1998 Pontiac Grand Prix CD - RADIO PROBLEM

DERISK

MEMBER
1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

The factory am/fm/cd has sound only on the right side speakers, front and rear. Fade control moves sound from right front to right rear. Turning Balance control to the Left causes sound to diminish to nothing. How do I troubleshoot to determine if the cause is wiring or a bad circuit inside the player? Is changing radios something a do-it-your-selfer can do if the unit has a GM security code?

Sunday, September 12th, 2010 AT 12:34 AM

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

If one speaker on the left side were out, then you suspect the speaker and/or wiring. But if both speakers on that side are out, the suspect the radio.

In your case, these radios are notorious for failure in this exact manner.

Changing the factory radio won't be a problem. And you won't have to worry about that silly securty code ever again.

You could go to Best Buy and purchase a wiring harness which will plug directly into the factory harness. Then it's just a matter of changing the radios out. (You'll probably need an adapter to make the new radio fit properly, which Best Buy can also supply)

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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 6:30 AM