INSTALLATION
The drawing below shows the correct mounting method for all Firebird dashes. Even though the radio is much smaller and lighter than the
original, It will go into the dash the same way that the old one came out. To remove the original radio, remove six Phillips screws from the
glove box and remove the glove box. Remove the right lower A/C duct by removing two Phillips screws under the glove box opening and the
5/16” screw at the right upper corner of the duct. Remove the control knobs and backrings by pulling straight off. Remove the outer hex nuts
and trimplate from the control shafts. Disconnect the speaker, antenna and power leads. Remove the screw from the radio bracket on the
driver's side and remove the radio from the passenger side. To remove the old speaker, remove the A/C duct under the speaker and remove the
5/16” screw from the speaker bracket. Secure the new radio with the 9” Backstrap and the 7/16” mounting nut provided. Plug the antenna
into the jack on the lower rear of the radio near the mounting stud.
DIAGNOSTICS
No Sound:
Check for a good fuse with proper rating. When the radio is turned on, the orange wire should have 12 volts present. Every
speaker lead should measure about 6 volts to ground with the radio on and volume low. During start up diagnostics if the radio detects a
shorted speaker wire the radio will shut off that speaker lead until the issue is resolved. Radio will mute when no station is received.
Make sure antenna is plugged into the proper jack. If an accessory is not connected there will be no audio in auxiliary mode.
Weak or No Reception:
Check continuity between the center pin of the antenna plug and the antenna mast. It should read 0 ohms (like a
short) Next, check continuity between the center pin of the antenna plug and the car body. It should not read (like an open circuit). If
you’re in a metal building, reception may be limited. Try it outside.
Ignition Noise:
Usually caused by an ungrounded antenna shield. The base of the antenna must make good contact with the car body.
This problem often shows up after a good paint job! Make sure the engine grounding straps are in place, clean and tightly bonded to the
frame.
Distortion:
Check to see if your speakers can handle at least 45 watts RMS. Small speakers that can only reproduce high frequency will
distort on bass notes. Make sure speakers are properly installed. Make sure that no speaker is grounded. Every speaker lead should
measure about 6 volts to ground with the radio on and volume low. Resistance in the DC power input wiring can cause the amplifiers to
“starve”. If distortion seems to increase with volume, measure the voltage on the orange wire. If the voltage drops when the volume is
raised, it is an indication of resistance between the battery and the radio – usually at the fuse block, but sometimes in the ignition switch.
If the backstrap is not bolted to a clean metal ground, try running a heavy ground wire from the ground lug on the radio directly to the
firewall.
Radio shuts off after a few minutes:
The radio has thermal protection built in to prevent damage from excessive heat. Possible causes
are shorted or grounded speaker wires. See if any unused wires can touch anything. Make sure the heater or defroster duct isn’t blowing
directly on the radio.
Dial pointer issues:
If the dial pointer gets stuck at one end or if it is misaligned, hold down one of the preset buttons for 5-10 seconds to
realign or free dial pointer. If the dial pointer is stuck at one end of the dial, turn the tuning knob. The dial pointer should try to move
while you're turning the knob. Continue to turn the tuning knob until the pointer resets itself.
BE SAFE:
Make sure you are familiar with the way this radio works before you go out on the road. Driving demands your full attention.
Texting while driving is dangerous and it is illegal in many states. Remember: not all drivers have hands free phones, so the guy next to
you may be driving while distracted.
The
Bluetooth®
word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Antique Automobile Radio, Inc. is under
license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
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