Radio has no sound

[Scruffybeast]

The radio in my 88 TC (premium sound) has been inoperative since I bought the car. It lights up when turned on, but no sound. Today, I removed the large, heavy amplifier from the trunk. It has a fuse socket on the amplifier itself, and the fuse was blown. Replacing it resulted in another blown fuse. There must be an internal short of some kind. Hope I can find a shop willing to tackle it. Has anybody run into this problem before? The amplifier is the JBL type. Scruffybeast

[Dibly74]

I had the same problem when I bought my 89 it had an innoperative premium JBL system in it. The previous owner told me it was the amp and he wasn't lying but the head unit was bad after I replaced the amp. It did the same thing yours did. The head units are hard to find in good working condition. I bought two from the local junk yard and the first one didn't work and the second one was the last one they had and it was in a Mark VII. There are two type of amps but the both have the same connectors. Mine was the one you described with the fuse that was bad and I coulden't find one liek that so I put the regular amp in it and it worked just fine. I wonder if they make a difference in sound being the premium amp? Someone else on here can probally answer that one

[joedogg]

I think your best bet would be an aftermarket CD player and a rewire to the sound system. Just run wires to the speakers from the new head unit. It'll probably sound better anyway.

I know you cannot connect a aftermarket headunit to the amp. This will fix everything.

This kinda makes me wish I'd kept my factory amp and deck. I didn't think I'd ever find a use so I think they got pitched when I got too fed up with the garage being full. Wish I still had a garage too.

[Scruffybeast]

Thanks guys, for the information about my dead radio. Kind of makes repairing either piece a crap shoot. I know I can get a decent aftermarket radio and mounting bits for around $100. That might not be equal to "premium" sound, but it sure would beat silence! I think it is possible to get adapter wiring and plugs that eliminate the need to completely rewire, although some of the wiring kits get really pricey, around $100 just for the wiring alone. It will be a bit of a pain, but rewiring the speakers from scratch will cost a lot less. Scruffybeast

[gadget73]

Actually most decent aftermarket stereos sound better than the stock premium sound. I always thought the highs to be muted on the stock sound system, but my hearing is slightly off, and I like a lot of treble in my music. I can tell you that stock premium sound is terrific if the speakers are upgraded and the entire car is loaded with sound deadning materials. I assisted with a build on an 88 TC, the underside and the entire interior were sprayed with a product called Lizard Skin, which is a latex based undercoating used for rust proofing and sound deadning. The stock 88 premium sound system was re-installed (original radio died) with Infinity speakers. Wow is all I can say.

[zogltc]

I had a similar issue with my 89 TC...I pulled the radio and sent it to a guy who fixes them...cost $97, but that included return postage. He returned the radio within a week, and included the 40+ parts he replaced.

The radio plays perfectly.....money well spent. I'll look for his name and address if you are interested...

[87 town]

Thanks guys, for the information about my dead radio. Kind of makes repairing either piece a crap shoot. I know I can get a decent aftermarket radio and mounting bits for around $100. That might not be equal to "premium" sound, but it sure would beat silence! I think it is possible to get adapter wiring and plugs that eliminate the need to completely rewire, although some of the wiring kits get really pricey, around $100 just for the wiring alone. It will be a bit of a pain, but rewiring the speakers from scratch will cost a lot less. Scruffybeast

For me, I went to best buy and got a pioneer am/fm/cd installed. the radio was like $100. and approx. $40. for wiring. If you go this way though, make sure they "realize" you have premium sound system, (something to do with special wiring)...Came out great though and the face plate they used fit nicely with no gaps. Was a good decision. Sound is excellent with original speakers. Hold on to the original radio though. You can either sell in the future or just keep it in case you want to keep her original for the future. Hope your antenna is good. Mine was somewhat rotted cuz of rust along the driver door panel and radio reception came and went, (mostly went). No biggie though, easy rewire if needed with new antenna wire.

[joedogg]

Actually most decent aftermarket stereos sound better than the stock premium sound. I always thought the highs to be muted on the stock sound system, but my hearing is slightly off, and I like a lot of treble in my music. I can tell you that stock premium sound is terrific if the speakers are upgraded and the entire car is loaded with sound deadning materials. I assisted with a build on an 88 TC, the underside and the entire interior were sprayed with a product called Lizard Skin, which is a latex based undercoating used for rust proofing and sound deadning. The stock 88 premium sound system was re-installed (original radio died) with Infinity speakers. Wow is all I can say.
There are not enough wires in the factory harness to accomodiate all speakers. The speaker connects are on the amp at the back.