I have 95 XLT with the stock AM/FM cassette radio. Recently the AM/FM button quit working and it's stuck on AM due to a battery disconnect/reconnect. The button doesn't appear to be stuck/pushed in and if feels normal, it just doesn't do anything. Has anyone run into this problem or have any ideas?

 

i got an idea. get a new radio. simple. unless you want to keep it original then go find an original in a junkyard.

 

I have had that problem before. It is an easy fix if you want to go through the hassle of opening the radio case to get to the face plate controls. What is happening here is there is something under the button that is not letting it make contact with the control pad. Dirt and dust can build up in there and make the contacts non functional. Clean out this section and it should start to work fine. If that does not work then it is the circuit that is faulty. If that is the case then you need to find out which circuit controls that button and trace down where the short is. Usually it is a capacitor or a resistor that is the culprit and can be replaced very easily. Is not that then I don't know what it could be. Other then that just buy a new deck. Just remember if your year and make of vehicle has a built in Amp from the Manufacturer then you will have to go to that to hook up your deck power, accessories , remote, and speakers. You can't use the wires that are on the original deck for they are just to control and detect for the alarm and other function like steering wheel controls. all the wires that you need to use are located on the manufacturer amp. If you don't want to do that then just by pass it and put your own in. Very easy to do there as well. If you have any questions Just Email me @ aahz1969@aol.com. I will try to help in any way I can. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the reply. Dirt under the button sounds like a possibility. Once the radio is out, how much of an effort is it to open the case to get under the buttons? Any special tools needed?

 

I am not sure as to what model you have so I can't say how hard it will be. If it is like most of them then it may be a bit of a pain. There may be some screws that hold the control plate in place but also may be tabs. Not sure like I said. If you can gain access to the face plate be careful when you remove it for there are many loose pieces in there and be sure that you remember where all the pieces go. If not then you are in for a fun time trying to figure out where everything goes. When you do get to that point just clean the contacts and contact pads with some electronics cleaner. DON'T use rubbing alcohol for this can damage the circuits! That should do the trick. If not go with my other recommendation with the circuits. Let me know what you find and if this helped.

 

Oh and remember! If it is the circuits and you find the resister or capacitor that is the problem remember to put in the same voltage for the resister and voltage AND Microfarad capacitor. You can go higher then the original Microfarad on the capacitor but not always recommended on these type of radios. Be specific. If you can't figure out which it is just go to the schematics online for the model radio and it should tell you there. Or just have an electronics shop that deals with that do it for you. GOOD LUCK