Audio Systems: Factory radio repair for Buick Riviera, buick riviera, buick dealer

Question
Hello Tom

I want to repair the factory installed radio in my Buick Riviera
The Symptoms are:
When first turn it on it sounds fine but after a short time no sound comes out. Occasionally it doesn't work at all until I turn, pull and manipulate the on/off volume control. There is a sensitivity to vibration - the volume may fluctuate. My first thought is that it may be a dirty or faulty wiper in the volume control. Or it may be a loose connection or bad solder joint.

Questions:

How do I remove the radio from the dash? There's no visible screws and it appears the trim may have to be pried off to reveal them. I don't want to force anything if I'm wrong!

Once removed, should I replace the volume control pot or is it something else?

Thanks for the help."


Answer
Tim,
Sometimes the screws will be hidden in the AC vents or inside the ash tray. If you do not see any screws the trim may only snap away from the dash. If you are not sure you should contact your local Buick dealer and ask they how the trim comes off. Once you have the stereo out of the dash and on a work bench you will need to take a close up look at the connections of the audio output IC's, you may also find that the volume control is defective or it has defective solder connections to the circuit board.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net