This is gonna sound kinda weird, but, I was wondering how many volts it takes to power my stereo in my '89 GTA. It is a stock tape deck (right now). I want to take it out and power it out of the car, so I can fix a problem with it. I just figured it was on a 12 volt circut, but I stuck a meter in the power terminal, and it read 4.3 volts, where the hell does that come from, is that a stand by mode or what? Please help, I dont want to fry the pos.

 

IF you need to ask this question you should NOT be trying to fix it!!!!!!!!!

 

Well excuse me, I just need some freakin help. NOW does anybody know ANYTHING ABOUT THIS!!!!!! Is this 4.3 a stand by voltage, or what? Note: I had the car in on position, not ignition. THANKS FOR ANY HELP

 

Luke, all the Delco stock systems are designed for operation from 12 to 13.8 volts. You might tell me where you measured the 4.3 volts, possibly you did not have a good ground for the meter. You may have measured the line from the dash dimmer that drops the display intensity when the headlights are on. Regardless the unit is a 12 volt negative ground unit. Servicing these units outside the car is difficult without the power up cable, use EXTREME caution as a slip of 12 volts to a speaker line will FRY the audio power IC in the unit. What is wrong with it by the way?

 

The problem I am haveing is with the tape deck. I put the tape in and it takes it, keeps it for a second, then spits it out. I think it needs to be cleaned/lubercated because the components seem sticky. If it is some other problem, please let me know. I just need a temp. fix so I can use my tape adapter and plug in my portable CD. Once I save up, I will probably ditch the thing.

 

I've got the same problem with my Camry, sometimes it will keep it for 5 minutes, another time 5 seconds. The solution: Christmas is just around the corner and a CD player is on my list...

 

Luke, I never recommend someone get into a unit if they are not too familiar but if you are going to replace it here is the story. Most likely the belts and pinch rollers are shot. If it auto reverse it has 2 pinch rollers. The cassette transport has to be separated from the radio unit for service. The cass transport completely unplugs from the radio chassis after disassembly of the covers, front panel and several miniature hex fasteners. The pinch rollers come in Delco service kit part #1226627, belts under #1226670. Parts run under $20. Once the deck is out of the radio it's about a 20 minute job to replace the parts. Don't underestimate the quality of the Delco radio, the cassette unit is mfd. by Blaupunkt for them and it is of good quality. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work just buy the parts and take it to any local electronic repair shop, they will probably put them in for a nominal fee. LOL p.s. you will need a thinwall hex driver similiar to Xcelite #6. I had to grind the wall a little, there is a fastener recessed on the front. You'll see it.

 

Are we talking about the plain old Delco AM/FM cassette unit here like in my '86 Firebird?

I've had it apart and removed the transport like you say - I'm interested in keeping mine running too. One of the take-up wheels seems to be sticking occasionally, even after cleaning and de-gumming the transport.

Danno, can you point me to any more info on these Delco service kits? I think that's just what I need.

 

The parts I made reference to are for the Delco auto reverse unit with the AM/FM radio. You can order by the numbers I listed from any GM dealer. A source for Delco original parts is www.hrautoradio.com They are one of the largest Delco repair facilities in the country. If you have the radio ID# they will be glad to ship you the parts needed.

 

I have a '89 with a fairly nice Delco System (All digital, Steering wheel controls, etc. I was wondering if while I was working on the tape part of it and had it out of the car, if I could put the rest in the car and use it? Thanks for the help

 

Honestly Luke I don't know, never tried it. Can't hurt to try it, the worst case is the radio just won't work. If I get time I'll see if I have a manual laying around for the newer units.

 

Yes, I did the very same thing with mine.

If you don't feel comfortable fixing it yourself, just go to the dealer and ask them where they send the stereos for repair. I did this and it only cost $75 for the complete repair and cleaning, from the dealer it was going to cost about $200+ (what a mark up)