Radio Stopped Working in 2000 Honda Civic
Linda
I have a 2000 Honda Civic. It has a radio and a cassette player.
This morning, I turned on the radio and it's not working. I get a
brief few seconds of broken-up sound, then static. I cannot receive
any stations on AM or FM. Just static.
The cassette player is working fine.
Might anyone know what would cause this? Is there anything I can do,
or do I have to replace the radio?
Many thanks for any information.
Linda W.
Clete
wrote:
IT's time to upgrade Linda. Your radio is probably toast. Get a decent
aftermarket one with a CD player and I POd conntion , USB etc. Very
reasonably priced and much better. Or you can go to a junk yard and
get a Honda deck if you just want the same thing fo $50 give or take.
Linda
> On Tue, 1 Mar 2011 09:31:04 -0800 (PST), Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net>
Thanks, Clete.
My concern about a new one with a CD player instead of a cassette
player is that I have a lot of tapes that I wouldn't be able to use
any more.
How would I find a junk yard that might have a radio with a cassette
player?
And are they expensive to install? I'm guessing that I'd need to go
to a place that installs radios, rather than my regular auto repair
shop, right?
Thanks again.
Linda
Larry
"Linda" <lj.w...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:89fe7f35-98a1-4682...@a11g2000pri.googlegroups.com...
Hi Linda,
This could be a radio fault, but possibly just a loose antenna connection or
a broken antenna wire. I wouldn't assume the radio is 'toast' without doing
some simple checks. If these don't show anything up, then think about the
radio.
Wiggle the antenna and see if anything changes.
Try looking under the dash for a black cable about the thickness of a
ballpoint and see if you can see where it plugs into the radio. Try pushing
the cable into the radio gently and see if that helps.
Good luck!
Larry
Linda
> "Linda" <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote in message
Thanks, Larry.
I looked under the dash, but could only find wires bundled together.
I need to some Internet searching to see if I can find just where to
look for the radio cable.
I did try wiggling the antenna -- no change.
When I first turn it on, there is some brief sound, then just static.
I also noticed that when I shift gears or turn on the turn signal, et
cetera, I hear that particular noise through the radio. And when I
drove in an area with power lines and traffic lights, the static got
louder.
Linda
technomaNge
> I did try wiggling the antenna -- no change.
>
> When I first turn it on, there is some brief sound, then just static.
> I also noticed that when I shift gears or turn on the turn signal, et
> cetera, I hear that particular noise through the radio. And when I
> drove in an area with power lines and traffic lights, the static got
> louder.
>
> Linda
REAL good chance the antenna lead has fallen out / gotten unplugged
from the radio if it is making those kinds of noise.
Take it to your neighbor/local garage for a quick look-see.
Can't hurt.
technomaNge
--
Howard Lester
> I looked under the dash, but could only find wires bundled together.
> I need to some Internet searching to see if I can find just where to
> look for the radio cable.
>
> I did try wiggling the antenna -- no change.
>
> When I first turn it on, there is some brief sound, then just static.
> I also noticed that when I shift gears or turn on the turn signal, et
> cetera, I hear that particular noise through the radio. And when I
> drove in an area with power lines and traffic lights, the static got
> louder.
What you've just described is good diagnostic information, but just what, I
have no idea. ;-) It sounds as if the radio still has sensitivity, but to
local RFI (radio frequency interference) generated by power lines, etc., as
well as what may be alternator whine. Does it do this/does it receive no
radio signals on both AM and FM? You really have to locate the antenna cable
that connects to the back? of the radio. It is the thickness not of a
"ballpoint," but of a pen or pencil. Until you find that and pull it out
from the radio and push it back in (to help determine if something in it is
loose or broken), you really won't know if the radio is "gone" and needs to
be replaced. Summarily replacing it is not what you're wanting to do. If
the problem is in the antenna and/or its cable, then a new radio won't work,
either.
Larry
"Howard Lester" <howardx...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:ikk3mi$c4q$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
A ballpoint is a pen
Tegger
news:cc02a647-6d9e-4be9...@22g2000prx.googlegroups.com:
>
> When I first turn it on, there is some brief sound, then just static.
> I also noticed that when I shift gears or turn on the turn signal, et
> cetera, I hear that particular noise through the radio. And when I
> drove in an area with power lines and traffic lights, the static got
> louder.
>
How long have you owned this car?
Did this just suddenly happen?
Is this an aftermarket radio? (won't say "Honda" on it)
Does the car have any of the following?:
- remote starter
- aftermarket alarm
- aftermarket speakers or amp
- aftermarket antenna
- any other aftermarket accessories or lighting?
