Audio Systems: 1998 explorer audio system volume doesnt work, volume control knob, electronic volume

Question
Volume control knob stopped working suddenly. Radio/CD works but you can't
change the volume. The Audio Sytem manual doesn't address this. Closest we
can find is referring to the "speed volume" increase but it soesn't spell out how
that works. Can you help>?

Answer
It may be defective or it may have a corruption of the electronic volume adjuster.  The volume control is not actually a mechanical volume controller, but it provides a digital stepper signal to the electronic volume control.

So, try a hard reset of the radio. I will give it a 50/50 probability of correcting it.  If it does not you may need repairs to it OR replace it.

Before doing a hard reset, make sure you have the anti-theft code in hand (if the radio unit is anti-theft protected. This code comes with the auto when delivered from the dealer to the first owner).

Turn off engine, remove key. Raise hood and loosen the positive terminal of the battery.  Pull the cable off the terminal for at least 30 minutes. (This will kill everything electrical in the car; you will need to reset the clock, etc. when powering it back up).  Reconnect the cable and try it again.

Let me know if you need more help.

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