Help me with my radio...

[Matthew Pierce]

I have had a problem with my radio for a long time in my 1990 740T. Its a
TD-6141 with the EQ underneath. The radio cuts out the front speakers if I
turn it up too loud.

Finally today I decide to remove the EQ section and see if the problem
persists, well I do that and the radio now sounds like a little AM pocket
receiver. I can hear it but barely, I have to turn it up all the way.

I thought the head could power the speakers without the EQ. Why didn't this
work? By the way I couldn't find the amplifier above the kneeboard to the
left of the steering wheel. Its just not there and I thought they put amps
in all the cars.

I need some help before I break down and buy a new radio...

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Peter K L Milnes]

Some radio installations only used the dashboard end speakers. These were
small diameter twin speaker units at each end of the dashboard (oblong
grills). The other speakers (doors and rear parcel shelf or D-pillars) were
meant to be powered from the separate amplifier where fitted. The connection
from head to amplifier is by a DIN connector lead from rear of head unit to
the amplifier. The amplifier usually sits up under the dashboard on right
hand side.

Cheers, Peter.

 

[Matthew Pierce]

I'll look again for the amplifier. This 1990 740 Sedan only has speakers on
all 4 doors. So the amp is not the Equalizer correct?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Peter K L Milnes]

That is quite correct Matt. The amp is a smallish black box, the equaliser
is usually part of the radio head or sits under it. I would expect the
problem to be caused by a loose connection, possibly the power feed to the
amp.

Cheers, Peter.

 

[Matthew Pierce]

Peter,

Many thanks for your continued help. Obviously its time to take off that
kneeboard and wiggle those connections.

Another question, if I remove the radio will I have to input the security
code when I plug it back in? I don't have this code and will have to track
it down. I want to clean up the radio outside of the car but won't bother if
I have to mess with this security code business.

Matt

 

[Peter K L Milnes]

It would be advisable to find out the code before removing the radio. It may
be that the code has been eliminated or changed since first installation. If
the code has been deleted there is no need to find one as the radio will
work perfectly OK. If it has been changed then you will have to find the
previous owner for confirmation. Otherwise the dealer should be able to tell
you by checking against the VIN. There may be enough slack in the radio
wiring to enable it to be pulled out clear enough for you to clean it.

Cheers, Peter.

Peter,

Many thanks for your continued help. Obviously its time to take off that
kneeboard and wiggle those connections.

Another question, if I remove the radio will I have to input the security
code when I plug it back in? I don't have this code and will have to track
it down. I want to clean up the radio outside of the car but won't bother
if I have to mess with this security code business.

Matt

<snipped>

 

[Mike F]

TD 6141 has no radio code.

If you remove the graphic equalizer, there is a bridge that plugs into
the same connector that the equalizer plugs into.

The amplifier is the likely cause of your original complaint - follow
the DIN cable plugged into the rear of the radio, to the amp that is
located over the driver's feet, above that plastic kick panel. However,
if you're really lucky, just plugging and unplugging that DIN cable at
the back of the radio may fix your problem.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

NOTE: new address!!
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

[Matthew Pierce]

Thanks Mike.

There is no amplifier! I removed the kneepanel and I see the bracket where
it may have been at one time but its not there now. The speakers are
aftermarket Pioneer in the front and Boston Acoustic in the back and
something funky must have gone on when the guy installed them.

Where would he hide the amplifier?

Thanks...

MP

 

[Mike F]

Thanks Mike.

There is no amplifier! I removed the kneepanel and I see the bracket where
it may have been at one time but its not there now. The speakers are
aftermarket Pioneer in the front and Boston Acoustic in the back and
something funky must have gone on when the guy installed them.

Where would he hide the amplifier?

Thanks...

MP

You have to be able to find it if you follow the wires. Is there a DIN
cable (similar to the graphic equalizer) plugged into the back of the
radio?

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

[Rusty]

The amp itself is under the panel above the drivers knees.

RS