Radio goes max volume when turned on; 2004

[JW in Dixie]

2004 Bird, new to me. Push the radio button on and it comes on at max volume. Turning the knob CCW has no effect. Pressing the down button on the s-wheel does work, but next time it does a repeat. Any ideas? Thx

 

[tbird]

When you say the next time it does a repeat, do you mean that as soon as you put the volume down, it starts going back up again when you stop the down volume button?

 

[JW in Dixie]

The steering wheel control works and the vol can be controlled until the motor is turned off - on the next start when the on button is pushed the vol goes max and has to be lowered with the wheel control. Thanks

 

[tbird]

There is a good chance your clockspring needs replaced. See this thread- http://forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com/threads/2002-radio-problem-help-needed.4883/#post-31072

I've owned other Fords that he clockspring affected several things besides the airbags including the cruise control. You would need a mechanic to confirm this.

 

[JW in Dixie]

Where is the clockspring? Thx

 

[JW in Dixie]

Fiddled some more with the radio - seems the problem is in the knob control - wiggling it and twisting it back and forth gets it working somewhat. Then, just a touch and the vol goes max. If it were a normal rheostat and I could get a spray tube into the case I would just spray it with contact cleaner. Alas, I have no idea how the control is made or operates. Above my pay grade. I'm old school. Stuck in the fifties.

 

[tbird]

Fiddled some more with the radio - seems the problem is in the knob control -

It's probably the clockspring.

 

[JW in Dixie]

Sprayed some contact cleaner under the wheel +- buttons, and behind the knob. Pressed and twisted vigorously and the problem has gone away. Just dirty contacts, evidently.

 

[JW in Dixie]

But it came back! GRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

[John Hayman]

Mine does this all the time and I just live with it. So many problems that shouldn't occur, such as the CD player.....

 

[edward301]

The volume control is simply dirty. You or someone needs to open the radio, and use a good
contact cleaner such as Deoxit. You have to spray it directly inside the volume control. I have
used it many times on various volume controls, and one good treatment will last for years.

 

[John Hayman]

The volume control is simply dirty. You or someone needs to open the radio, and use a good
contact cleaner such as Deoxit. You have to spray it directly inside the volume control. I have
used it many times on various volume controls, and one good treatment will last for years.View attachment 2721

Thank you for this advice. Do I have to remove the radio, or does the know pull off?

 

[edward301]

To do it right you will have to remove radio, and remove top cover to gain direct
access to the volume pot.

 

[Tiger650]

I have the same exact problem on my 2005. I will try deoxit. Now just need to figure out how to remove the radio...

 

[ChuckH262]

Do this

 

[JW in Dixie]

Chuck, I like that but am nervous about attempting the transfer. I usually break plastic conceals trying to remove. Then arthritic hands and fingers make opening a cereal box painful. Job for Grandsons, if they would ever come around. 🙁

 

[ChuckH262]

Chuck, I like that but am nervous about attempting the transfer. I usually break plastic conceals trying to remove. Then arthritic hands and fingers make opening a cereal box painful. Job for Grandsons, if they would ever come around. 🙁

I had it professionally installed.