This really sounds like the rheostat for the volume knob needs cleaning. It's easy and cheap to fix this problem. Get some Radio Shack tuner cleaner spray for less that $10 and pull off the plastic knob. Spray into the shaft and twirl the knob a few times to let the solution work in.

As old as the car is, and depending on the weather in your area, the foam surround on the speaker cone may have "rotted." Pull the grills off and check the area around the cone for tears or deterioration of the foam. If it is either of these, you may want to look into aftermarket speakers.

Depending on your type of music and how much bass you like, you may have blown the speakers also.

Why don't you just upgrade that old radio to a newer SC-816 with a built in CD player? You can find one on Ebay or most dealers will take your old radio in trade and $200 for a refurbished SC-816. It's a plug-n-play swap. You just need the one with the black faceplate to match the 850's interior.


Mike

My '94 850 had the same issue which happened through all of the speakers. An engineer friend told me it was the aging reostat in the volume control itself. Unfortunately, I don't have a fix-all. As a side note, the reason I put stock into this diagnosis is that I had the same issue with a stereo receiver at one time. The reostat (volume control knob) was internally cleaned and the problem was fixed. Just a thought.

Todd

You may also have a loose connection at the speaker. If they are soldered connections, just resolder. Did this with my son's volvo and crackel gone. The wiring flexing as the door opening and closing, along with temp variations does wear done the conductor.

Gary

Sounds like a possible torn, or dragging cone in one of the speakers. Also you may want to clean the volume control with tuner cleaner (spray can from Radio Shack). Drown it and let it dry...