Audio Systems: Pontiac/Delco Volume Control in 97 Grand Am, digital encoder, spray rock

Question
Hi,

I have a '97 Grand Am GT with a Delco stereo with CD player and equalizer. Lately the volume control has been acting up. When I try to turn the volume up, it goes down, and vice versa. Most of the time the volume goes down when I try to turn it up. Sometimes it actually does go up, and sometimes it really goes up! It is driving me crazy. I had the display bulb go out on me a few years ago and fixed that with no problem. Do you know if this is something that could be fixed with relative ease or would I be better off getting a new radio?

Thanks a bunch,

John

Answer
John,
If this stereo uses a volume knob/control that doesn't have a stop, but it will continually turn around and around as you raise or lower the volume the problem may be with the control itself. This type of control is an digital encoder and this unit when it gets worn or dirty will do all kinds of strange things with the volume. In many cases a light spray with a control/contact cleaner will make the encoder work like new. These encoders are sealed pretty good so it may take some time until the cleaner works its way into the control. After a light spray, rock the control back and forth. And, if the control is a push button type the electronic volume control circuit is at fault.


TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net