'92 Ranger XLT radio not working [FIXED]

[StoicAtol21445]

I have a '92 Ranger XLT w/ a standard cab and recently replaced the stereo the previous owner had installed. I installed an OEM stereo (or at least the one that *would have* come with the truck).

The tape deck works fine and plays tapes. The problem is with the radio. When in FM mode, it doesn't even pick up any static, just silence. With AM, it's mostly static, but can pick up some stations just fine; but when the headlights are in, the AM (don't know about FM) has an off and on buzzing noise similar to an electrical short.

It might just be some blown fuses or something, I haven't won't be able to check until tomorrow, but if anyone has any insight, it would be much appreciated!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I have a '92 Ranger XLT w/ a standard cab and recently replaced the stereo the previous owner had installed. I installed an OEM stereo (or at least the one that *would have* come with the truck).

The tape deck works fine and plays tapes. The problem is with the radio. When in FM mode, it doesn't even pick up any static, just silence. With AM, it's mostly static, but can pick up some stations just fine; but when the headlights are in, the AM (don't know about FM) has an off and on buzzing noise similar to an electrical short.

It might just be some blown fuses or something, I haven't won't be able to check until tomorrow, but if anyone has any insight, it would be much appreciated!

Check the antenna connection at the back of the radio.

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome to TRS. I also like having a stock radio, and have restored stock radios to several of my trucks.

It won't hurt to look at the antenna, but AM is a lot more picky about having an adequate antenna than FM. If AM works but FM doesn't, it's likely going to be an internal problem with the radio.

AM working but having noise at times could be an internal problem also, but AM is more susceptible to electronic interference, such as the truck's ignition system (and lightning, power lines, UFOs, nuclear bombs etc.).

Check that your hood is grounded with a strap, like this factory ground strap on a 1st gen Ranger:

The hood keeps the ignition interference from going straight to the antenna. If the hood is not strap grounded, it could be grounding / ungrounding through the hinges and latch (with vibration from truck movement and the running engine), and being picked up sporadically on the AM band like you describe.

And check that there's a noise suppression capacitor on your coil, like this one a '94 dual plug 2.3L:

These items are mainly for improving AM reception. I hope that you find a simple fix, but it's probably just old age catching up with radio itself.

Good luck!

 

[StoicAtol21445]

Welcome to TRS. I also like having a stock radio, and have restored stock radios to several of my trucks.

It won't hurt to look at the antenna, but AM is a lot more picky about having an adequate antenna than FM. If AM works but FM doesn't, it's likely going to be an internal problem with the radio.

AM working but having noise at times could be an internal problem also, but AM is more susceptible to electronic interference, such as the truck's ignition system (and lightning, power lines, UFOs, nuclear bombs etc.).

Check that your hood is grounded with a strap, like this factory ground strap on a 1st gen Ranger:
View attachment 94447
The hood keeps the ignition interference from going straight to the antenna. If the hood is not strap grounded, it could be grounding / ungrounding through the hinges and latch (with vibration from truck movement and the running engine), and being picked up sporadically on the AM band like you describe.

And check that there's a noise suppression capacitor on your coil, like this one a '94 dual plug 2.3L:
View attachment 94448

These items are mainly for improving AM reception. I hope that you find a simple fix, but it's probably just old age catching up with radio itself.

Good luck!

Thanks for your advice! There is no grounding strap or noise suppression cylinder, but I can get on that soon. It seems that removing the radio and putting it backed in fixed the problem with the FM not picking anything up.

 

[RobbieD]

Far out! That's good to hear, and congratulations!