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Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude

posted by  U.S. Diver on  Tue May 28 12:23 CST 2024
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Hi,

My all-original CR 718 increasingly shows its age.

While the tape deck unit soldiers on, the right channel is increasingly missing in action. Lots of snap and crackle.

Brief phone calls to Voluparts and Erie Vovo come up empty on replacements.

Replacement CR 718's on Ebay do not inspire confidence-- and neither do their sellers.

Any suggestions?

For anybody who has replaced theirs with a new one, any suggestions or advice? Any particular models to recommend or avoid?

Thanks,

Alex








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    Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude

    posted by  Dave Stevens on  Tue May 28 14:44 CST 2024
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    last visit: Sun Jan 1 02:36 CST 2012
    [RELATED]

    The stock CR-718 cassette stereos used in the later 940s are not known as reliable or repairable. I've gone through two in each 940 before giving up. Generally it's the panel and/or tuner that locks up. Crackle can be the speakers failing unless associated with turning the volume knob, then it would be a worn volume rheostat. Use the fader and balance control to see if you can isolate the crackle to one speaker.

    I've put mid-priced Sony MEX stereos in both cars and am very happy with them, both for sound and looks in the dash. I especially like the improved panel layout and bass boost with the newer MEX-N5300BT model. You can change both the the LED colors and brightness to suit your tastes and even match the rest of the dash lighting. They have a CD player with a nice little remote control. Anything much higher end than that would deserve a speaker upgrade as well. You tie the 940 dash tweeters in parallel with the front door speakers. Lots of AM and FM presets. These are bluetooth handsfree phone capable (suopports two phones) with a separate microphone (that I attach to the blank switch plate next to the ignition switch). They also support bluetooth audio devices and have both USB memory stick (my player of choice) and audio player device (iPod) ports as well as Pandora and Sirius satellite receiver capability. The faceplate pops off for safe storage when not in use if you wish. Crutchfield is where to get them as well as the needed 700/900 dash DIN slot adapter and radio harness adapter. Installation is fairly straightforward. It will take time to get used to the dial menus used in all newer radios as there are numerous settings and options.
    --
    Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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      Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude

      posted by  Dave Stevens on  Tue May 28 20:29 CST 2024
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      last visit: Sun Jan 1 02:36 CST 2012
      [RELATED]

      BTW If the crackle is from the volume knob, try rotating the volume knob back and forth a zillion times to smooth out the wiper and carbon inside the rheostat. The crackle may soon come back, or it may give you a few more months of crackle-free use. If this trick works, you can keep the game up for quite a long time.
      --
      Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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        Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude

        posted by  U.S. Diver on  Wed May 29 09:34 CST 2024
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        Thanks, Dave-- I appreciate your suggestions. Yes, I believe it is the rheostat. It crackles and the right side speakers drop out, except on a few spots, where they will boom in. I will try your rotating trick.

        I've never before done a stereo install. Do I need a wiring diagram? Is there an amplifier that I need to rewire? What kind of difficulty can I expect as a first timer? Thanks so much.








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          Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude

          posted by  Dave Stevens on  Wed May 29 15:27 CST 2024
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          last visit: Sun Jan 1 02:36 CST 2012
          [RELATED]

          The CR-915 used in the final 940s does not use an external amplifier. The CR-718 used in the earlier 940s and later 740s in the North American market does use a separate amp. You can simply bypass it as most newer radios have an adequate internal amp unless you're trying to drive the speakers to the point of rattling the doors.

          If you get to the stage of needing to replace the radio, start here in the FAQ
          https://brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/RadioAntenna.htm#AddingAftermarketRadio
          and this feature article
          https://brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/RadioStereoInstall.htm

          Getting the old radio out can be a bit tricky if you've never done it before. It can also be a bit laborious to get the center console side panels off in order to get at everything or if you ever need to remove the radio tray. Tips can be found in the FAQ on all this as well as posting here for further advice. My last radio install was done in under an hour from start to finish; half of that was soldering up and heat shrinking the connections to make it a professional job.
          --
          Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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            Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude 900 1994

            posted by  U.S. Diver on  Fri May 31 11:05 CST 2024
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            So I used your trick of rotating the volume knob up and down repeatedly-- and to my surprise--it seems to work to bring back the right side and reduce the crackle.

            No idea how long it will last, of course.

            I have researched the job on here and at Crutchfield, and if necessary I will do so.

            But thanks for the good tip, Dave, and all the information. I appreciate it!

            Alex








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              Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude 900 1994

              posted by  B.B. on  Fri May 31 13:05 CST 2024
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              last visit: Mon Oct 6 13:15 CST 2014
              [RELATED]

              Hi,

              This is a common problem with volume and stereo balance control pots.
              Your radio sits above the ashtray and the pots can collect nicotine and other grunge to disturb happy operations. The old solution was to use tuner cleaner sold by Radio Shack and others.

              Easy to use: Pull the knob off the offending control, spray with the nozzle tube directly into the center shaft where it goes through the support bushing, and work back and forth as you did. It will clean and lube usually with good results without having to remove the radio.

              Rat Shack is kaput and looking for new sources for tuner cleaner,
              check this link with several good options.

              https://www.amazon.com/s?k=radio+shack+contact+cleaner&ref=nav_bb_sb

              Walmart carries CRC contact cleaner about $10.
              Amazon offers WD-40 contact cleaner for $8 non residual cleaner
              DeOxit has a few options at steep prices.

              I still have old fashioned tuner cleaner here, so I haven't tried this stuff.
              but I'd try the CRC or WD-40 contact cleaners first.

              Good luck, Bill








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            Volvo 940 CR 718 radio decrepitude 900 1994

            posted by  U.S. Diver on  Fri May 31 11:05 CST 2024
            Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS] [RELATED]

            So I used your trick of rotating the volume knob up and down repeatedly-- and to my surprise--it seems to work to bring back the right side and reduce the crackle.

            No idea how long it will last, of course.

            I have researched the job on here and at Crutchfield, and if necessary I will do so.

            But thanks for the good tip, Dave, and all the information. I appreciate it!

            Alex







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