Never touch the parts on a circuit board.
While home stereos are generally hard-wearing appliances, sometimes something goes wrong. Major problems may require a trained technician, but you can do yourself such minor repairs as simple adjustments, cleaning contacts and small soldering tasks. These simple repair jobs could eradicate such problems as excess static or rattling, as well as loss of sound. This could ultimately save you money and extend the life of the stereo.
Instructions
Minor Repairs
1. Spray the volume control knob with electrical contact cleaner. Twist the knob from low to high to make certain that all the workings are adequately lubricated. This should eliminate any interference that you've experienced when adjusting the volume.
2. Replace the antenna if you are experiencing excess static problems when listening to the stereo's radio. Unscrew the old antenna with a screwdriver and remove it. Take it with you when you buy a replacement antenna to ensure that you get a good match. Follow the fitting instructions that come with the new antenna and connect it to the stereo.
3. Check the condition of the speaker wires if the stereo is emitting no sound. Ensure that no bare wires are coming in contact with each other. This will result in a dead short. Replace any damaged wires with new ones.
4. Check the connections of all speaker wires if no damage is detected. Ensure that the wires are securely connected at the back of the stereo and at the speakers' connections. Confirm that the positive and negative connections on the stereo are connected to the corresponding speaker connections.
Replacing Damaged Resistors
5. Disconnect the stereo at the plug and remove the outer case.
6. Confirm that the resistor is damaged by testing the tolerance with a multimeter. Melt the current solder with an iron and remove the damaged resistor.
7. Mount the replacement resistor onto the circuit board. Trim any surplus lead material from around it.
8. "Tin" the tip of the soldering iron by melting a tiny amount of solder directly onto it. Remove any surplus solder and place the tip straight onto the circuit board.
9. Melt a tiny amount of solder straight onto the joint, using the solder spool. Ensure that the solder does not touch the tip of the iron.
10. Melt the solder straight onto the area between the resistor lead and the printed circuit board. Leave it to set and ensure that the joint is strong. Reassemble the stereo and test it.
Repairing Faulty Speakers
11. Check the speakers for damage should you experience any rattling sounds.
12. Remove the speakers' outer casing or cover. Unscrew the speakers and carefully draw them out.
13. Check for any tears or holes in the speaker cone by slowly running your fingers across the speaker's outer rim.
14. Repair any holes or tears by placing duct tape on either side of them. Reassemble the speakers and test. Should you still hear any excessive rattling, replace the speakers.
Tags: circuit board, Ensure that, straight onto, amount solder, Confirm that
