If you own a C4 equipped with Bose sound system, you will eventually need Bose amplifier repair or replacement. Every Bose sound system equipped C4 uses one amplifier per speaker. This is the weak link. Amplifier capacitors are filled with electrolytic fluid, which ultimately leaks out onto the circuit board, causing failure. If the leak is slow, the amplifier’s circuit board can be damaged beyond repair. Electrolytic fluid is acidic and will corrode anything it touches.
It is common to have multiple amplifier failures at one time. In most situations, you suddenly lose sound from a particular speaker. There have also been situations where all amplifiers fail. If one or two speakers stop working, check the amplifiers. When the radio receiver fails, all sound output will be lost.
There are some differences between the early and late C4 receivers. Early models (1984-1989) have integrated radio control heads and receivers, while later models (1990-1996) have a separate receiver. The radio receiver is located under the passenger side dash in 1990-1993 cars; it’s located behind the passenger seat in the rear compartment of 1994-1996 Corvettes. Some failed 1990-1996 receivers will result in a cessation of sound output. The 1990-1996 radio head is only for controlling the receiver and playing CDs or cassettes. The sound bites go to the receiver for output to speakers.
There are simple tests that can be performed to check the integrity of the amplifiers. If all speakers go out at once, the Bose relay should be checked first. (The relay has also been known to cause a dead battery from time to time.) The amplifiers should be inspected for dark staining of the circuit board, any burnt wires, or an odor of burnt plastic.
A common problem with 1984-1989 cars is water in the speaker/amplifier enclosure located in the door. If the door drain is not working, the enclosure can be submerged, allowing water to seep inside. The enclosure is sealed, but if it has been opened and the gasket was damaged, even rainwater may seep inside through a bad outside seal strip. Severe radio receiver water damage may also occur from a leaking rear hatch window in 1994-1996 Corvettes. In some cases, the receiver is submerged in the compartment.
Speakers can be tested with an AA 1.5-volt battery. The receiver output can be checked with a voltmeter for varying current output to make sure the amplifier is receiving a signal. If adjusting the radio control knobs on 1984-1989 cars produces static or noise, the radio has a problem, not the speakers or amps. In some cases, just touching the control knobs causes static.
Removing the speaker/amplifier enclosure is not too difficult, except for the 1990-1996 models. The front speaker enclosure is under the sill cover and requires sill removal to access. The cover sticks to the sill, so care must be taken during removal. Slowly lift one side of the cover so the bond can loosen from the sound deadener. Try to avoid getting the sound-deadener material on your clothes or skin because it is difficult to remove. Once the speaker/amplifier enclosures are removed, the speakers and amplifiers can be tested for proper signals.
You can repair or replace the amplifiers one at a time. If you are repairing the original amplifiers, you may want to do them all to avoid further circuit board damage. There are options: repair, replace the amplifiers, or get rid of the system altogether. Changing the system is costly because all the components must be replaced, and the wiring must be modified. Although the original Bose system may not be capable of extreme bass, once repaired, it is a high-quality system that can be very reliable.
Beware of NOS (New Old Stock) amplifiers that are being sold as correct replacements; they may have different part numbers. The amplifiers are matched units to the receiver and, in some instances, sold as correct matching units from another application, which can degrade sound output. The part numbers must be the same as what was removed for proper operation. Don’t forget that NOS amplifiers may be working now, but how long will it be before they have capacitor issues?
The Bose amplifier relay (CC # 244409) is located under the passenger side dash on 1984-1989 cars. Unfortunately, you can only feel the relay, but the wiring is visible from under the dash. Follow the wiring to the relay and then pull it down to release it from its retainer. The relay has a four-wire connector with an orange wire (12-volt battery power from the courtesy fuse), pink with black tracer (power out to amplifier when the radio is on), pink wire (power only when the radio on), and black wire (ground to chassis under right side kick panel). The black wire should have a low ohm reading (indicating good ground at all times). The relay is working properly as long as the pink wire has 12 volts when the radio is turned on. If the pink wire has 12 volts when the radio is off, the relay is sticking, which will cause a dead battery.
The Bose amplifier relay on 1990-1996 cars (CC # 594343) is located under the dash on the driver’s side, to the right of the steering column. The carpeted knee bolster and aluminum reinforcement plate below the steering column were removed for this photo. The 1990 cars have the same wire colors and test procedure as the 1984-1989 cars. The 1991-1996 cars have a wire color change at the amplifier relay. The amplifier power wire from the relay is an orange wire in position four on the relay connector. The orange wire should have 12 volts when the radio is on.
