean and dry to minimize problems and repairs. The two most common problems are static noise and a faulty antenna.

Caution!

Antitheft devices in modern cars require that a code, stored in memory, be automatically input before the radio will operate. Knowing this, a thief may not steal radio because it won't operate without the code. That's the theory, anyway. Unfortunately, the code is stored only as long as your car's battery works. Once it dies or drops below operating level the code is gone! So make sure you know the radio's code--just in case the battery goes dead or is disconnected for even a minute (to replace the battery). Write it on the car key or in an obscure location in the owner's manual, somewhere a thief wouldn't be able, or think, to look. Someday you'll thank us!