Title says it all... anyone ever heard of this? CDs still work perfectly, but there is no left channel (front or rear) when the radio is selected. The problem started suddenly with the left channel just disappearing, but while still intermittent it's gone way more often than it's present. I pulled the entire audio system apart (dash and trunk) and verified all the connections, everything looks good. It seems like the radio will work indefinitely while the car is stationary, but within minutes of going anywhere it fades out again. I haven't just sat there listening for more than 10 or 15 minutes, but it works during that much time. Within a half mile of driving though, it's gone.

 

I had a very similar problem to what you are describing on my 85-xj6. My cassette worked fine but not my radio. As you have removed the radio you might want to have it tested to determine if it is capable of receiving the proper signal/strength.

On mine i would also get intermittent stereo....had all the wiring checked which was fine. In the end the problem turned out to be the power antenna. The motor would no longer fully extend the antenna. Would stop a few inches from full extension...barely noticeable but enough to impact optimal reception.

I replaced the motor ,greased the antenna itself....and got my stereo and fm reception back....with improved am.....somewhat ironic i thought as with a shortened antenna you should loose the am more than the fm so i was told...anyway it worked and worth checking out the antenna......hope you find the problem....and get it fixed.....a great stereo experience is worth it.

 

Wow, that's a weirdness!

I don't *think* it's the antenna as I think the "ST" indicator is lit, but now you've got me curious...