Newbie Cry for Help: 1995 Chevy K1500 P/U Stereo

[Mike Kelly]

Hi,

I am sending this message into the cyber realm in hopes that someone can
introduce me to automotive mechanics and electronics. My first project, by
way of necessity, is to repair the AM/FM, Cassette, CD-ROM system in a 1995
K1500. I have a Chilton's book, which provides careful instructions on how
to remove the unit (and replace it), as well as some basic schematics (which
do not include line voltages, leaving one to assume 12VDC throughout--?).
What the Chilton's does not provide, that I can see, is a means of
determining what voltages and other indicators are provided to the actual
unit and its subordinate components. That makes a fault difficult to
isolate.

So, I need some help with an approach to this problem. The radio works, but
some of the indicators are not illuminated, and the buttons are not backlit.
Furthermore, the CD does not work. One possible cause to at least some of
the trouble is the loose change that appeared in the CD drive. Yes, I have
children...

Any help is appreciated, the more educational, the better.

Thanks,
Mike Kelly

 

[Lawrence Glickman]

Hi,

I am sending this message into the cyber realm in hopes that someone can
introduce me to automotive mechanics and electronics.

I'll see if I can get you hooked up with Bobby Socks on rec.auto.tech.

My first project, by
way of necessity, is to repair the AM/FM, Cassette, CD-ROM system in a 1995
K1500. I have a Chilton's book, which provides careful instructions on how
to remove the unit (and replace it), as well as some basic schematics (which
do not include line voltages, leaving one to assume 12VDC throughout--?).
What the Chilton's does not provide, that I can see, is a means of
determining what voltages and other indicators are provided to the actual
unit and its subordinate components. That makes a fault difficult to
isolate.

So, I need some help with an approach to this problem. The radio works, but
some of the indicators are not illuminated, and the buttons are not backlit.
Furthermore, the CD does not work. One possible cause to at least some of
the trouble is the loose change that appeared in the CD drive. Yes, I have
children...

Any help is appreciated, the more educational, the better.

Your fuel sending unit is either defective or has bad wiring.
Check with Bob, he can diagnose a problem from a Galaxy away.

Lg

 

[Comboverfish]

You have some common GM truck stereo issues here. Here is how they are
repaired normally.

You *can* get backlight bulbs for the radio buttons at the GM dealer.
I don't know how they are sourced otherwise. They will be expensive,
according to an authorized Delco radio repair shop owner I talked to
last year.

The CD player isn't worth attempting to "diagnose". It probably either
doesn't power up, or displays an error message. You can get a
remanufactured CD player exchange either at a local Delco rebuilder
(cheapest best option) or at the Dealer (same thing but marked up) or
through places like Ebay which are expensive but require no exchange.
Used units are available on Ebay but I wouldn't think of going that
route. They want over $100 for an ungaranteed used player -- no
thanks!

Toyota MDT in MO

 

[Bob M.]

Hi,

I am sending this message into the cyber realm in hopes that someone can
introduce me to automotive mechanics and electronics. My first project,
by
way of necessity, is to repair the AM/FM, Cassette, CD-ROM system in a
1995
K1500. I have a Chilton's book, which provides careful instructions on
how
to remove the unit (and replace it), as well as some basic schematics
(which
do not include line voltages, leaving one to assume 12VDC throughout--?).
What the Chilton's does not provide, that I can see, is a means of
determining what voltages and other indicators are provided to the actual

My recommendation would be to see if junkyards have one, they usually strip
the radio out before the car goes in the back lot, or go aftermarket with a
new radio. It's not worth fixing. Maybe dealers have used radios.

If some of the indicators are not working and they are part of the digital
display (probably a vacuum flourescent display but equally true if it's an
LCD) then it ain't worth fixin' because you'll need a whole new display, you
can't just fix what's broke on them. If you can get the display, that is.
It's probably not available without buying a complete circuit board, and I
doubt those are available either. Welcome to the world of throw-away
electronics.

