I need some audio-related help! (1988 Town Car)

[shortguy]

Hi all, new member. I have a 1988 town car, and I have some audio problems with it. My thought is that the head unit may need some work, but I would like to hear any advice or opinions you guys have to offer!
So, here are the problems:
First, only the two driver side speakers work, and even then, the one in the door cuts out sometimes when adjusting the volume.
Second, when the volume is adjusted, there is lots of static.
The passenger speakers will have static when the volume knob is turned, but other than that, no sound comes out of them.
I don't know if this extra information will help, but the power antenna works, all the lights work, I think all the buttons work, the screen works. The speakers have a sticker that says 'premium' on them.
Any and all help is very much appreciated!

 

[bbf2530]

Hi all, new member. I have a 1988 town car, and I have some audio problems with it. My thought is that the head unit may need some work, but I would like to hear any advice or opinions you guys have to offer!
So, here are the problems:
First, only the two driver side speakers work, and even then, the one in the door cuts out sometimes when adjusting the volume.
Second, when the volume is adjusted, there is lots of static.
The passenger speakers will have static when the volume knob is turned, but other than that, no sound comes out of them.
I don't know if this extra information will help, but the power antenna works, all the lights work, I think all the buttons work, the screen works. The speakers have a sticker that says 'premium' on them.
Any and all help is very much appreciated!

Hi shortguy. It is a 33 year old audio unit. It is most likely simply failing and need to be replaced.

Had the exact same issues with a 1990 Town Car back around 2003-2004. Found a local audio/electronics repair shop that was able to repair it (temporarily). For what it was worth, he said the "capacitors" go bad. Said he recommended just replacing it. He said he could fix it and the fix would last for awhile, but he could not guarantee how long.

Since I wanted to keep the car "stock" (it had been my father's), I had him repair it. Took two times to get it working correctly. The repair lasted another 3-4 years until it went bad again. At that point I replaced the head unit.

If your heart is set on trying to keep your Town Car "stock", you can do as I did and see if there is a local repair shop available. Or check online for a company that repairs OEM audio systems.

My opinion though...? Go to Crutchfield.com, use their "What Fits My Vehicle" tool, or call, and purchase a new head unit. That is what I did after it failed again, and was very happy. Their customer service is excellent, they provide detailed removal and installation instructions, all necessary wiring harnesses, lifetime tech support etc.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

What @bbf2530 said.

Another possibility is that the speaker cones have rotted away. I’d definitely check them before delving into the head unit.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

My 2003 Cartier

 

[oktowncar]

Yep, 30+ years old and in need of some bad TLC.
Check with Crutchfield online or give them a call. Their techs can help nail down specific speakers/head units that will factory fit and they also have harness wires to make things plug and play.