Removing the speaker enclosure is necessary to gain access to the amplifier. Disassemble the speaker enclosure with a ¼-inch socket. During reassembly, be sure to put the cotton sound-deadening material back in place. Be careful to correctly reinstall the wire bundle right back where it came from to avoid piercing the wiring with a screw during assembly. In some cases, the enclosure has a channel that the wiring goes in to prevent wire damage.
Here is a typical Bose amplifier with circuit board damage. The circuit board has a soldered wire harness on early cars. Later model cars have harness connectors so the harness can be removed from the circuit board.
This is an easy way to check for proper speaker operation. If the speaker cone moves and a pop is heard when the battery is touched, the speaker is working.
This is the setup required to check the amplifier for a proper signal from the radio. Connect a voltmeter set on a low AC voltage to terminals C and D. With the radio on high, the voltage should vary between 0 and 1 volt. Check the pink or orange wire at the amplifier (depending on the year of the car) and test for 12 volts when the radio is on. The black ground wire should be checked for low ohms also.
If you remove your amplifier and the metal covers to find this mess, replacement is most likely required. Door speaker amplifier item number 524024 is for 1984-1985 Corvettes, 524062 for 1990-1996 convertibles, and 524065 for 1990-1996 coupes. The 1990-1996 rear speaker (left side) part number for convertibles is 524046 and 524043 for 1990-1996 coupes. Use the same part numbers for 1984-1989 convertibles and coupes.
Story and photos courtesy Chris Petris
b pillar unit for 85 c 4 coupe need speaker and cover i have had no luck finding a replacement
I have a 1993 Corvette C4 with very low miles. After visual inspection, I can say that all four speakers are in good condition, but a slight buzzing comes out of all four. Could it be my Bose Amp Relay? If so, I’m willing to purchase a replacement relay, but I cannot find the location of the present relay. I have looked online, but only get “driver’s side, right of steering column”. I’ve looked in that location and see a plastic panel, but don’t see any way of removing it.
Can you help?
I have an 88 Delco Bose radio with a Pioneer Univeral Multi-CD unit added but I don’t know how to use it! There is no remote. This an old blog so I’m not sure if it is monitored.
I believe the owners manual has a section dealing with audio system components.
The CD changers have been discontinued for years.
Maybe http://www.corvetteradios.com can help you.
Regards,
Corvette Central Product Assistance
87 corvette convertible, replacing headunit and door speakers to all aftermarket. Will I need to replace the factory amp as well or can I just use the OEM wires for the speakers and run back to the head unit? Or do I need to pull wires from the head unit to each speaker?
BOSE radios, CMD receivers and wiring are all dependant on the BOSE speaker boxes with their individual amplifiers.
So If you are installing an aftermarket radio and speakers you will need to run new wiring.
Thank You,
Product Assistance
Corvette Central
Why can’t you reuse the Bose wires that run from the radio to the amp for speakers with an aftermarket system. I have a Jensen stereo and Blaupunkt speakers, only 15 watts RMS per channel. The wire gauge looks thick enough.
Just took my 86 Convertible to the shop and all the speakers were eroding. Replaced the entire system with a Kenwood head unit and JL audio speakers. Added a 6 channel amplifier and a subwoofer. 10 times better.
I’m having the same issues with my 1984 vet. How difficult & expensive is it to do this? Please advise. 580-228-4514
How did you bypass the bose system? I’m looking to do the same in my 85, the bose system is dead.
did you have to replace the factory amp?
I did the same thing on an 89. The hardest part was replacing the door speakers. I used some white ABS plastic sheet 3/8” with some ABS spacers countersunk, to fabricate new speaker mounts. I think it was a 5”. I used 6×9 speakers in the rear screwed in to stock holes. I used a Bluetooth head unit and a small amp hidden below and in front of the head unit. Reused the original speaker wires but I had to change how they hook up since no more amps at the speakers. Total cost was under $500 using decent equipment on sale. Works great. A sub would take it to the next level but I’m happy with how it is.
Will a bose head unit in a 94 vet fit in a 93 vet ? They look the same except the printing on it is white not orange like the 93, thanks in advance
Color of the control labels is the only difference.
