Problem with radio

[jd319]

I have a problem with the radio in my car. After about 5 minutes or so, the sound on the radio goes all static. It stays that way for the rest of the ride. When I turn the car off then start it again later, the same thing happens after about 5 minutes again. Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong?

[Marauderjack]

Very common problem but warranty should cover it.....radio looses frequency lock!!:argue:

I have a new one if you are forced to buy one.....PM oremail me at coosawjack@earthlink.net if interested.

Marauderjack:burnout:

[fastblackmerc]

Need a new radio. Had the same problem with mine, dealer replaced it... all is good.

[Dragcity]

Likewise. Just happened to me a couple weeks ago. Dealer will order you a refubished one. I guess the manufacturer is replacing some partsd inside and sending them back out.

Should be a covered item, in my opinion, even if out of warranty...

[jd319]

Just heard from my dealer. They said it is not a problem with the radio, but a problem with the antena in the rear window and that it is not covered by the warrenty.

[Dragcity]

Wow, I'd like to see how they are going to fix that.

Be sure you put a small mark on the case of you radio, that only you will know is there. Take a picture of said mark and replace the radio.

I'll bet a dollar to a doughnut that they replace your radio, and tell you they fixed your antenna, with appropriately high hourly rates charged.

But that's the cynic in me talking. It's just such a common issue with our radios.

Maybe you could take it to another Lincoln/Mercury dealer in your area and get a second opinion?

[MM_BKK]

Just heard from my dealer. They said it is not a problem with the radio, but a problem with the antena in the rear window and that it is not covered by the warrenty.

So how come when the RADIO is replaced and the problem is fixed? I had the same problem too. There seems to be a defect in these Marauder radios. Have the dealer even try to replace the radio to see if the problem goes away or you called them and they just say it's the antenna? With the radio removal tool, they could pull the old radio and plug in the new one in less than 2 minutes. (It took me 30 seconds to pull the factory radio and have it on the front seat.)
I would definitely be looking over their shoulder when they do this work just to make sure there's no monkey business going on.

[jd319]

I brought the car to the dealer. They looked at it for quite some time trying to figure out what was wrong. They said they determined it was the antena in the window and NOT the radio itself. Based on what you guys are telling me here, I just don't know if they are right. They refuse to replace the radio.

[FordNut]

Find a different dealer.

[LordVader]

I don't claim to know a lot, but perhaps they can explain to you why the antenna works for five minutes. Either the antenna works or it doesn't. The antenna has no working/moving parts. It is passive. It sounds like something in the radio is warming up and once it heats up (5 min) it fails.
This ain't rocket science. It's the bleeping radio!

[Dragcity]

jd319. It is a documented issue with the antenna "Booster" (or something like that) in the head unit itself.

Think about it this way.... If the antenna in the rear window is at fault, wouldn't it ALWAYS provide a very poor signal? What we have all experienced is the radio works fine for 2 to 5 minutes, and then gets all static. FM and AM...

That stuff on the rear window is hard stuff. It is either connected ..... or not connected. This is most likely the electronic component in the head unit causing the problem.

The manufacturer of the radio knows it and is replacing the bad component. Hey, you may be getting the radio they took out of my Marauder.....They just swap them out....

I sure hope you are able to get thins covered under warranty, because it certainly is a common issue. Should have been a "luxury recall" I guess recalls are reserved for safety issues....

Come to Buffalo, my dealer knows the problem and the fix. Have them call Mike Ezzo , Service Manager, at Culligan Lincoln/Mercury 716-632-7582 .

I really hope this helps in some way.

[tomd]

How hard is it to remove this radio? Will it slide out from the front or do you have to drop the dash to remove it from the back? :mad2: I just replaced my master window switch, now I want see if I can fix this radio.

[AzMarauder]

How hard is it to remove this radio? Will it slide out from the front or do you have to drop the dash to remove it from the back? :mad2: I just replaced my master window switch, now I want see if I can fix this radio.

There is a radio removal tool that inserts into little holes on the left and right side of the radio. This will release the radio and it pops directly out the front for the dash. There is no dash disassembly required.

[jgc61sr2002]

What he said. ^^^^^^

Saw the tool on Ebay several times.
It was inexpensive.

[jimlam56]

How hard is it to remove this radio? Will it slide out from the front or do you have to drop the dash to remove it from the back? :mad2: I just replaced my master window switch, now I want see if I can fix this radio.

Send me your address, I'll send you the tool and you can mail it back when you are done.

[sabtaj1]

Another way is to cut up an old metal hanger and bend it in the U shape like the removal tool. And yes my radio sucks also. I am out of warranty. Anyone in my area (quad cities, Illinois) that would want to put my radio in their car and get er fixed for me? LOL. Just a thought. Works when I dont wanna listen to it. But on sundays when the bears game is on the radio it doesnt work. I HATE MY RADIO!!!!!!!

[jd319]

I brought the car to a body shop where I know the owner. He knows the parts manager at the dealer I go to. He confirmed it is the radio. He called his buddy, the parts manager. I brought the car back to the dealer, the parts manager talked to the service manager. The service guy called me a little while and said that after looking at it again, they think it is the radio. They are going to replace the radio under warranty. What a bunch of dopes they are.

[gpfarrell]

Lots of auto parts have radio tools for about $10.

Bent nails work too, but I didn't mind spending the $10.

[marauder307]

Had this problem back when I had my MM.

While on assignment in Texas, my radio started acting the exact way you've mentioned...could still use the CD player, but the radio functions would go kaputz after anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

The problem is some sort of internal amp inside the stereo head; wears out too easily. Dealer replaced under warranty, didn't have any problems afterwards.

Didn't realllllly need the stereo, but for the fact that my SIRIUS setup was connected up using a FM modulator...so when the FM channels fuzzed out, I couldn't get my satt radio.

My thread is probably still around here somewherez....

[merc6]

What he said. ^^^^^^

Saw the tool on Ebay several times.
It was inexpensive.
Walmart sells them as Ford/Import Din Radio Removal Tool Model # DT-1. Brand name is "Scosche". It was way under $10. I have the tools for those local if you feel the need to drive by all the wal-marts in your area and wish for me to keep you company in the removal process.

[FordNut]

I still have the spare radio I mentioned earlier. The buyer who I was working with struck a deal and didn't follow through. PM me with offer if interested.

[cyclopsram]

I use 4 finish nails in the holes and the radio pops right out... Always upgrading the radios in my CVPIs...you can bend a couple pieces of stiff wire into a U and do the same thing...

[SergntMac]

Own(ed) 3 Marauders now, over 4 years.

Replaced 3 radios.

I keep a spare on the shelf now.

Any questions?

[Dragcity]

I am glad to hear the dealer finally "figured out" it is the radio.

Way to be resourceful and follow through.