Are you having issues with your car radio? As a car owner, do you ask yourself, “why does my radio turn on but make no sound?”
Bother no more. This negative occurrence could be a result of some faults, which we will list in this post.
As a driver, you should know what to do if the radio in your vehicle starts up but produces no audio whatsoever. For your benefit, we have provided a few solutions. Additionally, we advise you to read through the post to learn what solutions users could apply to solve these issues.
Let’s take a tour through the post!!!
Why Does My Radio Turn On But No Sound?
When you turn on your car radio and get to notice that no audio is being heard, you will need to check each set of wires and speakers to be sure no wire or lead is connected to a chassis ground. The radio will see this as a short and turn off the internal amplifier causing the on but no sound issue. Each speaker connected to the radio needs dedicated positive and negative leads from the radio to each speaker.
It shouldn’t indicate a problem in the vehicle whenever the radio in the car switches on but makes zero audio.
If a component of the car begins to malfunction, most individuals become frantic; however, in this instance, the difficulties were caused by innocuous things. This radio is not functioning for mainly four causes, which include:
1. Blown Fuse
Vehicle radios contain fuses, like many similar electrical devices, which shield them mostly from power generated by specific electrical components. However, for instances in which an overwhelming voltage is discharged to the vehicle’s sound system, that could cause the fuses to explode abruptly.
Your radio would most certainly restart after a faulty fuse is replaced. However, ensure nothing is to blame for the replacement fuse blowing soon following placement. Users may have to go to a mechanic’s facility due to an electric motor malfunction.
One will require supplies to replace a vehicle radio fuse:
- Needle-plier or fuse puller
- Vehicle Guide
- New fuse for the radio
All methods are outlined below:
- Put the car in park and stop the car. While replacing the fuse, do not keep your car running.
- find your fuse panel. Remember, the fuse panel is typically located on the car’s dashboard. Additionally, it is below the speedometer.
- Look over the fuse schematic. If there’s trouble understanding your fuse layout, see the device owner’s guide.
- Once you’ve found that fuse, grasp the fuse with a fuse puller.
- Change that worn-out fuse. Buy a fresh fuse, then install them into that location.
- Place the starter keys inside the vehicle lock.
- Verify your radio’s functionality by turning them up.
Also Read: Chevy Sonic Error Code 82 (Meaning, Causes & Solutions)
2. Faulty Speaker
The more a speaker ages, the least efficient it becomes at producing the motion needed to generate audio signals. There is a considerable probability that the speaker won’t make any audio if the cables connecting them are installed improperly.
This issue can be easily identified by listening to cracking audio emanating from the radio; it may worsen over time.
You will need these materials:
- Sandpaper
- Glue.
- Knife
- Voice coil and new speaker surround
- Glue
- Screwdriver
Observe the instructions below:
- Take out any broken speakers. Use the screwdriver to loosen all attachment bolts. Cut your engine down
- Disconnect every cable that is attached to the speakers.
- Remove this speaker’s surround. Next, cut a piece of said old foam using a scalpel. To remove this surround, users may alternatively utilize cutters.
- Take out the cone, previous glue, and voice coil last.
- Speaker maintenance. To get rid of dirt, utilize the air compressor cleanser.
- Renew the coil that is burned.
- Put the cone together.
- Install your replacement surround.
- Put your speaker together once more.
3. Faulty Tuner
Whether you’re experiencing issues using your CD player or the radio, your radio antennae could probably be broken. If vehicle reverse seems to be happening, the radio tuner would be unquestionably its issue. When trying a DIY solution, ensure the user identifies its real issue.
Thus, users could change the outdated antennae on their own.
You’ll require these required supplies:
- Pliers
- Lithium grease
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
One must take the following actions:
- Take out any broken pads. One must take off a trunk panel when its antennae have been mounted on the vehicle’s back fender.
- After loosening your motorbike with a wrench and screwdriver, detach the belt, antennae, and any remaining section-attached parts.
- Completely detach its antennae. Then, by using a fender, lower your mast.
- Find the source behind this issue. Disconnect its casing, gear covering, & screw coverings.
- Modify these bits.
- Reassemble all parts. Upon linking to its cord’s foot, completely extend its antennae.
- Wire up any electric systems.
4. Anti-theft Interference
Users might need to input a password to restore radio transmissions after several anti-theft setups cause interference.
Be certain users possess a proper code regarding the flat vehicle battery since this can potentially cause an issue.
When users have anything more to undertake, hire an expert and spare yourselves worry & financial waste.
5. Software Issues
Most of those radios inside contemporary automobiles are operated by software. The radio speakers may stop working if the software gets broken. Checking to verify if the software has been upgraded is one of several easy solutions in this situation. Be certain to update it to the recent edition if it isn’t already; thus, users will benefit from the newest improvements.
6. Problems with the Amplifier
Try including an amp in the installation to get the most out of the vehicle radio. Ramping upwards reduced voltage signals is its main use. Nevertheless, the amp could be an issue if the alternative radio comes up and no audio could be produced.
Users could experiment by taking the Amplifier out of the installation to check if anything happens. Unfortunately, if that Amplifier is the problem; therefore, you’ll have to fix or change it if it starts to produce noise once more.
7. Antenna Issues
If users use a CD player, the radio may occasionally come up; however, if users use an AM or FM radio, there won’t be any audio. Additionally, there are times that it has audio, yet everything one hears is noise. If faced with such problems, it is important to consider the antenna.
