Sound problems with an Aiwa TPR-950

[SuperJoe]

I just bought one of these boomboxes and I'm having issues: there's no sound coming from the left speakers (not even when using headphones I can hear anything). I just a get a constant hiss from it. However, if I use the line out to plug it into another system (I used my portable DVD to test it) I do get stereo sound from it.
Also, the FM radio doesn't works right. It's okay for a few minutes, and then it starts to make noises, the sounds go down, then up again, and then it's impossible to hear anything else than a really quiet signal from one of two stations. The MW works fine, and it seems the shortwave too but I don't have a strong SW signal over here.
Finally, the AFC button was stuck on the on position. I tired to get it off using a clamp, and I ended with the button on my hand Could the tuning issues be related to that AFC thing?
Any help you guys can give me will be greatly appreciated, I really like this thing

 

[monchito]

welcome superjoe one thing i would do is open her up spray some deoxit on the record bar and on all those switches especially the function switch,, alot of the problems on the good mayority of boxes has been dirty or oxidized switches.. if u are good at tinkering with electronics then u could try that if not then its better to get her some tech shop help...

 

[SuperJoe]

Thanks! It seems I'll have to take it to a repair shop then.

 

[jaetee]

Hi SuperJoe,

I had similar issues with my TPR-950 when I received it from shipping. If the box was in bubble wrap recently, it is possible that the Sleep button had pressure on it for prolonged time and the switch is stuck in a partially engaged position. It is a spring loaded switch, so you would not notice or even "feel" this when you depress the switch.

Someone on this site (can't remember who) advised me of this and it helped out... To fix, I would first push down firm on your sleep button as far as you can, then apply an extra 5% pressure and let it spring back up.

That might reset the switch for you. If that doesn't work, do what I did to fix mine.... I firmly tapped down on the switch with my middle finger. (using good judgement, not too hard!)

I could hear the difference instantly.

 

[SuperJoe]

It's not the sleep button, but rather the FM tuner itself. When I use the radio, weird things happen: it might work for a while, then stop working. Among the things that happen to the tuner is that, when I tune into a station, it goes silent. Only way of listening something is getting off the frequency, which will give a distorted or muted sound. It might also have fluctuations in the volume, and stuff like that. The AM tuner works fine though.

 

[jaetee]

It's not the sleep button, but rather the FM tuner itself. When I use the radio, weird things happen: it might work for a while, then stop working. Among the things that happen to the tuner is that, when I tune into a station, it goes silent. Only way of listening something is getting off the frequency, which will give a distorted or muted sound. It might also have fluctuations in the volume, and stuff like that. The AM tuner works fine though.

I realize that.

I should add that another symptom my 950 had before I tapped my sleep button is that it wouldn't go into FM stereo mode. Radio and tape performance improved drastically afterwards.

I'm not saying this fix will solve your problem, just that it might.... (even if it seems unrelated.)

Either way, g'luck. !