Gen 1 JBL Audio System dead...help?

[mtrainTurbo]

Hi gang! I am a newb, so please go easy on me. I also did search first.

I have an audio problem on my 1991 Plus, and I am hoping you guys can help.

When you power the radio on, it immediately goes to CD Source, and cannot be changed. I can't change it to FM. Antenna goes up and down, but does not go up or down automatically with the radio.

When I disconnect the in dash CD player from the radio, the radio will default to the tuner...however, the amp then goes dead, and I cannot hear much sound out of the speakers. We tested the speakers with a sound generator, and they work fine. I also believe the amp is working as well, because when I connect the CD player, all the speakers give me an amplified "pop". All the fuses are good too.

From what I can gather, the radio NEEDS the CD player to complete the circuit on the stereo.

So to my questions:

1. Has anyone ever heard of this problem before?
2. Do I need a new headunit, a new CD player, both, or neither?

Both units have a sticker on them that they were reconditioned by some guy named Paul in 2006, and googling him reveals he is prolific in the TBird SC groups. I shot him an email, but no response yet.

Any help or direction? Or better yet, does anyone HAVE a working Gen 1 deck/CD player they want to offload?

 

[jelloslug]

Your slave CD player is dead. You can replace it with any Ford slave CD player though the style will not be the same. If you want to just eliminate the CD player and use the tape deck there are two ways to do it: 1) Just unplug the power connection (long flat 6 pin connector) to the CD player and leave the signal wire (rectangular 6 pin connector) connected. Unless your slave CD player is really damaged this should be OK. 2) Unplug the signal connector from the headunit a plug in a jumper plug. The jumper plug is found on any premium or JBL Ford radio from the late 80s' until the mid 90' (up to 99' in the Mustang).

 

[mtrainTurbo]

Not using the CD player is definitely an option. Thanks, I will give it a try.

Has anyone successfully lined-in an iPod adapter with this stereo, since we're talking?

 

[jelloslug]

Not using the CD player is definitely an option. Thanks, I will give it a try.

Has anyone successfully lined-in an iPod adapter with this stereo, since we're talking?

It should work. The 6 pin signal wire is a preamp loop with two status wires. The metal shell is the ground for the signal. DON'T short the status wires to the signal in or out. It will fry the preamp section of the head unit.

 

[mtrainTurbo]

Plugged the CD player in and radio powers up, but still no sound.

Am I missing something, or do I need to start looking at amps?

 

[Sholovenothate]

Not using the CD player is definitely an option. Thanks, I will give it a try.

Has anyone successfully lined-in an iPod adapter with this stereo, since we're talking?

I just use one of those old skool tape's with the wire to play my Ipod. Works good enough for me. I am debating a dual DIN unit but at the same time I want to keep it stock... decisions!

 

[kevinspann]

Single DIN HU and replace the slave CD player with a storage box.

 

[jelloslug]

Plugged the CD player in and radio powers up, but still no sound.

Am I missing something, or do I need to start looking at amps?

Did you plug in the signal wire to the head unit and the CD player?

 

[mtrainTurbo]

Yes, both ends were plugged in. Sorry, I am not an audio guy, you'll need to use plain English with me.

I also noticed a new problem...I tried a tape from eons ago and the tape player ate it. No big deal, it wasn't anything I was sad about losing, but definitely not a good sign.

I think I am changing strategies here. From the advice I am getting, and also based on the fact that both units in my car are already refurb'd from 2007, I think retaining the original parts may not be in my best interest. I would love to keep the car stock, but I want a working audio system with an iPod input.

My new thought is to source a newer Double DIN Ford Radio with an aux input. Has anyone done this conversion and can give me pointers? I am not exactly an audio guy, so I am going to need help.

 

[jelloslug]

Yes, both ends were plugged in. Sorry, I am not an audio guy, you'll need to use plain English with me.

I also noticed a new problem...I tried a tape from eons ago and the tape player ate it. No big deal, it wasn't anything I was sad about losing, but definitely not a good sign.

I think I am changing strategies here. From the advice I am getting, and also based on the fact that both units in my car are already refurb'd from 2007, I think retaining the original parts may not be in my best interest. I would love to keep the car stock, but I want a working audio system with an iPod input.

My new thought is to source a newer Double DIN Ford Radio with an aux input. Has anyone done this conversion and can give me pointers? I am not exactly an audio guy, so I am going to need help.

I'm right in the middle of putting in a head unit from an '09 MKX right now.