Hi all,

The fuse behind the radio is responsible for the antenna and the radio I believe. Mine was blown and I was told that these are no longer made commonly, to try and check with Becker of NJ.


So anyway I stumbled upon some 2A/250V Fuses today at the Hardware store made by Cooper Bussmann. Nearly identical to the stock Becker ones, less the Silica Powder (?) insulating the fuse filament.

Replaced the fuse, radio static all frequencies, turn car on, and fuse blows.

Check antenna ground and connections, all good. PO installed Brand New Hirshman

Replace with another fuse, play with antenna and multiple stations fuse blows without turning car on.

#4 Fuse in fusebox OK.

So at this point, I think the short is coming from within the radio seeing as the radio has static on all channels and an iffy display screen.

Is this a safe assumption?

Has anyone else had a similar problem?

Should I:

A: Send it back to Becker of NJ

B: Take chances on Junkyard radio...

or

C: Sing to myself...

Thank you.

I would check the antenna....see how it was installed....was it a period correct Hirshman or the newer ones?

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I would eliminate the power antenna controls first.

Try disconnecting the lone wire on the back of the radio, it will be blue (may be covered with a black sheath), that is the trigger wire to the antenna. And unplug the antenna signal coax cable from the back of the radio.

Now using a piece of regular wire, insert it in the center hole of the antenna socket on the radio. I would use something like a piece of #14 solid or a coat hanger, but you'll have to sand off the paint first on the end. That should be enough to get you some radio reception to confirm the radio itself works.

If you are blowing the radio fuse when the car is turned on then that leads me to believe there is a short in the power antenna controls.

Of course there is always the send it back to Becker option. He's good but expensive, expect to pay around $150-200 for service.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech