CB Radio failed twice now

[Geobob]

So far I have not found another thread discussing this problem so here we go.

 

I have an 88 venture royal with 65K on it. The CB radio recently just stopped working other than showing channel 9.

 

I purchased a used one of Ebay and put it on and everything worked fine. I check the old one again just to make sure it was not a loose connection or something and it clearly did not work.

 

Well it has been a month or so and the second one just failed the same way. There has to be a connection.

 

I can purchase another one off ebay but I sure would like to know if anyone else has had this problem and if so what is causing it. Is this just a known failure of these radios or can I expect the same thing to happen to the next one.

 

What would cause such a failure. It powers on and off but just will not move off channel 9

[MiCarl]

The switches behind the buttons can get dirty, rendering the button inoperable.

 

While I haven't had the problem with the channel 9 button, my DX/LOCAL switch would only work if it was raining, otherwise always DX. I've had similar problems with switches on the radio side too.

 

All have been resolved by disassembling and hosing the switches out with electrical contact cleaner.

[Geobob]

That is definelty worth a try since it happened after I wiped down the bike with Plegde. I'll try taking it appart. I went ahead and put in an offer on anther radio on Ebay for $50 and it got accepted. But what your saying make more sence than it just randomly going bad in such a manner. Especially since that channel 9 button really never gets used.

[MiCarl]

Problem is if the radio looses power it reverts to 9. Then the switch doesn't work and you're stuck.

[GeorgeS]

Well first check the fuse, ( 5 amp ) as I recall, its in the second fuse holder located,

forward of the battery.

Pull it out, and clean the fuse holder contacts, ( can't hurt anything )

 

The plug going to the radio unit, clean all the pins with Electrical contact cleaner.

 

Also, tug on the wire's both sides of the plugs, as I recall, I had some loose wires on my 89 . The wire pulled right out of the crimp inside one side of the plug.

 

You might have to do some resoldering on that plug, with a very small soldering iron, ( and use rosin core solder )

 

I'm thinking an Intermittant connection to power, or to ground. Can be either side.

 

Give that plug a good going over, pretty sure thats where you will find the problem.

[Geobob]

Thanks guys, I was actually dreaming last night about taking the thing apart LOL.

 

I don't see how its a power problem since it is consistently on. It's just consistently on channel 9.

 

If the fuse was blown or had a bad contact wouldnt that result in the unit not coming on at all?

[Geobob]

Well now I wish I had not thrown out the old radio since it was still good. Yes the buttom was stuck. I will say getting the face off was a bit challenging. For those who have to do this. There are rubber washers under the nobs. Under the washers are nuts that hold the nobs to the case. once you take those off then the face comes off and you can get to the stuck parts. It was just the red button that was stuck down. Probably could have cleaned it with out taking it apart but now I know a bit more about this amazing bike that I just cannot seem to give up on.

 

Anybody need a used radio. I now have an extra. LOL.