What's wrong with my radio?

[oddball7465]

I've just got the factory radio in my 1999 Dodge Dakota. One day I was driving and my am/fm went out. The radio still works, it still plays cassettes. It's just when I try the am/fm all I get is static. I took the radio out and made sure everything was hooked up correctly, which it was. I then tried a new antenna, but still no luck. So I guess it's either something is fried in the radio, or the antenna cable needs replaced.

I was thinking of going ahead and replacing the antenna cable, but I was hoping for your input first. Also, if it is the antenna cable, how would one replace it exactly? I don't exactly know how to thread from the inside of my fender into the cab.

Thanks in advance!

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[Edwardsmj789 10+ year member]

I've just got the factory radio in my 1999 Dodge Dakota. One day I was driving and my am/fm went out. The radio still works, it still plays cassettes. It's just when I try the am/fm all I get is static. I took the radio out and made sure everything was hooked up correctly, which it was. I then tried a new antenna, but still no luck. So I guess it's either something is fried in the radio, or the antenna cable needs replaced.
I was thinking of going ahead and replacing the antenna cable, but I was hoping for your input first. Also, if it is the antenna cable, how would one replace it exactly? I don't exactly know how to thread from the inside of my fender into the cab.

Thanks in advance!

i would suggest replacing your stereo. or either take it to a car/audio specialist to fix your problem. there are too many variables to discuss online.

 

[dumple 5,000+ posts]

i would suggest replacing your stereo. or either take it to a car/audio specialist to fix your problem. there are too many variables to discuss online.

are you only saying this because you have no clue what's going on with his radio?

 

[Edwardsmj789 10+ year member]

the stereo may be faulty

the antenna input could have went bad

the internal wiring could be broken

check your harness in the back to make sure everything is connected properly

check the fuses. there is one where all of your other fuses to your electrical. also your radio should have one on the back.

the solder joints may be bad as well.

all i can think of without checking it out. If it were my vehicle.... i would personally replace the unit or atleast try another one to see if the wiring is bad.

 

[dumple 5,000+ posts]

the stereo may be faultythe antenna input could have went bad

the internal wiring could be broken

check your harness in the back to make sure everything is connected properly

check the fuses. there is one where all of your other fuses to your electrical. also your radio should have one on the back.

the solder joints may be bad as well.

all i can think of without checking it out. If it were my vehicle.... i would personally replace the unit or atleast try another one to see if the wiring is bad.

Atleast me know you can read what the op posted, factory headunits most of the time don't have fuses on the back.

 

[tpmeredith 10+ year member]

I've just got the factory radio in my 1999 Dodge Dakota. One day I was driving and my am/fm went out. The radio still works, it still plays cassettes. It's just when I try the am/fm all I get is static. I took the radio out and made sure everything was hooked up correctly, which it was. I then tried a new antenna, but still no luck. So I guess it's either something is fried in the radio, or the antenna cable needs replaced.
I was thinking of going ahead and replacing the antenna cable, but I was hoping for your input first. Also, if it is the antenna cable, how would one replace it exactly? I don't exactly know how to thread from the inside of my fender into the cab.

Thanks in advance!

Really I honestly doubt that your antenna cable went bad, also doubt that your antenna itself went bad. It's more likely that your stock headunit is going bad. I'd check your fuses in the fusebox (not likely that it's the issue as it would generally disable the entire stock headunit)

Replace the headunit, I'm 95% certain that'll fix it.

 

[dumple 5,000+ posts]

Does the truck have a powered antenna

 

[oddball7465]

Does the truck have a powered antenna

nope

 

[oddball7465]

How exactly would I change the headunit? The ones I see are half the size of the one in my truck.

 

[Phoenix Risen 10+ year member]

all you need to do is pick up a dash kit and a wiring harness.