--
Tegger
Linda
Thanks!
I called my mechanic to ask about the radio, and he said they don't do
any audio work. He referred me to Best Buy -- that would be if I was
going to purchase a new radio. He recommended having Best Buy install
it, too.
I'll call back to see if he would look at the antenna, though.
Linda
Linda
It does not receive signals on AM or FM.
I need to figure out where the cable is. Maybe I can find a diagram
online somewhere.
Thanks!
Linda
Linda
Answering your questions:
- I don't know if it's aftermarket -- but I'm guessing it's Honda. It
is the radio that came with the car, and I purchased the car new from
a Honda dealer. I don't think it says "Honda" on the front, but I'll
check.
-- It does not have a remote starter.
-- No aftermarket speakers or amp, I don't think. The speakers are
the ones that came with the car.
-- Same with the antenna -- it's the one that came with the car.
-- No other aftermarket accessories, if by that you mean things I
installed after I purchased the car. It's all the things that were
installed when I purchased the car.
I don't mean to sound dense or anything. As you can tell, automotive
issues are definitely not my area of expertise. :-)
Thanks!
Linda
Linda
ALSO ... I just looked on the Best Buy web site, and none of the car
stereos listed will fit my car. So I guess I will have to look
elsewhere.
Linda
Linda
Just wanted to add that I appreciate all the advice and suggestions
you ALL are giving me!!!
Seth
> On Mar 2, 8:13 am, Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote:
>> On Mar 1, 8:14 pm, Tegger <inva...@example.com> wrote:
>>
>> > Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote
>> > innews:cc02a647-6d9e-4be9...@22g2000prx.googlegroups.com:
>>
>> > > When I first turn it on, there is some brief sound, then just static.
>> > > I also noticed that when I shift gears or turn on the turn signal, et
>> > > cetera, I hear that particular noise through the radio. And when I
>> > > drove in an area with power lines and traffic lights, the static got
>> > > louder.
>>
>> > How long have you owned this car?
>>
>> > Did this just suddenly happen?
>>
>> > Is this an aftermarket radio? (won't say "Honda" on it)
>>
>> > Does the car have any of the following?:
>> > - remote starter
>> > - aftermarket alarm
>> > - aftermarket speakers or amp
>> > - aftermarket antenna
>> > - any other aftermarket accessories or lighting?
>>
>>
>> - I don't know if it's aftermarket -- but I'm guessing it's Honda. It
>> is the radio that came with the car, and I purchased the car new from
>> a Honda dealer. I don't think it says "Honda" on the front, but I'll
>> check.
>>
>> -- It does not have a remote starter.
>>
>> -- No aftermarket speakers or amp, I don't think. The speakers are
>> the ones that came with the car.
>>
>> -- Same with the antenna -- it's the one that came with the car.
>>
>> -- No other aftermarket accessories, if by that you mean things I
>> installed after I purchased the car. It's all the things that were
>> installed when I purchased the car.
>>
>> I don't mean to sound dense or anything. As you can tell, automotive
>> issues are definitely not my area of expertise. :-)
>
> stereos listed will fit my car. So I guess I will have to look
> elsewhere.
Every stereo at Best Buy, with the exception of any that are specifically
for GM or Chrysler (known as "Din and a half" sized) Will fit your car.
For checking the antenna lead to make sure it is in tight, pretty much
anyone (you or someone you know) who is somewhat competent with a
screwdriver can check this, just requires a little patience.
This page should show you the how to take the radio area apart and put it
back together... http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Honda/Accord.asp
A better resource for what fits or doesn't is http://www.crutchfield.com/.
If you have to buy a new radio and don't want to pay for installation, they
are also good to deal with for that as well. Yes, you can beat there prices
by shopping around, but they also include detailed instructions for
installation in your specific car and any kits or wiring harnesses needed
(elsewhere will charge extra for these accessories) and their support for
the novice is priceless.
Tegger
news:8d8971c3-86a0-4029...@i39g2000prd.googlegroups.com:
> On Mar 1, 8:14 pm, Tegger <inva...@example.com> wrote:
>> Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote
>> innews:cc02a647-6d9e-4be9-96c6-76b1532
> 78...@22g2000prx.googlegroups.com:
>>
>>
>>
>> > When I first turn it on, there is some brief sound, then just
>> > static. I also noticed that when I shift gears or turn on the turn
>> > signal, et cetera, I hear that particular noise through the radio.
>> > And when I drove in an area with power lines and traffic lights,
>> > the static got louder.
