Radio

[mraf]

My radio on my 86 acts as if it has a search feature. When on it is changing stations all by itself. Other than it being possesed what could be the problem. The tuner is not displaying also. So whats the culprit? Bad tuner, tape deck, noise suppresor. CB matchbox? I have already taken the componats out of the dash holder and made sure they plugged into the pin holder tightly. Thinking that could be the problem but no difference. My guess is bad tuner but would like to know if anyone else ever had the same problem and if so how did you fix it? If its Kaput does anyone have a spare to sell?

[syscrusher]

I think it was in the tuner when mine did that. Ultimately I ended up replacing the radio head with a PRV175 and connected the low level outputs to the bike's existing amplifier. The advantage of this was that I still get to use the noise sensitive volume, volume knob, and the rest of the intercom/CB system. My amplifier itself works fine, after I installed a BR-FILTER noise filter.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?88766-PRV175-Install-Keeping-Built-in-Amp-and-Controls

[Prairiehammer]

As for the constant "search" it may be just a button stuck. Try a bit (a little bit) of WD40 on the button.

[bongobobny]

I agree with Kevin that the problem lies in the tuner controller module but it may be the switch itself and WD40 won't help that...

[syscrusher]

Mine would just spuriously decide to flash different numbers across the display for no reason and without touching any buttons.

Replacing it was one of my best mods with the new functionality offered by a BT connected unit.

One big negative about PRV175 is that it won't remember the last track played from the MP3s on the USB so it starts from 1 each time it's started up.

The USB is just a third tier backup though.

[mraf]

Well after buying a controller unit from a generous member it was not the problem. So a e-bay buying I went and picked up a complete tuner assembly from Airzona for $19.99 plus $9.99 shipping. When I took mine out it was nasty looking to say the least. 29 years of western New York weather had done it in. Plugged the new-to-me tuner in and viola Dots radio is back in business. I am hopeing that the dryer weather in Airzona was much easier on the radio. It looked like new compared to mine.

[dna9656]

Could be corrosion in the terminals, in the wires themselves; up inside the wire insulation where you can't see it.

Could be corrosion on the circuit board(s) terminals.

It's a REAL GOOD idea to fill all the electrical plugs on the bike with that grease intended for terminals who's name escapes me at this senior moment.

I pull the plugs apart, clean with contact cleaner and special tools then I fill each terminal plug (M & F) just pack them full; then I push the 2 back together; grease comes out the ends but then the connection is as air and water tight as can be without replacement to the more modern automotive styles common on vehicles built today; and that my friends is a MAJOR PIA.

[syscrusher]

That grease is non-conductive. You may be causing some connectivity problems.

[Prairiehammer]

That grease is non-conductive. You may be causing some connectivity problems.

 

If non-conductive silicone dielectric grease is used (as Doug suggests) there should be no connectivity issues caused by the dielectric grease.

http://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm

[dna9656]

That grease is non-conductive. You may be causing some connectivity problems.

 

I meant to say 'Dielectric grease"; and the grease being present and filling the insides of the plug won't allow water/humidity inside and THAT IS conductive and can make for all kinds of nasty problems.

[syscrusher]

A little late with this but, I stand corrected.

In internet forum articles that I had read people had blamed dielectric grease for their electrical troubles.

The article linked does well to explain when and when not to use it and is very helpful.

Thanks!