The Toyota model vehicle comes with volume control for its integrated stereo system. It doesn’t matter whether the control is digital or manual. Two things can likely happen. One, the amplifier’s volume control may randomly operate itself clockwise or counterclockwise. Alternatively, the control may not work at all. Whatever it’s, you’ve got to fix a faulty amp button as soon as possible.
This article details why the problem arises in the first place. In addition, it also proffers solutions to get over it in good time.
Why Toyota Volume Control Gets Bad
As different issues can cause your Toyota radio volume control to get bad, the solutions are different. The kind of problem you experience will determine what fix to apply. Let’s examine each possible scenario.
Damaged Speaker
One of the reasons you may notice the integrated stereo volume knob of your car becomes defective is a damaged speaker. A bad or blown-out radio speaker will cause the radio volume to go up when you’re trying to reduce its intensity. The cause of a blow-out can be thermal or mechanical. In either case, the rotatory pulse generator (volume regulator) may start to malfunction.
The first you notice is a distorted sound. When this happens, you may think the volume seems increasing when you’re actually turning it down.
Defective Car radio
It is also possible that you’ll notice an increased volume when you attempt to turn down the volume. Another possible cause is a faulty radio. A faulty radio will also give off other symptoms, including an unstable or random sound. The stereo may turn off irregularly once it’s bad. It may also go off when your vehicle hit a bump. As a result, the volume control won’t function as it should.
Connection Short
There’s a possibility that the audio system has a wiring short. If this is the case, there’s a chance that the knob won’t work or not work well.
How To Fix Failing Radio Volume Control
Faulty speaker or radio: How to Fix
A problem with volume control due to a faulty radio or speaker requires drastic measures. The only solution is to replace the entire stereo system. If you won’t mind the cost, you can start by replacing the speakers. And if your problem persists, the alternative is to change the radio. Either of the two remedies will fix the issue. You’ll need a technician to handle replacing the stereo system. You don’t want to risk losing the large money with which you bought the system. Don’t bother repairing a blown speaker. Replacement is the best thing to do.
Automatic Volume control Increase: How to Fix
The issue of a faulty volume control issue is as tricky as its fix. You can’t pin down the issue on a cause. A diagnosis is the step thing to do. Hence, I’ll not recommend a DIY. Driving to a technician or an electronics workshop will be your best bet. Nonetheless, here’s a step-by-step guide to fix a faulty radio volume knob issue.
Materials needed:
- An electronic cleaner
- A flathead screwdriver
- Cotton swabs
- A Toothpick
Steps To Follow to Fix a Defective Volume Control Button
Step 1: Locate the volume control knob
Locate the volume control button on your stereo system. In a typical Toyota model, the volume control knob is typically located beside the power button. In fact, it is the same button that powers the radio that also regulates the volume.
Step 2: Pull off the cap
Once you’ve located the knob, it’s time to pick out the plastic cap around the button. Ensure you take this process gently to avoid causing damage to the cover. A small flathead screwdriver will help you achieve this seamlessly. Simply pull the cap back on the knob.
Step 3: Locate the metal prongs
The irony is that the stereo volume control is not the knob but two metal prongs that are fastened to it. They increase or reduce the volume when they are enabled by electrical contacts in the stereo.
Step 4: Remove dirt
But once you’ve taken off the cover and you’re face-to-face with the metal prongs, you’ll need to remove any surrounding dirt. If you take out all debris, cleaning the prongs will not produce the desired result.
Step 5: Clean the prongs
The next step is to wipe the prongs clean. Start by dipping some cotton swabs into the alcohol-based precision electronic cleaner. You can wring out a little water from the swabs to avoid them being excessively damp. Clean the prongs with the cleaner-soaked swabs. Do it gently to avoid breaking the knob or prongs.
Step 6: Repeat Step 5
Repeat step 5 above but this with fresh cotton swabs. Turn the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise to make the electrical contacts visible for cleaning. Make sure the cleaner gets into every nook and cranny and cleans properly until they shine.
Step 7: Reinstall all parts
The last step is to reinstall all parts of the stereo system that you previously uncoupled. There you have it!
Go for a Radio Reset
Another thing to do to fix a bad stereo system is to reset the entire program.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key
- Take off the faceplate from the system
- Release the rest knob using a sharp object (a needle)
- Clean the metal prongs and faceplate with an electronic cleaner
- Reinstall the faceplate
- Insert the ignition key and start the vehicle
- Reprogram the stereo using the faceplate
FAQS
Can I replace the pot under the radio volume control knob?
Yes, you can. It’s an alternative method to the electronic cleaner, even though it’s a worst-case remedy. However, if the pot is just dirty, all you need to do is to wipe it clean.
What is the cost of the radio volume control knob?
The cost of fixing a bad Toyota radio volume control knob varies. It depends on whether you’re using an OEM or aftermarket system. Regardless, you should be ready to spare between $10 and $30. Labor costs can take about $10 and the cost of purchasing parts is $15.
Final Thoughts
Long-distance trips without quality music can certainly be boring. And if you’re choosy, you’ll want to select the kind of music or a talk radio program to listen to. Having a random selection of beats or programs may not be the best thing to enjoy your trip. As I noted, faulty volume control can cause this arbitrary selection to occur. How you’re able to resolve the issue will help you get what you want. Certainly, this article’s detailed enough about the causes of a failed amp button and how best you can quickly fix it.
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