I have a strange new glitch on my 98 XK8 when I change the radio volume using the knob on the radio. I turn to the left to reduce volume, and it may reduce it or sometimes it increases. The steering wheel control works correctly. It seems to intermittently do the opposite of what I'm trying to do. Has anyone experienced this? Maybe time for a new radio. This one is the Harmon Karden Premium system.
Thanks, Dave

 

My 99 XK8 does the exact same thing, and, on position 3 on the key pad, every 5 minutes or so I have to push the button because the radio will cut out. Just started about a month and a half ago. Other than that every thing works fine.


Could this be one of the many quirky old battery topics???

 

The Harmon Kardon "Premium" radio system has Automatic Volume Control (AVC). Once set to a comfortable volume it's supposed to adjust and maintain the volume up or down as the ambient noise changes - such as when the top is down.

Setting it is discussed in the Sound System manual that came with the car (at least with mine). Works fine for me as long as it's set up properly. Perhaps this is what is giving you the problem.

Sam

BTW: Some years ago the cone in both my rear speakers blew out. When I went to replace them I found that they were the cheapest, poorest-quality junk - giving a new meaning to the term "Premium." I replaced them with good quality ones.

 

I have the standard rather than the premium system and it does the exact same thing. I assumed it was just the rotary controller that needed cleaning but I haven't got around to it yet.

 

Mine did the same thing, sprayed contact cleaner into it, spun the knob a few times, problem gone.

 

That's good to know. Did you have to remove the radio to do this?

 

Do you need to remove the radio knob to spray in the cleaner? Mine doesn't seem to want to come off.....Thanks.....Mike

 

No, didn't remove the knob. Just stuck the little red tube behind the knob and blasted away, also did the same to the steering wheel control has been working fine ever since.

 

RichXK8,
Thanks for the great advise! I got a can of CRC Contact Cleaner at my local Home Depot and stuck the straw in several places around the volume knob (without removing the knob)and gave about six 1 second blasts, waited 5 minutes, and it's "good as new".
I had already started my search for a new radio, so you really saved me time and money.
Much appreciated!
Dave B.

 

Dave, Glad it work for you, you never know but, always worth a shot, of cleaner.

 

Just a note of warning - The CRC Contact Cleaner can (and does) permanently cloud some types of plastics. Found that out the hard way a while back.


Dave