The loose change in the CD drive probably shorted out something inside
there.

Not worth fixing - get a new or used radio to replace it.

If you want, there are still some hole-in-the-wall electronics repair places
that may be willing to look at it, but again it will cost as much for them
to just look at it as it would to buy a used one.

 

[Tim Kett]

actual

My recommendation would be to see if junkyards have one, they usually strip
the radio out before the car goes in the back lot, or go aftermarket with a
new radio. It's not worth fixing. Maybe dealers have used radios.

If some of the indicators are not working and they are part of the digital
display (probably a vacuum flourescent display but equally true if it's an
LCD) then it ain't worth fixin' because you'll need a whole new display, you
can't just fix what's broke on them. If you can get the display, that is.
It's probably not available without buying a complete circuit board, and I
doubt those are available either. Welcome to the world of throw-away
electronics.

The loose change in the CD drive probably shorted out something inside
there.

Not worth fixing - get a new or used radio to replace it.

If you want, there are still some hole-in-the-wall electronics repair places
that may be willing to look at it, but again it will cost as much for them
to just look at it as it would to buy a used one.

Dont even waste time hunting for a shop crazy enough to look at it !!!

Thats VERY TRUE ! Even the *best tech* in the TV/sterio shop wouldnt touch
it, and we both fixed alot of home CD players, even lots of Sony Walkman
ones. Modern factory CD car sterios are *nearly impossible* for even the
best Electronics Tech to fix, *especially if the CD player is broke* !!!
That unit is definately SCRAP !

Sorry ! :-(

 

[Tim Kett]

You have some common GM truck stereo issues here. Here is how they are
repaired normally.

You *can* get backlight bulbs for the radio buttons at the GM dealer.
I don't know how they are sourced otherwise. They will be expensive,
according to an authorized Delco radio repair shop owner I talked to
last year.

Suitable substitutes can be had cheaper, almost definately BUT *you are
totally right about the CD player* ! Its scrap ! At 1995, I would just
throw an aftermarket in it, but your suggestions are easier for the novice.

 

[Jerry G.]

Your set is not worth to service. There is no availability of parts for it.
The dealer will see a new set. There were some small contractors who where
buying up the old radios on exchange from the dealers, and re-building them
using old parts from other, and then reselling them for a very high price
with no warranty.

The CD section is impossible to service, by any practical means. Servicing
the CD section of most all players, especially the one you have, would take
a lot of knowledge, parts availability, and the proper test and calibration
setup.

As for the front panel, the parts are not available, and are not worth it.

You have 2 options here:

1) Bin the radio, and get a new one from the dealer (pay premium price).
2) Go to an aftermarket car radio shop, and buy a new radio with a warranty.

Note: Many of these car radios used proprietary speakers. When replacing the
radio to a different type, you will most likely need a new set of compatible
speakers for the radio you are buying.

--

I myself have a 1987 Pathfinder with only 55,000 miles on it. It was used
only for bad weather transportation such as in snow storms, or to transport
something when we were moving things that were too large to put in the car.
This SUV is in near new condition, because it is well maintained. Everywhere
I go, I get offers for it, but it is not for sale.

The radio died in it, and the speakers rotted out. The dealer wants a lot of
money for the original system. They were asking about $900 plus the local
taxes. This is over their parts counter, without any installation. A descent
aftermarket system is a lot cheaper, which is even better. I still never
replaced the radio. I may do something this spring, if I can find a deal
that I like.

I went to Sears, and for under $100, I bought a very nice AM / FM portable
radio. I sit it between the seats just to have the traffic reports. For a
few dollars more, I could have had one with a CD player, but I wouldn't be
listening to CD's while in the traffic. I wanted only the traffic reports
and the news.

