Radio Replacement Help

[resqd1]

I have a 1997 STX with the am fm and cassette in dash and it controls the 6 disc in the back. I have started to lose volume, it is weird that sometimes it is loud, sometimes it is quiet even when turned all the way up. So I am thinking of just replacing the head unit. I assume I cant find one that will control the 6 disc, so i guess I will be pulling that out too. I have read maybe that the stock runs an amp that powers the speakers, so I may have to run new wires to the speakers? Sorry for all the questions just want tunes back and not break the bank.

 

[91stranger]

Never heard of a 6 disc changer in a ranger, is this for an f150? I would do away with that dinosaur of a disc changer and get something modern. Easy to install, better sound, more options for music, Bluetooth capable and you'll save space by getting rid of the 6 disc brick. New radio=no more problems.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

We had to do that in my grandmother's Durango. The amp went bad so the radio quit working... so we had to run new wires because everything is tied into everything.

I don't know how how a late 90's Ranger compares to a late 90's Durango though.

 

[snoranger]

Never heard of a 6 disc changer in a ranger, is this for an f150? I would do away with that dinosaur of a disc changer and get something modern. Easy to install, better sound, more options for music, Bluetooth capable and you'll save space by getting rid of the 6 disc brick. New radio=no more problems.

Just because you never heard of it doesn’t mean it didn’t exist... It was a factory option.

 

[ericbphoto]

I have the head unit (and 6 disc changer) from a 97 F150. If you want it. Worked when I removed it. Pay shipping and maybe throw a few extra bucks in and it’s yours.

Would be shipping from Wellford, SC, 29385

PM me if you’re interested.

 

[Bgunner]

You can still purchase an aftermarket radio that controls a disk changer so you just need to look and choose if you want the factory option that ericbphoto has or a aftermarket option that has other options that you may want.

You can find what you want it will just take time to research aftermarket parts that will fit your need/wants.

 

[resqd1]

I have the head unit (and 6 disc changer) from a 97 F150. If you want it. Worked when I removed it. Pay shipping and maybe throw a few extra bucks in and it’s yours.

Would be shipping from Wellford, SC, 29385

PM me if you’re interested.

I dont know if that is the same or not, or if the head unit is the issue or not. Trying to figure that out, was hoping someone else had this issue before and solved it

 

[resqd1]

You can still purchase an aftermarket radio that controls a disk changer so you just need to look and choose if you want the factory option that ericbphoto has or a aftermarket option that has other options that you may want.

You can find what you want it will just take time to research aftermarket parts that will fit your need/wants.

I still dont know if it is an amp or head unit issue, trying to research it and figure it out, that is why I made this thread to see if others may have insight.

 

[Bgunner]

Are you having this issue when using the tuner in the head unit? Does the volume drop or stay low when using the tuner?

If so does your truck have a factory amp?

If yes, the amp is most likely bad.
If no amp, then the head units internal amp is most likely dieing.

 

[ericbphoto]

I dont know if that is the same or not, or if the head unit is the issue or not. Trying to figure that out, was hoping someone else had this issue before and solved it

Take your time. I can send pictures later if you want. I’m at work right now. I can also send pictures of the wiring diagrams in the EVTM (from the F150) if you need to compare wiring.

I’ve had stereos in other vehicles do what you’re talking about. I think I just lived with it or replaced the stereo.

 

[resqd1]

Are you having this issue when using the tuner in the head unit? Does the volume drop or stay low when using the tuner?

If so does your truck have a factory amp?

If yes, the amp is most likely bad.
If no amp, then the head units internal amp is most likely dieing.

When i turn on the truck the volume is low, I turn it up all the way and can barely hear it with the radio, but when I use the CD the volume was fine. If I drive the truck and leave the volume all the way, then go into the store and come back out the head unit defaults to half volume, and when you turn it up again it seems to be louder, but after the truck sits over night the volume is low again. I dont know if it has an amp, I have read that it does, but dont know where that would be.

 

[Bgunner]

Because CD player volume is fine but radio is acting up the issue is at the head unit itself.

If you look through your owners manual yup u will have instructions for the radio. Look and see it there is a mute function commonly labled on afternarkets as ATT.

The head unit may automatically lower the volume after primary power is switched off. This is a common thing now days to prevent amp and speaker damage from sudden high volume signal.

Look into the head unit for your issues.

 

[resqd1]

Because CD player volume is fine but radio is acting up the issue is at the head unit itself.

If you look through your owners manual yup u will have instructions for the radio. Look and see it there is a mute function commonly labled on afternarkets as ATT.

The head unit may automatically lower the volume after primary power is switched off. This is a common thing now days to prevent amp and speaker damage from sudden high volume signal.

Look into the head unit for your issues.

I will take a look. Thanks

If I have the amp, then the issue if the new head unit plug and play with the amp, and deleting the CD out fo the system

 

[Bobtube]

Are you having this issue when using the tuner in the head unit? Does the volume drop or stay low when using the tuner?

If so does your truck have a factory amp?

If yes, the amp is most likely bad.
If no amp, then the head units internal amp is most likely dieing.

I'm actually experiencing this issue in my 2009 Supercab. Sometimes the radio can be loud (aux in) and then sometimes it goes quiet when I crank it up the entire way - It tends to be quieter towards the end of the drive... I haven't done the aux to CD comparison but sound that be a fair comparison?

My system is entirely stock - no aftermarket audio anywhere.