Radio does not always work
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Princeton, MN
Radio does not always work
Two days ago, when I started my X, the radio would not come on, to display either. About 30 seconds later it turned on. It has now happened a couple of times the past two days. This morning it would not come on after driving a couple of miles. I pulled over, turned off the truck and then restarted it. The radio then came on. Any ideas on what the problem is?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 423
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From: Providence, RI
My radio is also lazy, but much worse; sometimes it won't come on until 5-10 minutes in (worse in cold weather), sometimes ALL the display-lights are illuminated and it doesn't work, and sometimes, it comes on, but there is no sound from the speakers.
Given the flaky nature of this problem, I'm guessing it's a problem internal to the radio, rather than in the wiring-harness (no other features or accessories in the truck are affected).
Given the flaky nature of this problem, I'm guessing it's a problem internal to the radio, rather than in the wiring-harness (no other features or accessories in the truck are affected).
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 85
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From: KC
Had the same problem with my 03. At start up my radio & power windows would not work for a few minutes on ocassion. Dealer tech. said it was probably something to do with the components tied to the 5 minute delay after turning vehicle off, and not opening the door. Never had it fixed, traded it in last month.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 20
This sounds like a interior power panel relay problem. The relays that Ford uses are good quality but over time the contacts become pitted and/or blackened and need to be inspected and cleaned.
It is simple to procedure. Remove the relay and remove the cover by prying the 4 little clips out and remove the plastic cover. The relay arm should come off when you remove the spring. This allows for easy cleaning and inspection. I clean the contacts with a Dremel tool wire wheel. You will be surprised at the amount of residue on the contacts. I had this happen to me on the "delay" relay that turns the interior/exterior lights off after I get out of the vehicle. That relay gets a lot of cycles.
I believe OEM replacement relays are about $20 each. If you have the time and have owned your X for a while, I would suggest you remove each relay and inspect and clean. Or if you have about $140 you can buy all new replacement relays. You will be surprised how much better stuff will work.
DSMMH
It is simple to procedure. Remove the relay and remove the cover by prying the 4 little clips out and remove the plastic cover. The relay arm should come off when you remove the spring. This allows for easy cleaning and inspection. I clean the contacts with a Dremel tool wire wheel. You will be surprised at the amount of residue on the contacts. I had this happen to me on the "delay" relay that turns the interior/exterior lights off after I get out of the vehicle. That relay gets a lot of cycles.
I believe OEM replacement relays are about $20 each. If you have the time and have owned your X for a while, I would suggest you remove each relay and inspect and clean. Or if you have about $140 you can buy all new replacement relays. You will be surprised how much better stuff will work.
DSMMH
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Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
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Apr 23, 2004 10:49 PM