Regards,
Gus
Corvette Central Product Assistance
Will a bose head unit in a 94 vet fit in a 93 vet, they look the same except the printing on it is white not orange in color, thanks.
If you change your bose stereo (CD, (tape player) head unit, does gm have to reprogram it to your car ?
No reprogramming – Auto makers hadn’t yet figured out that angle back then.
Regards,
Gus
Corvette Central Product Assistance
Thanks, was looking on ebay for a 93 bose head unit, seller said it may have to be reprogramed by gm again to function.
88 C4 convertible. Radio is Bose Gold Series. Sometimes it sounds good, but most of time screeches. Tapping on radio on/off switch or turning it off and then on sometimes helps. Most of the speakers seem to work, but some don’t. Sometimes the volume goes from being barely able to hear it to maximum volume, unpredictably. When that happens I usually am able to adjust the volume to acceptable levels. Question is are my speakers bad, or amp(s) bad, or is radio failing?
Hello,
I have a 1991 ZR1 with 3,500 miles on it. I want to keep this museum piece original as possible. I noticed the other day during my 5 mile exercise with the Z I had a strong electrical odor and a low hum out of the rr speaker. Now only one speaker works and the smell persist. Should I replace the one speaker, or are there bigger issues to be dealt with?
Regards
If I am replacing my whole audio system in a 1992 C4 (bypassing the bose system), do I need to disconnect the bose amp relay? If so, how do I locate it in the 1992? I have opened access under the dash as mentioned above, but am unable to find it. I think it is draining my battery currently.
On my left rear I get 12v to the amp but still no sound from any speaker I hook up to it, any thoughts?
My question is, why can’t the amplifiers for each speaker just be bypassed? I know sound quality will be reduced, but from what I’m reading these amps fail over and over. Furthermore replacing one with better components also loses sound quality. Either way sound quality is reduced.
Does the factor head unit or reciever send out any watts per speaker? 89 c4 coupe.
Many popping and sputtering sounds are from old dried out capacitors. I have 3 C4 corvettes and replaced the capacitors myself on 3 of the boards. The capacitors are cheap and it is easy to do with the right tools. Saved a ton of money by doing it myself. My boards were in good shape to begin with which helped a lot.
Greetings,
I have a 1988 c4 vette coup that I am working on repairing both front door speaker AMPS.
1)…I have already replaced 2 large caps in the drivers’ speaker enclosure (amp) and it has helped a bit in reducing the slight static/crackling.
2)…I have checked all connections and reverted back to the stock vette cassette radio to rule out fault in radio. I get the slight static and a faint “whine” if car is running or not which rules out engine ignition….I do however, get a distinct “pop” when radio is turned on. It has done this since I obtained car and not sure if normal or not.
3)…All connections are tight and secure and I have replaced the speaker (want to finish drivers side before starting on passenger side).
**4)…MY QUESTION IS;
Does anyone have a list of the values/ratings of the electrolytic caps in the front amps? Any help would be appreciated!
Great article and information. I have 93 convertible. Original Bose system. No radio, just static. But I only use CDs when occasionally driving anyway. 2 problems. #1)Problem is “skipping “ during song when going over bump or slight jarring in the road. #2) Problem, is only right bank speakers play until about 5 minutes into drive then left side comes on… what the heck?
Thanks in advance
I’ve heard that changing out the Bose system for an aftermarket system can cause problems with the VATS security system. Is this true? My Bose works quite well (86 Vette) but overall performance is not what it was, which is why I’m considering a new modern system as an upgrade. Have seen other C4’s with aftermarket installations, but not heard about any troubles.
So is there any reputable people in the Chicago area who can do proper repair to the Bose system, I am not capable of doing this anymore an would like to get this operational again.
Hi Alan, there is a guy in Huntsville, Texas who fixes these systems. He’s called Dr. Don’s, look him up on the Internet. He fixed my 1992 Bose system, did a very good job. Be sure to insure it.
Call Lee at AJR. He’s in Glendale Heights, IL (800) 232-3965
Bury call me about how to get 91 vett com under the right side
95-c4 front speakers have a crackling sound now and then. Replace speakers? just the front or all of them?
Is their anyone that you know of in the phoenix-Peoria Az. area that you can recommend?
Have a 1986 corvette, radio has power, stuck on 1:00, no sound. Called a guy and he talking fast and I believe he said pot tuning sink ic get stuck, needs to be cleaned. I have contact cleaner, what am I looking for?
