Continental TR7412UB-OR Radio problem

[doc911]

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Continental TR7412UB-OR Radio (fitted in my 1987 Carrera).

It used to function pretty well until last week when it suddenly stopped.

I tried many manoeuvres until I found out that I have to press the Reset button twice in order to give the radio the kiss of life!

I took the device to an expert who told me that there is no problem with it.

Any help? Please?

Thank you very much.

Fahad

[bkreigsr]

What is your question?

Did you 'reset' ?
Did you observe the unit working in the 'expert's' facility ?

If yes, yes, did you check the fuses in your Carrera ?

[Otter74]

His question seems to be, "what could be causing this problem behavior in my radio?"

[darrin]

I'd recommend getting a cigarette lighter voltmeter and monitoring it while driving for voltage spikes (15+v) -- our alternators are rather notorious for having their voltage regulators fail and allow transient high voltage spikes to go through the electrical system. My undiagnosed voltage regulator failure years ago wiped out my radio (and Tach).

[doc911]

What is your question?

Did you 'reset' ?
Did you observe the unit working in the 'expert's' facility ?

If yes, yes, did you check the fuses in your Carrera ?
__________________________________________________ ___________________

My question is: why do I have to press the RESET button twice to get the radio working?
And yes, I've check the fuses and they're OK.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by doc911

__________________________________________________ ___________________

My question is: why do I have to press the RESET button twice to get the radio working?
And yes, I've check the fuses and they're OK.

Per the radio's manual, the reset button helps resolve situations where the radio's "system is unstable" --

Since the "expert" you took the radio to (presume you took it out of your car) found no problem with the radio itself, I'd still be concerned that the problem could be with your car's voltage, specifically a failed/failing voltage regulator allowing higher than appropriate voltage spikes into your car's electrical system (and causing your radio to protect itself by shutting off).

Other signs of this problem include "dimming" headlights and/or interior lights at night (the "dimming" is when the lights return to normal after getting super bright during voltage spike), seatbelt warning light randomly lighting up (caused by a voltage spike), sulphur (rotten egg) smell in front trunk (battery acid boiling over) and damp battery/battery area (same).

A voltage spike will generally not blow a fuse, but, if not corrected, can damage electrical components.

[doc911]

Originally Posted by darrin

Per the radio's manual, the reset button helps resolve situations where the radio's "system is unstable" --

Since the "expert" you took the radio to (presume you took it out of your car) found no problem with the radio itself, I'd still be concerned that the problem could be with your car's voltage, specifically a failed/failing voltage regulator allowing higher than appropriate voltage spikes into your car's electrical system (and causing your radio to protect itself by shutting off).

Other signs of this problem include "dimming" headlights and/or interior lights at night (the "dimming" is when the lights return to normal after getting super bright during voltage spike), seatbelt warning light randomly lighting up (caused by a voltage spike), sulphur (rotten egg) smell in front trunk (battery acid boiling over) and damp battery/battery area (same).

A voltage spike will generally not blow a fuse, but, if not corrected, can damage electrical components.

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Dear darrin,

Thank you very much, indeed for your help. It was very helpful.

I've installed a filter and fuse box (see photo) on my radio which solved the problem.

The radio is now working perfectly well.