Radio doesn't work

[Tin Lizzie]

This is my first post - many thanks in advance for your input.

I've got an elderly Mazda (1991) with 106,000 miles. I became disabled on the road recently because of a bad alternator belt. FYI, the belt problem also caused the car to overheat, but the replacement of the belt has solved that problem. I've had the belt replaced, but since then my radio does not function. All other electrical functions work OK, and I've been told that the fuse that operates the radio is OK.

Any suggestions as to what the problem could be and/or how a woman with nothing but common sense could fix it?

The repair shop that fixed the alternator belt said one problem had nothing to do with the other, but it seems to me that the radio problem must be more than coincidence.

Thanks again.

[nrclan]

Is radio making any noise whatsoever? Is the display on the radio functioning? I need some more info on the problem please.

[Tin Lizzie]

The radio makes no noise, and the digital display doesn't work. Also, there's a tape player in the radio which is non-responsive. Directly above the radio is a clock with a digital display which works fine.

I suspect that a wire was inadvertently disconnected when the repair work was done.

Any hints as to where to look?

Many thanks.

[nrclan]

Chances are with just an alternator replacement there were no wires in the dash disconnected. If I had to take a guess it would be related to the radio itself. If the fuse(s) are fine and there are no other electrical problems (i.e. other things that are not working that would be on the same circuit) I would definitely think the main capacitor in the radio failed. It could have been due to sharp drops in voltage while your alternator belt failed. There are just so many places to look. If you know someone with an voltmeter you can have them check the 12v constant power to the radio to make sure it's getting power. Even just the cheap one with the light will tell you if there is power. If you are getting power to the wire then the problem is most likely with the radio itself. You can call a junkyard and see if they have a radio for your car.