A few days ago my "washer/water fluid" light came on because my windshield washer fluid got low. Today I was headed to get some washer fluid and a very loud solid screeching tone came on thru the radio speakers that would only go away when I shut the radio off. It was not affected by turning the volume up or down. I could hear the radio station in the background get louder if I turned the volume up but the screeching tone was deafening at all times. Later today it quit doing the screeching tone but I am wondering what the heck it was and why.....

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1999 CLK 430
W208
113. Engine
105,000 Miles
Raptor 245/40/17

have been driving past something that was generating static, like a high tensio line, or some type of welder, etc.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Does this occure with the engine off. If so could be an alternator capacitor.

John Roncallo

Almost certainly a bad 'ground' connection from the radio - or from wherever the radio ground is connected and chassis. A resistance to ground develops that is not constant, and the radio amplifiers get positive feedback (the screeching). The simplest solution is to connect a new groundwire from the case of the radio to a known good ground in the car. However, if that bad connection is elsewhere, eg. from the dash framework to the body, other symptoms could show up later as well - but not thru the radio.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7