Q: Radio just does not work and I don’t know the problem

asked by on November 05, 2015

I have used my 2010 Volkswagen Jetta quite a bit since buying it new. The car now has over 96,000 miles on it, which means that I drive long distances quite a bit. Having a radio is really nice on long trips and up until a couple weeks ago, mine worked fine. Then it started randomly making loud popping sounds and turned off completely. Is this just a bad radio or a bigger electrical issue? I'm fine with replacing the radio. The ECU? Not so much!

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine seized in 1997 Toyota 4Runner
A few things to check before you condemn the engine. Sometimes a coolant leak can get into the cylinders of the engine when it is sitting. This will hydro-lock the engine. Water above the piston does not compress and will...
Car won't go in reverse - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
Hi there, thanks for writing in. This is a known problem, and Chrysler has a recall (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-to-do-if-your-car-is-recalled-by-jason-unrau) (06V432000) to correct it. Contact your Chrysler dealer as soon as possible to have this problem corrected.
How far can I drive with my Battery Light (including my brake lamp) turning off a minute ago. I am aware my brake pads are gone
The usual cause for a battery light to come on is a fault in the charging system. If the alternator is not charging and providing electrical power, then the electrical system will resort to draining the battery for power. Since...
When filling the gas tank, it has to fill very slow or it clicks off the pump
All modern cars are equipped with an Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system collects and temporarily stores the fuel vapors in the charcoal...
96 cavalier not getting gas
Hi there: The fuel pump should be running at all times once the key in in the start position. The best way to diagnose fuel flow issues is to remove fuel lines at each connection, starting from the fuel pump....
P0170 and P0173, I have changed the MAF and Both sensors. Now my car does not start.
P0170 and 173 indicate that your fuel mixture is off. The ECU tries to compensate, but the error is so large that it cant make the correction. It can be caused by a Mass Air Flow sensor, but there could...
Struts or Compression Rods Maybe??? 2005 infiniti G35
Hello - given your mileage, your front struts and strut bearing plates are most likely candidates for the suspension noises (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/suspension-up-front-makes-a-ton-of-noise-creaks) you describe. Colder weather will make turning noises louder (or "creakier"). Having a helper "rock" each side of the...
Dead Battery again
You may have a failing voltage regulator that could be allowing the alternator to supply too much or too little amperage to the battery resulting in the battery never maintaining a consistent charge as it is designed to. The voltage...
I'm trying to replace my antenna assy coil from the ignition area inside of the car where the key goes. Do u know of a video on it
The best place to look for videos on automotive repairs would be Youtube.com. I know that there is a guy from 1A Auto who is often on there filming various repairs being done to show people how to do them....

Related articles

How a Battery Works With a Car's Electrical System
Have Have you ever wondered how your car’s electrical system works? It all starts with your car battery. Your car's electrical system operates on a closed circuit, with the main power system being the automotive battery. It uses less than...
Top 10 PZEV Cars for Eco-Friendly Drivers
Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com The whole idea of a PZEV (that is, a partial zero-emissions vehicle), seems paradoxical. You’d think it’d have to either be zero-emissions or not in the category at all. But as contradictory as...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Battery Cable
If you experience problems starting and powering the car or find corrosion on the battery terminals, you may need to replace a battery cable.