>>
>> How long have you owned this car?
>>
>> Did this just suddenly happen?
>>
>> Is this an aftermarket radio? (won't say "Honda" on it)
>>
>> Does the car have any of the following?:
>> - remote starter
>> - aftermarket alarm
>> - aftermarket speakers or amp
>> - aftermarket antenna
>> - any other aftermarket accessories or lighting?
>>
>> --
>> Tegger
>
> Answering your questions:
>
<snip answers>
So, no modifications to the car's electrical system. That's good.
Static and poor reception is often caused by a bad or loose antenna
connection. They don't /usually/ go bad on their own, but it can happen, so
it's unwise to replace the radio until the antenna has been ruled out as
the cause of the problem.
If a competent garage/audio installer inspects the antenna connections, and
maybe swaps in a different antenna temporarily, and the problem is not
fixed, chances are the radio itself is bad.
Aftermarket replacement radios are fine...IF the installer uses the correct
add-in harness to make his connections to the new radio. That way he does
not cut into the factory wiring.
Do not skimp on installation, but use a professional. Amateur butchers can
really make a hash of the electrical system! The only times I've ever seen
electrical problems on a Honda (that were not caused by corrosion or
abrasion) has been when electrical modifications were performed.
--
Tegger
Tegger
0bf1f9...@y31g2000prd.googlegroups.com:
>
> I called my mechanic to ask about the radio, and he said they don't do
> any audio work. He referred me to Best Buy -- that would be if I was
> going to purchase a new radio. He recommended having Best Buy install
> it, too.
Best Buy is a pretty good choice.
>
> I'll call back to see if he would look at the antenna, though.
>
If the installer is good, that's the first thing he'll look at.
And if you end up needing a new radio, have fun choosing! the world is your
oyster when it comes to aftermarket audio accessories. You can get iPod
connectivity, and transfer all your tapes to the iPod. That way you can
carry, literally, all your tapes with you all the time. My wife has a tape
player in her Tercel, but it hasn't been used since she got an iPod years
ago. The iPod is SO much more convenient.
--
Tegger
Linda
> "Linda" <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote in message
>
> A better resource for what fits or doesn't ishttp://www.crutchfield.com/.
> If you have to buy a new radio and don't want to pay for installation, they
> are also good to deal with for that as well. Yes, you can beat there prices
> by shopping around, but they also include detailed instructions for
> installation in your specific car and any kits or wiring harnesses needed
> (elsewhere will charge extra for these accessories) and their support for
>
> - Show quoted text -
I'll check back with Best Buy. When I went online, it asked me to
enter in my car model and year, and then all the listings had the
graphic that said they did not fit my car. But I'll do some
additional exploring. Maybe if I go to the store, someone can advise
me -- if it turns out I have to replace the radio.
Thanks!
Linda
Linda
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks.
I need to figure out if it's the antenna. Since my mechanic doesn't
do that, I'll have to figure out who to take it to.
I am going to add an update at the end of the current messages --
about something that happened this morning with the radio. Makes me
think it's a connection problem. If you'd like to keep up with my
story, please see the update. :-)
Linda
Linda
> Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote in news:c651dfed-6912-4ef0-8e8e-
> 0bf1f9b86...@y31g2000prd.googlegroups.com:
If I do need a new radio, I'll look into the options. Actually, I
don't have an iPod at all right now. And my cell phone is about six
or more years old, very basis, doesn't take photos or do any tricks, I
just use it to make phone calls. :-) I'm pretty low-tech. I just
got cable TV two years ago, and that was only because of the digital
conversion. Part of the reason I don't have a lot of gadgets is
because I don't think I really need them, and partly, it's because I'm
self-employed and so quite budget-conscious. So I'll have to explore
what's out there.
It would be great, though, if I could just fix what I have. I just
need to figure out who to take it to who won't charge me a fortune to
check it out.
Thanks!
Linda
Linda
> Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote in news:c651dfed-6912-4ef0-8e8e-
> 0bf1f9b86...@y31g2000prd.googlegroups.com:
UPDATE!!!
This morning, while I was driving, I turned on the radio and it came
right on!!! It was on an AM station. I drove for a little while,
then I decided to see if the FM also had reception. So I pressed the
buttom to switch to FM. AND ... just static. I switched back to
AM ... AND ... just static. But before I pressed the button, the AM
was just fine.
So now I'm thinking the radio actually is indeed working and it's some
kind of a connection problem. I pressed the AM/FM button a bunch of
times and jiggled the antenna -- just static.
But when I first started the car, the radio worked.