--

Jerry G.
======


Hi,

I am sending this message into the cyber realm in hopes that someone can
introduce me to automotive mechanics and electronics. My first project, by
way of necessity, is to repair the AM/FM, Cassette, CD-ROM system in a 1995
K1500. I have a Chilton's book, which provides careful instructions on how
to remove the unit (and replace it), as well as some basic schematics (which
do not include line voltages, leaving one to assume 12VDC throughout--?).
What the Chilton's does not provide, that I can see, is a means of
determining what voltages and other indicators are provided to the actual
unit and its subordinate components. That makes a fault difficult to
isolate.

So, I need some help with an approach to this problem. The radio works, but
some of the indicators are not illuminated, and the buttons are not backlit.
Furthermore, the CD does not work. One possible cause to at least some of
the trouble is the loose change that appeared in the CD drive. Yes, I have
children...

Any help is appreciated, the more educational, the better.

Thanks,
Mike Kelly

 

[Doug]

We repair these units. I assume you are talking about an AM/FM/Cassette
unit with a remotely mounted CD deck. The lamps are Delco #16189302,
there are ten of them and it's best to replace all. They cost more than
you might expect.

The CD drives are normally a Panasonic product. The motors and pickups
are available from Panasonic, but you have to know where to find the
part numbers. All bets are off, however, if there has been electrical
damage from the loose change in the unit. If it uses the most common
Pana mechanism, the most frequent failure we've seen is the pickup. The
scenario is that the disc loads, spins while focus is attempted three
times, then ejects. This is typically about a $140.00 repair.

To service your unit the CD player must be connected to a compatible
host radio and a power supply. It's not a beginner's job. Check around,
I'm sure someone will at least check it out for you.

Good Luck.

 

[Comboverfish]

Jerry G. wrote:

As for the front panel, the parts are not available, and are not

worth it.

I don't agree with this, in reference to the OP's need for several
button backlight bulbs. GM parts can get the bulbs. Keep in mind a
parts department is only as good as the counter help you happen upon on
any given day...
And the independant Delco Authorized reman shops install new bulbs that
they source from a wholesale vendor, at a huge price savings. But they
also buy a load at a time and have a wholesale account setup. The OP
probably can't do this, so the GM dealer parts department is his only
easy option.

Note: Many of these car radios used proprietary speakers. When replacing the
radio to a different type, you will most likely need a new set of compatible
speakers for the radio you are buying.

This is not true. Most car stereos' built-in amps are quite hearty and
can handle just about anything next to a shorted load, and even then
some have short protection. You will, however, need to use a wire
harnass adapter or wire the generic aftermarket radio pigtail into the
factory wiring somehow to get sound to your existing speakers.


I agree that the OP could put in a fairly cheap aftermarket unit, even
one made specifically to fit that oversized GM opening. But a decent
mid priced unit will be aprox $200 - $250 whereas in my case I bought a
reman CD right from the independent shop with 1 year warrantee for
$180. I like the factory system and the way its laid out. I hate most
new radios with flashy junky vacuum flourescent or LCD displays and
dozens of tiny buttons. If the OP got just the bulbs he needed for the
radio and a new CD player he would come in well under the cost of a GM
direct fit Jensen plus harnass <or> a standard DIN sized unit plus
mounting kit plus harnass.

I'm not trying to be a jerk. I appreciate your comments but they
needed to be addressed.

Toyota MDT in MO

 

[Mike Kelly]

Thanks everyone for the advice--I didn't realize the quantity or speed of
response would so great, or I would have checked the groups earlier. I
probably should have known that there was no simple way to fix modern
electronics. Throw away society indeed. Well, I may look into parts for
the backlight, take out the CD and close the hole, and be done with it. The
ultimate goal is to sell the truck. With two kids, and their associated
friends, activities, and paraphernalia--well, the era of the mini-van has
come upon me, at least for awhile. Given that I intend to sell the truck,
it seems silly to put in a new or expensive replacement system, no?

Thanks again for the responses.

Mike Kelly