• From: Brevard, NC
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 513

Topic: Radio cuts out

In my '69 bug I have a Sony radio/CD. It's been in the car about 5 years. Since I first installed it, when I step on the brakes the radio will cut out for 3 to 4 seconds then comes back on. It doesn't allways do this but more often than not. The power for the radio is taken off the fuse that my Bently shows is for the radio with nothing else on that fuse. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.      TIA,  David

David
'69 Bug & '71 Ghia
No matter where you go, there you are.
Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Radio cuts out

David: Since you're most likely running 12 volts, my experience probably won't apply...but with my 6 volt system, the headlights, wipers, etc. are enough to rob the power to my radio. So when I hit the brakes, my radio will often "cut out".  I wonder if your Sony has a minimum voltage requirement and stepping on the brakes is enough to drop the voltage below that level?? Hmmmn? Not sure what else to guess at. (I sure hope it's not the headlight buzzer you installed!) Good luck. Clancy

  • From: Austin, TX USA
  • Registered: 2004-03-30
  • Posts: 240

Re: Radio cuts out

David,
A couple of questions for you:
Is the radio (+) wire a direct wire to the battery or connected to the fuse block? Is the Sony in line fuse still being used in the wiring scheme? Where is the (-) wire grounded? This sounds like a possible grounding issue to me, but more info would be appreciated.
     Thanks,
      -David

4 Reply by Guest

  • Guest
  • Guest

Re: Radio cuts out

Well i gotta ask here ? Does it seem that ya have a low pedal on the brakes as in squishy ?? The brake pedal should be firm 1/4 in free play . If you push pedal say close ta 1/2 way down before brake pedal gives ya a brakeing pedal ? << Ya need a new master cylinder and brake adjustment . << This can cause radio woes cause brake light switch on master cylinder is grounding out . Or could be the movement in brakeing momentum is causeing bad connection some where in radio wireing .    But have seen the bad master cylinder syndrome . Too check brake system for this simply unplug both the wireing harnesses at master, tape up so they cant ground out and take the car for hard spin around the block blarin the radio. << Work,s best when radio is tuned too fav Country and western station lmao Sean

  • From: Brevard, NC
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 513

Re: Radio cuts out

Thanks for the replies. No it's not the buzzer causing it as it did this before I installed the buzzer. The + wire is on the fuzed side of the fuse block with a 15A fuse. The location my Bently says is for a radio. The ground wire I will have to go check where I put that. I think it was on a ground spade that was up near the wiper motor, not sure though. My brakes are good, no free play in the petal, newer M/C and sending units. I'll check all related grounds. Thanks for the replies. I'll let you know if I fix/figure this out. It bugs me when it happens.    Thanks,  David

David
'69 Bug & '71 Ghia
No matter where you go, there you are.
Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day