Hmmmmm ....
Linda
Seth
>
> UPDATE!!!
>
> This morning, while I was driving, I turned on the radio and it came
> right on!!! It was on an AM station. I drove for a little while,
> then I decided to see if the FM also had reception. So I pressed the
> buttom to switch to FM. AND ... just static. I switched back to
> AM ... AND ... just static. But before I pressed the button, the AM
> was just fine.
>
> So now I'm thinking the radio actually is indeed working and it's some
> kind of a connection problem. I pressed the AM/FM button a bunch of
> times and jiggled the antenna -- just static.
>
> But when I first started the car, the radio worked.
Still could go either way, radio or antenna.
Linda
> "Linda" <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote in message
I guess I need to find someplace to take it where I could get it
checked out without it costing more than the radio itself.
Linda
Seth
Your car takes what is called "double din". All stereos at Best Buy (in
fact almost all stereos ever, except ones of extreme over length) other than
ones specifically for GM and Chrysler (the aforementioned "din and a half")
will fit. Having a "double din" opening means the installation kit for a
"standard single DIN radio" will include a cover or pocket for the extra
space above or below the new radio. A "double din" stereo will not require
such a mounting kit.
Not being able to get even this most basic information out of Best Buy
should give you a good idea as to if they should be trusted or not... For
car stereo knowledge, this is pretty much 101 info.
If you actually go to a Best Buy (or pretty much any place that carries car
stereos) you will see these installation kits as well as wiring harnesses
(so you don't have to hack up the cars factory wiring). As mentioned
earlier, Crutchfield provides all that for no additional cost.
So, based on what I think you said earlier about wanting to retain having a
tape deck crutchfield has 4 that will fit. $50 to $269 (the $269 unit comes
with a CD changer to mount in the trunk or under a seat).
That same $50 stereo bought at most retail places you would also have to get
a wiring harness (about $8) and a mounting kit (about $15). Then pay for
installation. Using the instructions that Crutchfield provides (and you can
preview what they are like by looking at the installdr.com web site I listed
earlier) you see that basic tools are all that are needed to perform this
yourself (or a neighbor or friend who is mildly handy).
All this of course assuming it is the stereo and not the antenna. But again,
using basic tool knowledge and the installdr.com website you (or a friend)
can pull the radio yourself and make sure the antenna is secure.
Seth
Have you looked at the installdr.com website I mentioned earlier? You or a
friend can do this yourself. A shop will probably charge at least $50 labor
to do it for you.
Linda
Seth ...
II did see your recommendations -- and thanks!
I'll be honest and admit I'm nervous about trying something like this
myself -- and my friends are about as un-expert as I am. :-) Do you
really think a complete and total novice could do this without messing
it up?
Linda
Seth
Pulling a radio out to swap it or inspect wiring really only requires basic
tool knowledge. If you're nervous about it, then don't do it. I'm not
looking to push anyone into something but just want to make sure it's not
dismissed due to not knowing what is involved.
With a #2 phillips and a flat blade screwdriver (possibly an 8mm socket),
one can have the radio out and in their lap in 10 minutes.
http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Honda/PDF/466053.PDF is the specific
doc for your vehicle.
Tegger
news:d1fc3fd1-f371-429f...@k15g2000prk.googlegroups.com:
> On Mar 2, 10:48 am, Tegger <inv...@example.com> wrote:
>
> UPDATE!!!
>
> This morning, while I was driving, I turned on the radio and it came
> right on!!! It was on an AM station. I drove for a little while,
> then I decided to see if the FM also had reception. So I pressed the
> buttom to switch to FM. AND ... just static. I switched back to
> AM ... AND ... just static. But before I pressed the button, the AM
> was just fine.
>
> So now I'm thinking the radio actually is indeed working and it's some
> kind of a connection problem.
Yes, that's very likely. And that's why it's necessary to do proper
diagnostics on the unit. Any bad connection could be inside the radio
itself, in the wiring to the radio, or in the antenna cabling.
Unfortunately, there's no "magic bullet" fix here. You're going to need to
invest some time or some money, possibly both. There's a reason why
technicians are paid what they're paid.
If you're really short on cash, you could do your own experimentation: The
next time the radio decides to behave, leave its buttons alone and see if
it behaves itself the whole time. If it does, try thumping the radio face
or the surrounding dash with your hand (not pressing any buttons) and see
if that upsets the reception; open and close the doors and trunk a few
times; shut off and restart the car. And so on.
