Audio Systems: car radio, car stereos, ford fiesta

Question
Hi Tom,

I have a 1999 ford fiesta with the original factory fitted radio/cassette (4000 RDS). Recently the display keeps displaying PHONE. When this happens I lose the ability to use either the radio or cassette. The problem was coming and going at unpredictable times but has been permanent for the last three days now. There is nothing in the manuafacturer's book that correlates to this problem.

Can you throw some light on it please?

Thanks
Val


Answer
Val,
Some models of car stereos have a muting lead that mutes out the radio sound and the display will show PHONE. This option is used when you have factory installed cell phone in the vehicle. The audio will go the mute when the cell phone is turned on to use it or in some cases the radio sound will be muted out when an incoming call comes in. If you don't have a cell phone installed in the vehicle, the mute lead may be shorting to ground. The problem could also be due to something inside the stereo that is shorting out.


TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net