300D Radio died...

[KevRC4130]

Hey everyone,
Another problem with the 300D. My radio randomly stopped working. There are some weird symptoms, though.

For starters... it still lights up (as in when I turn the headlights on), which makes me think it's still getting power. However, the screen is always blank, with no clock or radio tuning. Before this incident, the screen worked fine.

The other kinda weird thing is that my antenna does not go up any more when I use the switch on the dashboard. However, I'm not quite sure: maybe the antenna doesn't ever go up when the radio is off? Maybe someone could please check/confirm this for me?

I've checked and swapped fuses #1 and #2 which seem to be the only two related to the radio/antenna, and still nothing. Also, pushing a cassette into the deck doesn't do anything... Normally you can hear the spools start spinning, but this no longer happens. It does accept/eject the cassette fine though (which it seems like it's an entirely mechanical process so this isn't necessarily surprising).

Any ideas?

The radio in question is the Becker Grand Prix, by the way.

Thanks!

[kerry]

Antenna goes up when the radio is on. My radio recently went funky in my 85. It comes one and off randomly. I think it has to do with the faceplat. If I push on the removable faceplate it will stay on but otherwise it goes on and off when I hit bumps etc. I tried cleaning the faceplate connections with no avail.

[vstech]

does your cigarette lighter socket still work? it's on the same circuit. lights come from elsewhere, not related to the radio.

[babymog]

What year 300D? Several different systems.

[vstech]

I think 83 was the last year the grand prix was available...

[KevRC4130]

It's an 84. And no, the cigarette lighter does not work, and never has for as long as I've owned the car.

[Yak]

First a nit to pick: probably a question for the audio/multimedia forum, not diesel.

Now to be helpful - the radio lights are off a separate power wire and fuse. You can actually unplug the radio from its prime power via the cigarette lighter and the lights will still work.

Check fuse 4. Read this post.

Keeps blowing fuse. A little help?

Maybe check/inspect the ashtray connections. The ashtray itself is part of the electrical circuit. If it's not pulled out all the way and has good clean spring/pressure electrical connections then the lighter will not work. But IF the radio used to work untill recently AND was the factory install, THEN you do have power to the circuit.

You can also check the fuse on the back of the radio. PM back, or search for some posts by me with "radio" if you can't see how to remove the spring clips retaining the OE radio.

[ckudalug]

Originally Posted by Yak

First a nit to pick: probably a question for the audio/multimedia forum, not diesel.

Now to be helpful - the radio lights are off a separate power wire and fuse. You can actually unplug the radio from its prime power via the cigarette lighter and the lights will still work.

Check fuse 4. Read this post.

Keeps blowing fuse. A little help? - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Maybe check/inspect the ashtray connections. The ashtray itself is part of the electrical circuit. If it's not pulled out all the way and has good clean spring/pressure electrical connections then the lighter will not work. But IF the radio used to work untill recently AND was the factory install, THEN you do have power to the circuit.

You can also check the fuse on the back of the radio. PM back, or search for some posts by me with "radio" if you can't see how to remove the spring clips retaining the OE radio.

My radio quit all of a sudden today. Could you please send any instructions or pictures that you might have to get to the fuse on the back of the radio.

Thanks