1990 Ford Truck Radio Sound Problem
#1
08-10-2018, 12:54 AM
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1990 Ford Truck Radio Sound Problem
Hello FTE members,
I own a 1990 Ford F150 XLT Lariat regular cab and the factory radio, which I would like to retain as opposed to installing an aftermarket unit, has never worked right since I purchased the truck. The sound output is very low (even at full volume) from the driver's speaker and it is barely audible with a fuzzy/scratchy noise from the passenger speaker. I cannot figure out if it's something internally wrong with the radio causing this issue, or the speakers are at fault. I am leaning toward the speakers since all the radio functions (volume control, treble, bass, balance, and station select) work, but I really don't know. I am hoping someone's experience/expertise with 1987-1991 Ford truck factory audio systems could help me diagnosis my issue.
Thanks,
William
I own a 1990 Ford F150 XLT Lariat regular cab and the factory radio, which I would like to retain as opposed to installing an aftermarket unit, has never worked right since I purchased the truck. The sound output is very low (even at full volume) from the driver's speaker and it is barely audible with a fuzzy/scratchy noise from the passenger speaker. I cannot figure out if it's something internally wrong with the radio causing this issue, or the speakers are at fault. I am leaning toward the speakers since all the radio functions (volume control, treble, bass, balance, and station select) work, but I really don't know. I am hoping someone's experience/expertise with 1987-1991 Ford truck factory audio systems could help me diagnosis my issue.
Thanks,
William
#2
08-10-2018, 12:58 AM
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#3
08-10-2018, 10:36 AM
My first guess would be speaker issues. They are old and likely dried out and not responding very well to electric input...thus don't make much noise.
Not saying it couldn't be something in the radio(amp) that isn't putting out the power it once did. If you don't have another radio or speaker to test, new speakers are cheaper to buy.
Not saying it couldn't be something in the radio(amp) that isn't putting out the power it once did. If you don't have another radio or speaker to test, new speakers are cheaper to buy.
#6
08-21-2018, 10:44 AM
Temporarily Deactivated
You can use a flashlight battery to test speakers. Just a quick touch should get you a crackle. See if you get the same crackle on all of the speakers.
I bought a pioneer head unit 10 years ago or so and have never regretted it. MP3 is great. A head unit that takes an SD card is great.
Buy the wiring kit so you don't have to butcher the original truck wiring. Keep the original for reinstallation if you like.
I bought a pioneer head unit 10 years ago or so and have never regretted it. MP3 is great. A head unit that takes an SD card is great.
Buy the wiring kit so you don't have to butcher the original truck wiring. Keep the original for reinstallation if you like.
#7
08-21-2018, 11:58 AM
Lead Driver
The old paper speakers aren’t doing you any favors. As others have mentioned replace those first. To me it sounds like the head unit is bad. You could try to get a replacement OEM radio from the junkyard. As far as aftermarket radios are concerned, Crutchfield includes any wiring adapters for free. At least they did the last few times I purchased from them.
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#8
08-21-2018, 02:50 PM
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