Radio stops working when it rains- drains?

[New2MB]

When it rains for more than a few minutes the radio in my '93 300TE works intermittently. The radio doesn't power off, it actually seems like the speakers are the trouble spot. When it dries out everything works just fine again.

I'm guessing a drain is clogged somewhere although I don't see any water anywhere and the inside of the windows doesn't fog up.

I'm planning on running a coat hanger through the drains once I find them all, maybe blow them out with compressed air.

Does it sound like I'm heading in the right direction?

[Carson357]

Originally Posted by New2MB

When it rains for more than a few minutes the radio in my '91 300TE works intermittently. The radio doesn't power off, it actually seems like the speakers are the trouble spot. When it dries out everything works just fine again.

I'm guessing a drain is clogged somewhere although I don't see any water anywhere and the inside of the windows doesn't fog up.

I'm planning on running a coat hanger through the drains once I find them all, maybe blow them out with compressed air.

Does it sound like I'm heading in the right direction?

does the radio actually turn off or does the sound just go away?

[rickpark]

Pour some water on the mast and see if it happens. If so, you may need to replace it.

[New2MB]

The radio doesn't actually shutoff, the speakers just get scratchy and then fade out, then they come back in, very annoying.

I'll have to check the antenna, I think the seal around the base of it is cracked. Thanks for the tip.

[New2MB]

Well the antenna base is in great condition with no cracks, I poured water on it and it didn't effect anything.

After talking to my wife some more it turns out that the radio seems to be effected (only when it rains). The display goes out and the speakers get scratchy and then fade out and in. She said she also has to hold down the power button for awhile before the radio turns on.

I guess it's time to try to find those drains, are they obvious?

I was planning on running a coat hanger through, is that a good idea or is there a better way?