Piston Slap: Is There a Mouse In My Boombox?
Greg writes:
Hello, I have a 2002 Toyota Camry SE with about 120K on it that has been overall pretty reliable. For the past few months, the OEM (it is not aftermarket) radio has turned psychotic and turns itself on and off and flips from radio to CD at will – or so it seems. It seems like this is a loose wire as it is really noticeable when I go over certain bumpy areas in the road, the radio pre-sets disappear and I have to reset them again and again. Can you advise me what to do next?
PS – My four year old thinks there is a mouse in the radio since it turns it self off and on all of the time.
Sajeev replies:
It’s probably internal to the stereo, which means your little one is right: the mouse is microscopic and jumping up and down on the circuit boards inside the stereo. It’s usually a simple fix for a stereo rebuilder: a little soldering iron and maybe a few resistors is all it takes. If you want to keep the current unit in your dashboard and can’t find a replacement from a recycler, that is.
You might feel better with the latest aftermarket head unit with MP3 plugs, HD radio and whatever else floats your boat. The aftermarket unit will set you back $175 or more (or less if you DIY) so the only reason to stick with the Toyota unit is if you like the original look and sound of your Camry.
There is no wrong answer, just take the plunge and never look back.
(Send your queries to mehta@ttac.com)
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Don't laugh about the mice thing. I went on an extended business trip to Texas one winter and when I came back mice had colonized the entire back seat of my Nissan. There were tunnels through the seat cushions and nests and everything. Sons of bitches.
Many thanks to all who have posted responses, but a big shoutout to Jimbear who nailed the diagnosis. As soon as I read his response about his daughter using the cassette deck player as a piggy bank, I recalled my young'un being very interested in the boombox system many months ago. I walked outside to the car took one look at the inside of the cassette player and viola -- I spotted multiple coins deposited inside. Unfortunetly, I cannot get at them. Now what do I do? It appears get a Haynes manual and try to DIY or go and get a aftermarket one and upgrade. For an average DIY 'er trying to get at the OEM without a crowbar appears impossible.
There you go, isn't if funny how often problems develop from people sticking things where they don't belong? Thus endeth the lesson.