Car Stereos: Radio frequency skips, buick lasabre, salvage yard

Question
QUESTION: What would cause the original radio in my 94 Buick LaSabre to automatically change bands/frequency (am to fm1 to fm2 back to am, etc.) every few seconds.  Radio works fine otherwise.

ANSWER: Richard, There is probably a sticking "band" button.  If it is not sticky, it has just been pushed enough where has worn out and is shorting itself inside the radio.  You may try pushing the button a few times to see if you can "work it loose", but otherwise, it will probably require professional repair.  Hope this helps, Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Scott,  Thanks for the quick response.  We very rarely changed the band and the problem started slowly and kept getting worse over time.  The button doesn't seem sticky so I'm guessing its inside the radio.  I've already taken the radio out of the car and am fairly handy with fixing things.  We live "out in the middle of nowhere" - 50 miles to the nearest WalMart.  Is there a particular part I could replace (is there a possibility of multiple problems) or am I stuck with trying to locate a professional.  Thanks again,  Richard

Answer
With the problem slowly getting worse over time and little usage, I would say the problem is definitely an internal short.  Normally, there is a circuit board along the inside face of the radio.  It is connected to the main circuit board of the radio via a thin wire ribbon.  It is very hard to discern which wire is the one that goes to the band button, but you may be able to see a bare spot or a area that looks a little black around it.  It may be on the inside front panel board, the wire ribbon, or the main circuit board.  I would guess it is where the wire ribbon is connected to one of the boards.  The other option may be to call your local salvage yard and buy a used one out of an old wrecked car.  Most any GM radio from around that year should fit your car.  Good Luck, Scott