Any luck as I’ve got the same problem
I’m in the process of partially restoring a 1990 ZR-1 and I just can’t see spending 1200 dollars fixing all the factory stereo and speakers especially with all the trouble they seem to give. I’m doing a few performance mods during this build, and think I’m going with a modern sound system.
Hi there,
Have a 1985 Corvette with Bose system. Scratchy controls etc, which i will address with deoxit etc and clean the entire head unit. However, tape deck continues to flip sides and then eject, so figure this will need new Belts ??
DO you provide that service?
Also, was thinking of replacing the amp and speaker setup with aftermarket amp and speakers but run the existing head unit for the period correct look.
Can I do this if i use an RCA Line Level Converter Adaptor Unit High/Low, so take the speaker low-level lines out from head unit and pass through the unit to convert to adjust signal and pass to Amp?
I have an 87 vette with Bose
I need to know if anyone knows any cross references for ic chips (123003 88627) or (123003 88631).
Scratchy noises from the volume control, Bose system on 86 Vette. is it dust and dirt inside, or a possible radio problem? Removal and blowing it out a possible fix?
Yes, it sounds like front control panel and button disassembly will be needed for cleaning. That is part of our radio rebuild service. Reference service number 524108.
89 Coupe – Bose system. I am going to replace the factory system with an aftermarket system. Running all new wiring – Do i need to remove the Bose Amplifier relay? Will it still draw power and drain the battery if I leave it?
Why are there no door amplifier replacements for 88-89 corvette’s. I see replacements for the rears but nothing for the doors. I’m restoring my parents 89 corvette and unfortunately, the bose system was replaced with an aftermarket and the door amps were removed. I’ve been able to replace rear enclosures, speakers and amps but can’t locate any door amp replacements. Any ideas?
Did you have any luck locating a 1988 amp I need one too where did you get one ?
Did you find the Amps for your 88 just bought some?
Can anyone tell me the exact wires that need a resistor installed on to get rid of the sys flash after installing my am radio in my 1994 corvette. everything works fine other than the ccm dimmer sys flash which is annoying to see
Hi, 1988 corvette.
With radio on, speakers hum, pop and crack, esp when Im moving the radio volume knob higher and lower and when trying to adjust balance etc. . Antenna works.
I took out my rear enclosures to inspect them and reinstalled, and while doing this I had the car and radio on (aux power only, not running and drained the battery)
Here’s my main question. once I charged the battery and turned the car back on I lost my instrument cluster lights (signals and high beam indicator stay illuminated), Could the instrument cluster failure have anything to do with the radio wiring?
Thanks!
It’s possible there is a short somewhere causing issues. I would recommend having the car looked at by a certified Corvette technician.
You should aways check fuses for a problem like this.
Well fellow C4 Corvette Owners, this thread has a lot of good information and incorrect information, extremely typical of the internet. I own two C4s ’89 and ’90 coupes both of which have sent the Bose Systems to their respective graveyards. The speaker amps are the consistent problem with my cars. The amps are designed as Class D, highly efficient but come complete with Class D design flaws. As the amps age the design flaws become the predominant problems, and yes I have read and understand the “capacitor replacement” idea but imho has nothing to do with prolonging a functioning Bose system. The leaking caps are a symptom not the cause. A worthy read is AN-1071 (page 8) from IR but is for the electronic tech heads. What is really annoying about the amp technology is the proprietary ICs performing the Class D operations, these are the real problem children with these amps and cannot be replaced by any equivalent substitution. My ’89 Bose was cooked 2 weeks ago after 20 mins with ZZ-Top on half volume. I had spared 4 amps for the ’89 and each one of them subsequently failed in different ways, no capacitor problems just weird and wonderful differing faults from the two ICs. I’m sure Bose had some configuration control on the amp design but only they know what that is. As a C4 Vette owner who wishes to preserve their machine as original as possible you now have two choices: 1 Replace the amps with a “new” design amp (that cannot follow the equalization curves of the original, so can never perform as per standard) that have a life-time warranty and live with it or 2. Replace the amps with an original amp that still works and further expect it to die at any moment. As you can tell I’m not impressed with the Bose product installed in these cars nor their support for them. I wrote this to let the world know what I have experienced with my systems. If I have any better success with preserving the original amps I’ll post it.
SYS flashes after installing aftermarket Kenwood DNX773S GPS/HD receiver. Replaced non-Bose system. Any suggestions?
