Radio needs to warm up in 1997 K1500

[wjburken]

So my son’s 1997 K1500 has a little odd glitch with the radio. When you start the truck after it has sat for a while, the sound will cut out and come back multiple times and then stay on for the rest of the trip. Is this a known issue with these that there is an easy fix for or is this a “replace the radio” situation?

Here is a picture of the radio in case that helps.

 

[Fless]

It's probably a cold solder joint that makes better contact when it feels warmer temps, like after the power amp has created some heat. Could also be a faulty component or a loose speaker wire connection. How long does it take to stabilize?

You could open it up cold, leaving it connected, and hit various areas of the circuit board with a heat gun. Then when the sound stabilizes you'll probably be near the area needing work. Also, you can warm it up and use canned air, with the can inverted, to freeze various components to see if you can identify the area of the problem.

What's with the old guy equalizer settings? LOL

 

[Tonyrodz]

Now would be the perfect time to teach your son how to install a radio

 

[exp500]

Could also be a remote amp, but i think thats just for rear speakers. Wire runs by console so alot of problems there.
Could try replugging/cleaning connectors.

 

[wjburken]

Could also be a remote amp, but i think thats just for rear speakers. Wire runs by console so alot of problems there.
Could try replugging/cleaning connectors.

Thanks. Might pull the head unit and check/clean connections. Don’t know if there is a remote amp as this is a regular cab truck with power nothing.

 

[wjburken]

It's probably a cold solder joint that makes better contact when it feels warmer temps, like after the power amp has created some heat. Could also be a faulty component or a loose speaker wire connection. How long does it take to stabilize?

You could open it up cold, leaving it connected, and hit various areas of the circuit board with a heat gun. Then when the sound stabilizes you'll probably be near the area needing work. Also, you can warm it up and use canned air, with the can inverted, to freeze various components to see if you can identify the area of the problem.

What's with the old guy equalizer settings? LOL

When I pull the unit to check/clean connections I might crack it open and see what I find.

As for the Equalizer settings, I have no idea as my boys are the ones usually riding in it going to and from school.

 

[Fless]

Another thing to check and clean are the volume and equalizer controls. Some electronic cleaner (like CRC) might be good to spray and exercise them.

 

[drakon543]

just make sure you give everything plenty of time to dry back out if you use any solvents. even electronics cleaner should be allowed to fully dry off before reconnecting.

 

[Tonyrodz]

As for the Equalizer settings, I have no idea as my boys are the ones usually riding in it going to and from school.

Speakers might be totally shot, causing it to sound like crap with any kind of bass.

 

[movado750]

when that old we all need to warm up