Most antennae, in the past, protruded from roofs and were made of metal or plastic. Many are now just cables that go beneath the bonnet, giving the installation a seamless appearance. In any case, ensure the antenna is securely attached to the radio, so you can receive sound and acquire stations from the area.
Change the antennas to replacement ones if that is its issue. To guarantee a lifetime, choose an alternative antenna manufactured with high-quality components. The antennas must be composed of solid components since they may be subjected to outside parts, which accelerates deterioration.
8. Loose Wiring
Although the vehicle is many years old, the radio connection malfunction is extremely unusual. The most probable scenario may be the wire breaking free due to frequent driving tremors and shocks.
9. Loose Head Unit Wiring
Users should first obtain accessibility to the rear to inspect the connections of your head unit. As a major anti-theft precaution, automobile stereos are purposefully tough to disconnect, so it is hardly as simple as one could assume. I’ll provide a link to a clip that demonstrates ways to replace an alternative radio; however, it will be up to you to devise a method for getting yours off without harming the head unit or the dashboard.
Simply rotate the head unit out of the dashboard by gradually pulling it backward. Inspect each cable and socket for looseness, but look within the dashboard for any weak couplings. The precise amount and kind of cables required for the head unit can be found inside that installation manual; however, remember that these might be purposely left unattached.
Finally, place your head unit in the original position after checking to verify if the radio functions.
10. Loose Amplifier Wires
The amp contains several cables coming into and flowing out towards the speaker, the same as the head unit. Examine the connections to determine if something is amiss about them. It’s interesting to note that the amp is frequently mounted in the luggage area at the rear of your automobile. Conduct some studies to determine the best places to search.
11. Loose Speaker Wires
Speakers are where all radio connection ultimately ends up. The reason is particularly applicable for solo speaker problems because I’ve never encountered a situation when broken speakers could turn down the full audio systems. Instead, experiment with the fader and balance to zone out the automobile’s left, right, back, and front to discover the broken speakers.
Locate speakers which aren’t producing audio by moving your ears toward the speakers. Next, inspect the cables after removing the speaker covering using a flathead screwdriver. The soldering station is required to reattach a frayed cable. Though it isn’t the most affordable equipment, it will nonetheless be less expensive than hiring an engineer in terms of time, cost, and energy. Additionally, it is yours to retain, and one can utilize it during subsequent maintenance.
Also Read: How To Reset Honda Accord Radio Code Error E
Frequently Asked Questions – Why Does My Radio Turn On But No Sound?
Is there a fuse for radio sound?
A damaged fuse is the probable cause of the radio’s unexpected demise. A minimum of one fuse is present in every vehicle radio, shielding it against power spikes from other parts of your automobile.
How do I reset my car radio?
Just put the ignition up, not the engine. Switch down your radio. To restart your radio, press and maintain the power switch for several minutes.
How do you tell if a speaker fuse is blown?
Check your fuse wire. The fuse needs to be changed when users observe a sizable split inside a wire or a black or metallic spot inside the glass.
What would cause speakers to stop working?
Tech claims that cables are the only reason why there is no audio in many cases. If there are slack connectors, the speaker may droop or start to crackle, but severed cables won’t be able to make any sound. To make sure they are all securely inserted in, inspect them all.
Is there a fuse for car speakers?
Car speakers don’t always have a fuse, but the head unit and Amplifier do. So if a short happens anywhere in the system, the fuse will be blown to prevent damage and electricity-caused fire.
Can a blown fuse cause speakers to not work?
The fuse is a purposefully vulnerable point inside the electrical system, so the answer is yes. The fuse shall blow in case of a power spike or shortage and cut off the circuits to stop every additional, much more costly part from breaking. Fuses may malfunction at anytime but often signify cabling or power supply issues.
Why is one of my speakers not working?
Since a vehicle radio permits users to turn down sounds on any side, verify the balance adjustments. If this isn’t a problem, the speaker’s cabling may be loosened or perhaps may have malfunctioned altogether.
Why does my radio have power but no sound?
In my article, I’ve covered why a working radio goes silent. The mute key would also be included because the user possibly had pushed it to answer a caller and forgotten to raise the volume back up.
Can a fuse blow for no reason?
A fuse can arbitrarily blast, even though they are credible. This is true of whatever factor. As I’ve already said, you would continue to maintain a check for these fuses, to make sure it was a chance fail rather than an electrical issue.
How long do fuses last in a car?
If the fuse box is stored properly, and the electrical cabling and elements remain in pristine condition, vehicle fuses often endure for years or even decades without malfunctioning.
Conclusion – Why Does My Radio Turn On But No Sound?
If you wish to fix the radio personality, you should follow the instructions. But not all are eager to replace a fuse. Due to the possibility that their vehicle is overly complicated, most individuals are reluctant to handle a little part of it.
For these reasons, if users need to do anything extra than just changing the radio antenna, we advise contacting your vehicle’s manufacturer. Additionally, you can verify with the manufacturer that built the audio if you just hired a vehicle.
Then somebody fixed a third-party radio because it typically comes with a guarantee. However, since you are aware of this, one can listen to the stereo without worrying.
Anything has an answer; therefore, all you must do to cure a straightforward issue with your vehicle’s audio system is to abide by instructions.