*** Intermittent FM reception

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Zag - 12 May 2005 06:48 GMT

Hi Folks,

I have a 960 with the "intermittent" radio problem. That is, the AM
stations and tape work perfectly but the FM radio will not lock on to
any station (just get static). Sometimes it'll start working if I tap
(or pound) it, sometimes not.

I know this problem has been reported a number of times before, but I
cannot locate any definite fix for the problem, short of replacing the
unit.

I'm wondering if anyone has found a definite fix for this problem that
I can try. I've pulled the radio from the car and checked the
connections, so I know that's not the problem.

The radio is an SC-810 (AM/FM/tape, no CD player).

BTW, for those wanting to keep their Volvo's "pure", replacement units
can be found on e-Bay for around $75 (including shipping) and units
with a CD player can be found for a bit over $200. However, if I can't
fix the problem myself, I'll just go out and buy a new radio.

Thanks,
Zag

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Michael Pardee - 12 May 2005 13:57 GMT

> Hi Folks,
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Thanks,
> Zag

The radio in our '85 760T did similar and a local shop repaired it for about
$75 US. Bad solder connections... in the tuner on ours.

Personally, I recommend going the "new radio" route. Having something new
and sparkly and with a CD player to show for your money has its own
satisfaction. If you elect to have the old one repaired, have the drive
belts changed while it is apart.

Mike

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John Robertson - 13 May 2005 11:08 GMT

We paid $120 au for our replacement radios which also packed up not enough
air flow .Mind you this is 2 740s. Finally I took the back off found a weak
solder spot by tapping whist the radio was playing re soldered that area and
its now fine in fact both have been redone again since being replaced
.Tempted to put a small 12 volt computer fan behind the radio to cool it
down .They sure get hot .A dry solder, a loose connection would be my first
thought .It was an easy fix and the smirk on the mechanics face so up set me
I sure wasn't going to buy another radio .

>> Hi Folks,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
>
> Mike

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Peter K L Milnes - 13 May 2005 01:05 GMT

Make sure that the problem is not caused by the aerial amplifier and
connectors, particularly if you have one of those "aerials in the window".

Signature

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

> Hi Folks,
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Thanks,
> Zag

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James Sweet - 14 May 2005 23:58 GMT

> Hi Folks,
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Thanks,
> Zag

The problem is usually dry or cracked soldering on one or more circuit
boards inside the radio. If you can get it operating on the bench and poke
at the circuit boards with a stick you may be able to track down the general
location of the problem.

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