The idea here is to try and determine if there is any sort of discernible
pattern to the failures. Not only will you educate yourself, but you will
also accumulate very valuable information that may greatly reduce the
invoice amount should you entrust this repair to a pro. Plus he'll be
impressed with your diligence, which may buy you an above-and-beyond type
of job. Those guys are smart. Many of them like smart customers.
--
Tegger
Linda
> Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote innews:d1fc3fd1-f371-429f...@k15g2000prk.googlegroups.com:
Thanks, Tegger.
The radio is working again today, so I'm going to take your advice and
see what I can determine on my own.
When I started the car, I turned on the radio and it came on. When I
got to my destination, I did not turn off the radio when I turned off
the car. (Usually, I would also turn the radio off by the on/off
button). Less than 30 minutes later, I returned to the car, and when
I started it, the radio came on. I did not risk pushing the AM/FM
button or any other buttons. After about 30 minutes of driving and
one other stop, the radio was still coming on when I started the car.
I'll try your suggestions in terms of thumping, opening and closing
things, et cetera. And then, as you said, I'll have all that
information to share with the pro.
In the meantime, do you think it's okay to let the radio be on as long
as it stays on? I mean, is there any chance I'm causing any damage to
the car, do you think?
Thanks so much -- to you and everyone -- for all this advice. It is
SO helpful.
Linda
Tegger
news:98775b80-116d-49fe...@a11g2000pro.googlegroups.com:
>
> In the meantime, do you think it's okay to let the radio be on as long
> as it stays on? I mean, is there any chance I'm causing any damage to
> the car, do you think?
No problem at all leaving the radio on all the time. No damage will result.
If you want quiet, just turn the volume down all the way rather than turn
the radio off.
It's starting to sound like your problem may be in the power supply or the
power switch. Now that we know you were turning it off each time you turned
off the car, you've probably just worn out the power button.
>
> Thanks so much -- to you and everyone -- for all this advice. It is
> SO helpful.
>
You're welcome.
--
Tegger
Linda
Well, the radio worked again when I was out tonight.
I have noticed that it's still static-y -- background static -- while
I am listening to it. More so near power lines, I think. And I
haven't tried pressing the FM button yet.
As long as I'm not doing any damage to the car by playing the radio
even with these potential issues -- power supply or connection, et
cetera -- I'll just see how it goes this week. If it goes out again,
I'll have all this information to present to wherever I take the car
to have it checked out. :-)
Thanks again!
Linda
Linda
wrote:
> In article
> <97368cc2-ddd7-4749-9e49-54a6d07a3...@t13g2000vbo.googlegroups.com>,
>
> Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote:
> > I have noticed that it's still static-y -- background static -- while
> > I am listening to it. More so near power lines, I think.
>
>
> What happens when you touch the antenna while the radio is playing? (I
> forget--can you do that on that particular car?)
Yes, I do have an antenna. I think it gets a little more static-y.
I'll check it when I'm out later and let you know.
Linda
Linda
wrote:
> In article
> <97368cc2-ddd7-4749-9e49-54a6d07a3...@t13g2000vbo.googlegroups.com>,
>
> Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote:
> > I am listening to it. More so near power lines, I think.
>
>
> What happens when you touch the antenna while the radio is playing? (I
> forget--can you do that on that particular car?)
P.S. When I was trying to get it to work -- which now, it still is,
with a little static, although I have left it on one station and not
tried pushing any of the buttons -- I jiggled the antenna and it
didn't make a difference. But I'll see what happens when I just touch
it.
Linda
Priyantha Mathupala
Here is a link with some photos/diagrams on the 00 Civic radio antenna
installation. Hope this helps.
http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?t=141676
As for shopping for a new radio (if needed) you can go to www.crutchfield.com,
then go to "outfit my car". punch in the car information, and it will
bring up the available radio-cassette systems and CD-radio systems
that will fit your Civic. You can buy from them, or lookup the model
numbers in BestBuy or ABC warehouse, and you may find the same models
available from them as well. Price is pretty much the same from
Crutchfield or the Big-Box stores.
Good luck!
On Mar 1, 12:31 pm, Linda <lj.we...@verizon.net> wrote:
> Hello ...
>
> I have a 2000 Honda Civic. It has a radio and a cassette player.
>
> This morning, I turned on the radio and it's not working. I get a
> brief few seconds of broken-up sound, then static. I cannot receive
> any stations on AM or FM. Just static.
>
> The cassette player is working fine.
>
> Might anyone know what would cause this? Is there anything I can do,
> or do I have to replace the radio?
>
> Many thanks for any information.
>
> Linda W.
Clete
I think this thread has pretty much run its course.