1991 corvette. Just had my radio sent in as there was no sound from the radio, wouldn’t change channels, antenna would not operate. Sent it in to be repaired to a reputable repair tech. Came back still the same thing does not turn on, change channels, and the antenna does not operate. I sent in the complete radio. What’s my next possible problem?
Have you checked the wiring for a short? Have you checked all the grounds?
How do you remove speaker enclosures in the front of a 1988 Corvette? I just pulled my door panel and the enclosures are behind the door frames. It appears there is no way to remove the enclosures unless you remove the window regulators?
Check out youtube. There is a good video regarding removal of the speaker/amp enclosure…
I just installed coupe enclosures on my 95. It was cheaper to buy the entire enclosure (housing, speaker, amp, wiring) than to just buy the speakers and amp and honestly, less work too. You still need to remove the enclosure from the car to replace the amps so just buy the entire thing and save time and money. I do believe these items are Bose products and they look exactly the same and I read somewhere online that the modern replacement amps are better than the originals because of the increased quality of the capacitors (the whole reason the amps failed to begin with…leaking).
I had the system ON while replacing them so I could hear the difference from left to right and at first I was very disappointed because the sound of the new replacement was drowned out by the original still in the opposite side. I had a feeling the sound was actually better just more balanced and also that the blown capacitors in the other amp ruined the equalization and caused a louder crappier sounding speaker to drown out the new one. After replacing the right side next I had a nice balanced sound and I could feel the bass while holding the housing in my hands. The second I got both enclosures back in their cubbyholes and sealed the foam barrier, the bass really popped and my frown turned upside down. It’s only 40 deg here in MN today so I am holding off on the fronts until a hot sunny day (so the sill plate sealer can warm up and remove without cracking the plastic support).
This was my problem with the sound and the reason I took a chance on new enclosures: I had no popping, hissing or squealing, I just had a cheap Kraco sounding system that was loud but missing depth and bass (I’ve owned 2 of these late model C4s with bose gold when I was younger and I recalled those systems sounding VERY good). It’s NOT an option to replace the factory system with modern aftermarket. I believe you lose your PKE ability and the theft deterent system so please, just leave it stock. I also spent $140 (through a local repair shop) and had the internal CD mechanism replaced so now I can play modern CDs AND MP3 CDs in my factory Bose Gold corvette stereo.
If you’re even considering buying these enclosures, don’t hesitate. Well worth the money! Took me 20 minutes to replace both sides. For about $800 my factory Bose Gold stereo sounds new again AND I can play MP3 CDs in it. You’ll spend that or more to upgrade it (plus HOURS replacing/bypassing bose amps/preamps, running wires, fitting 6 x 9s and/or adding a sub that will look ghetto), have a dash din that looks total redneck AND your PKE wont work.
Good information! Thanks for posting.
Have a 1989 with aftermarket system installed where there was a Bose system. Security system works fine.
I have a 94 Chevy Corvette coupe front left speaker don’t work on the right rear speaker cracks do I need to replace them where do I get the part thank you Brian
Those speakers have been discontinued for quite a while, we bought a couple trailers full of C4 radio related parts years ago and have unfortunately ran out. I don’t believe they are available unless you can manage to find one used.
I have a 1988 35th Anniversary Edition and I notice that you don’t sell amps or speakers for the front of a 1988? Is there a reason?
Here is a link to our website where we offer 1988 front speakers https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96/radio-speaker-ant/bose-speakers-and-amplifiers/1988/
They do not show to be available. Please advise where the front door speaker amps ( 1989) can be purchased.
I have a 1988 Corvette C4 with a Bose system that was replaced by an after-market. I’m having electrical problems since then. All the way from my door window not working to Motor problems in my fuel running. What do you recommend I should do?
I’d recommend you take the car to a Certified Corvette Technician.
84 with right front speaker out. Opened up the Bose box to find 10 times as much cotton as in any of the pictures, plus it was tightly wound around the wires. Amp looks okay, though it’s hard to tell since it was “gunked” at the factory. There’s some thick, clear, gummy residue on the wires that makes me think maybe it did leak though… I tested directly on the car’s wiring harness, found power supply was 12VDC, ground resistance was 4 Ohms, but there is no AC Voltage at all across the other two wires, however it does pull a small amount of dc Voltage, seemingly proportional to volume level. Busted head unit?
