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1998 Volkswagen Cabriolet Repair Question


Topics covered: Radio, Speaker, Antenna.
Mileage: 87,000 miles.

Asked on April 16, 2012

98 VW CABRIO - Replaced the radio; speakers stopped working

I replaced the factory installed radio with a beautiful AIWA CD/USB radio. The radio installed seamlessly, the harness fit perfectly into the VW's snap lock connections. I even pre-purchased the antenna converter. The unit powered up and immediately began searching out radio stations for pre-sets (18 available spots). I was about to select my first pre-set and all of a sudden quiet. The radio is on, I can switch or select stations, the "power or sound bars" are jumping up and down but no sound. I check all the fuses and relays, still nothing. I check the radio fuse it's fine, i check all the wires and wire connections all fine. Next day I take the radio back to Best Buy they jack it in and bang, sound out the ying yang. They check the harness, no problems. I bring everything home re-connect and still no sound. WTF!! any clues? thanks.

Avatar Asked by echinopsman

Answer

Replied on April 16, 2012

have you tested yours speakers?

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

Yes, they work.

Tiny Response from echinopsman
1 question asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

does old radio work speakers if you try it again?

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked

Replied on April 16, 2012

yes

Tiny Response from echinopsman
1 question asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

are speakers original equipment?

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

yes, the only item changed was the radio. As I said, the speakers worked initially with the new unit.

Tiny Response from echinopsman
1 question asked

Replied on April 16, 2012

does your radio manual have a trouble shoot section? any chance mute is enabled like poor reception?

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

Yes I have a manual. I'll check the mute function again when I get home this evening. Pretty sure that's not it though. I confirm tomorrow. Thanks.

Tiny Response from echinopsman
1 question asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

This might not be a fix... but it could be part of the issue.

Read this:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/aftermarket-radio.html

One if the wires has to be interfering with the new radio or the
radio with the stock wiring.

Thomas

Tiny Answered by exovcds
0 questions asked
Replied on April 16, 2012

"I was about to select my first pre-set and all of a sudden quiet."

Are we to assume there was some sound at first, then it quit? If there was never any sound, the car probably has an external amplifier that needs a turn-on signal. All aftermarket radios have a wire for that. It is usually blue and may be labeled "power antenna" or "remote".

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,277 answers provided