Volvo RWD 900 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 1/2014 900 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Radio volume control 900 1993

I have had trouble with the volume control knob on my factory radio (the SC8100, I believe?). Whenever I turn the knob, very loud static comes through the speakers. The static stops when I stop turning the knob, but it is annoying. A more serious related problem is that I get sound from only one side or the other, depending on how I press on the knob (laterally). As the volume is turned up, this "non-stereo" problem goes away, but at normal listening levels, I only get one side.

I tried to fix the problem by removing the radio and blowing pressurized air (normally used for computer maintenance) into and around the internal workings of the volume control (figuring there was some dirt on the contacts). This helped for a few days, but it got worse again.

Has anyone else had this problem? Even better, has anyone fixed this problem??

Thanks!








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Radio volume control 900 1993

    Your radio has a knob-based balance control: press the knob, rotate, and the sound will move to right or left. Spraying some contact cleaner in the switch might help: get a can at Radio Shack. Follow with compressed air.








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Radio volume control 900 1993

      The SC-810 does NOT have balance adjustment....








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        Radio volume control 900 1993

        Thanks, I am confusing it with the unit in my 740, which has a push-to-adjust balance control integral with the volume knob.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Radio volume control 900 1993

    My 86 240 has the same kind of problem - not sure what model of radio I have in there, but it does the exact same thing.

    I'm thinking it's probably a cold solder problem, or a bad rheostat on the volume control. If you are comfortable with a soldering iron, perhaps touch the main leads of the connections to the circut board with a hot iron, and see if that fixes it. Can't hurt, at least.

    -R








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Static is from a dirty 'pot' 900 1993

      I had this same problem on my radio, and fixed it with electronics cleaner from the hardware store (also available at Radio Shack). I'm a Creative Director at a TV station, and we see dirty "pots" (potentiometers) all the time on all kinds of equipment. You get a build-up of gunk (I think the technical term is "schmegg") and it causes that annoying static.

      Here's what you do: Remove the radio from the dash. It's a good idea to remove it from the car completely, because dirty cleaning fluid is going to seep out of the radio as you're spraying it. Then remove the casing so you can get at the inside of the unit. Spray the volume control of the radio generously with cleaner while vigerously working the volume control. Try to spray the stuff into the crevases (after all, the problem is on the inside of this "switch").
      If you have access to compessed air, it's not a bad idea to blow it out when you're done. If you don't have compressed air, let it dry out before you power the unit up again.

      While you're at it, I would clean any/all other switches as a preventive measure.

      Another word of advice, before you re-install everything, I would plug it in and check that the problem has been corrected. It may just need another good sqirt, and it's a lot easier to find out sooner than later.

      tvpierce
      --
      '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 Volvo Turbo Wagon (a family car w/flair), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.