It’s hard to say not being able to see the car in person but that’s probably what I would check next also.
trying to troubleshoot these systems is very hard unless you are very good with Audio Electronics, I strongly suggest going to an aftermarket product that installs in the same space with very little work and is a lot simpler to use and also the wiring can be re used it just takes an Ohm Meter, there are lots of replacement products out there, this type of a system is great and sounds great (the original) but not required it is not OEM but some of them actually sound better depending on amount spent on replacement system.
I have a 1991 Corvette with Bose system. My radio has worked great since I owned it. It has 111,000 miles on it. The radio, all of a sudden, won’t turn on, antenna won’t go up, but the clock works when you push the volume knob in. Every once and a while, the radio comes on and works perfectly fine. What could this be?
The stock system is known to go bad. I would go through the radio with steps from our article to help find the issue.
I am trying to rewire the original connectors (the plugs were cut off) in my 84 C4, there are more yellow wires than the connectors have, I have a beautiful original Bose unit I want to install, should I just connect all the yellows to the same lead on the new plugs? Anyplace I can get a wiring diagram?
Here is a link to our service manuals. https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/search?CurrentSearchCategoryId=C4&q=service+manual
I have a 96 Bose gold, speakers are fine amps are fine cd sounds great and is very strong. Radio not so good. Rear speakers with radio only seem to have too much base almost distorted, even with volume turned down. This problem only affects the radio. Also stations that should be strong are not.
Here’s our radio section: https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96/radio-speaker-ant/
I have a’96 c-4. When my radio is playing it will work fine for a few seconds then the volume will max out. I’m afraid I’ll blow my speakers. Any suggestions?
I would assume its a failure in the radio. Here is a link to our radio section on our website. https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96/radio-speaker-ant/
Is there a website where you can buy replacement BOSE drivers and amps to get these awesome sound systems working again? There was talk of new amps for $80 and speakers for $60 🙂
We offer Bose replacement speakers and amps. Here is the link https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/search?CurrentSearchCategoryId=C4&q=bose
I just purchased a 1985 c4 with Bose. The old man I got it from said the radio quit working shortly before we made the deal. When you turn the power knob on, the antenna goes up but there is no radio power (lights or sound). What now?
Go through the steps as mentioned in the article to locate your issue. Here is a link too all our C4 radio replacement parts and rebuild services. https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96/radio-speaker-ant/
Hello great info. I have a 1992 C-4 with sound system problem and could use some help. I have a hum/buzz coming from the front passage speaker. The speaker does have music coming from it but much lower in volume than the hum/buzz. Thank you for the info you give I can and will check the speaker amp, but do you think I may have another problem going on with the system?
Check all connections and also all wiring for shorts.
I am in the process of replacing my 94’s stereo with an aftermarket stereo. I already have the oem pac 1 adapter needed to bypass the the receiver. If I wanted to replace the old amp/speakers can I just replace them with aftermarket speakers or do I need to get new amplified speakers?
Most modern aftermarket head units have small amps built into them to power speakers without an amp. In that case you shouldn’t need amplified speakers with an aftermarket head unit.
I have a 91 corvette. I changed out factory radio with new touch screen. My front 2 speakers are blown which I know need repair. In the back, my right speaker is working fine but my left speaker doesn’t, so I took out and plugged in my right speaker harness. It works so I traced wires back to interface and wires are all in tac and not broken. Asked my radio guy, he keeps saying it could be common ground that missing. Do 91 vets have a common ground wiring and why would only 1 not be working?
There could be a short in the wiring on the one side. Have you tested the wiring?
I have a 1991 Convertible, all 4 amps have been replaced, everything was working fine for a couple months, today I turned the stereo on, all I here is very faint music, at full volume. Also, I was told the tuner could be at two locations, under the passenger side dash, or behind the passenger seat under the storage compartment. Could you please advise me on both questions.
1991 Corvette tuner is up in the passenger side dash.
95 vette radio works sporadically. When I turn on the radio sometimes the antenna doesn’t go up and the radio doesn’t go on and of course the clock doesn’t work either. Other times the radio works just fine. Any ideas?
Stock radio? I would check the wiring. You might have a loose ground or a short somewhere.
I have a 1990 ZR1 with only 1000 miles. I just noticed I have no sound, a slight hum at best, when I turn the volume up all the way and the head unit will not take a CD in. All the lights come on, the antenna goes up. Going to do the checks, but not taking the CD in throws me off. Hard to believe the system can fail. The car has been stored in a climate controlled building since brand new and help would be appreciated.
Even being stored in a climate controlled building, a vehicle that’s 26 years old could still have failures.
I have a 1989 Vette convertible – trying to keep it as stock as possible, and of course i have bad amps and speakers – but looking through all the catalogs and sites – no one has listings for the amps and/or housing for my front door speakers. The housing were damaged by a previous owner and there is sign of water damage to the amps. My question is though the part numbers are different for the 1984-1985 front door speaker/enclosures compared to the 1989 – the harness and plug look the same – will they work in my vette?
No one ever replied to this guy’s post…We need to know the answer
The difference is going to the harness plug. GM switched from a standard connector to a weather-pack style in 1986. The amplifier and enclosure and speaker were essentially the same otherwise. I suppose it would be possible to cut the connector and rewire it to work in the later year car, but I don’t have a direct fit option for 1989 anymore, as the amps with the weatherpack connectors have been discontinued.
I hear a buzzing sound JUST from left front speaker, would disconnecting this speaker make the other speakers (supposing they are not damaged) work again?
In most cases, when a speaker dies off it does not affect the others. Check the wiring to confirm good connections. If that’s not it, follow the steps listed above to track down the issue.
When I turn my radio on I have a high pitch squeal if the volume is high or low. Is this a speaker or something else?
Is the squeal coming from all the speakers or just one individual speaker?
I have this same problem on a 1992 Corvette Convertible that I just bought. The squeal seems to come from all of the speakers. While it’s possible, I’d be surprised if all of the amps were bad. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
If the squeal is coming from all speakers, it is probably the amp. Follow steps above to do a test.
A high pitched squeal from the radio comes and goes, but doesn’t do it all the time on my 1990 Corvette. Any ideas?
The stock system is known to go bad. I would go through the radio with steps from our article to help find the issue.
Just got my first Vette. I’ts in pretty good condition. It’s a 1991 C4. With it I got a file of paperwork 3″ thick of everything the 1st owner did to it along with an extra set of racing slicks. Aside from a new alternator I had to put in, the car runs great. When it’s idling, it’s one tough sounding Vette. I don’t know if the roll bar and orange seat belts are original but I’m pretty sure everything else is. (It has the original black belts also, the orange ones are behind the seats.) Here’s my question: would changing out the audio to something more up-to-date ruin the resale value even if I kept the old equipment?
If you reinstall the original equipment before you sell, it shouldn’t make a difference.
My complete bose radio was stolen while in storage. I want to upgrade the system with after market stereo or if cost effective with regular stock non Bose system , which is most effective and is best way to proceed?
I only get a buzzing sound from left front speaker. Could this keep sound from working properly in other speakers? I appreciate any advice on this from you guys that know what you’re doing.
In most cases, when a speaker dies off it does not affect the others. Check the wiring to confirm good connections. If that’s not it, follow the steps listed above to track down the issue.
Will the Bise door amps for a 1984/ 85 C4 work on a 1989 C4? When I look up 1989 Bose door amps on Google I get directed to the 1984/ 85 amps.
Gary i have the exact same problem with my car. I also appreciate any advice.
My 1990 Bette has the Bose gold radio. I can hear a little buzzing in left front speaker but nothing from the other speakers. Could this be a relay problem or cdm issue? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
It is possible the speaker is going out or has a bad wire connection. Check wiring to the speaker first. If that’s not it, follow the steps listed above to track down the issue.
If the relay is bad, is it possible it would have a buzzing sound from left front speaker?
I read that tapping the relay usually solves this problem temporarily, is it true?
“If the relay is bad, is it possible it would have a buzzing sound from just the left front speaker?”
Wouldn’t hurt to give it a try and inspect the relay.
Is the repair procedure any different from the non-Bose audio system?
Practically the same procedure. The non-Bose system didn’t have the speaker box or amp, but it’s the same idea.
If my amps have failed, will I still have sound from the speakers or not? My speakers work and I have sound but the sound quality is bad and the volume level is very low.
That definitely sounds like an amp issue.
1995 delco bose gold series right rear speaker started making aloud puttering sound and after a short time would stopped and hummed. I disconnected that speaker and the rest of the system works well. Is this a bad speaker amp?
Sure sounds like it. I recommend following the instructions above, do a few tests to confirm issues, then go from there.