Radio Volume Repair Simple Easy and Fast

[@swissman5643]

OMG. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you! I just got the volume knob working in my ‘98 BMW M3 thanks to this video. I had given up years ago but refused to change out the radio because it’s 100% original and I want to keep it that way. Mega kudos!

[@ronatkinson7623]

I must rate this as one of the very best videos on U tube. My volume control in my car stereo had been intermittent , and scratchy for a long time . I used WD40 as shown and it worked like a charm . Thank you so much for taking the time to help.

[@tyefactor]

This is GENIUS !!!!! My wife has been wanting me to get a new van JUST BECAUSE OF THE RADIO !!! I used a vacuum hose adapter I had from Auto Zone to make the adapter, and my radio had no protruding piece so I just held pressure on the hose against the radio. WORKED GREAT, THANKS SO MUCH !!!!!

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome. Really enjoyed reading your write up!

[@MakerBlock]

Tried this in 2022 - worked instantly! My stereo volume was at maximum, even when I tried to turn it down. With the engine, electrics, and radio off I just squirted a small amount of WD40 into the potentiometer, replaced the knob, spun it around a little. When I turned the car on, I could finally adjust the volume! I wish I had done this two years ago!

[@shane6154]

Just wanted to add that this "trick" worked wonders on a Jeep Liberty radio knob on my new project vehicle. I just realized it was an issue this evening - previous owner (who is family) has probably been putting up with it for years. Will have to ask her. Google search brought up your video. Didn't have the tubing so just sprayed CRC QD electronic cleaner through the tube included in the can around the areas you pointed out. The straw method someone else mentioned also probably would have worked. 10 seconds of effort resolved the issue! THANK YOU!!!

[@2jeffs1]

Your very welcome!!!

[@robertgrant558]

This tip is a gift, I had been driven demented by a dodgy knob, one squirt and all good again!!!! Big thumbs up.

[@tatj83]

Bought a Ford Explorer used, some months back, that suffered from the dreaded volume control syndrome. I always just used the volume control on the steering wheel. Last night coming home the wheel control acted like the radio's control and just increased the volume to max instead of lowering it. After a few seconds, it returned to normal. Got on the ol' interweb a little later, ran across this fix and went outside to try it out. A shot contact cleaner and less than 1 minute of solid labor (spinning the radio's volume knob) and it all works like new. Great post!

[@noname-gn3xj]

2003 Toyota Rav4, with the radio stuck on very high volume. Had to take the face of the radio off and detach (5 small screws) the circuit board to get the knob off. I didn't have an adapter for the WD-40, but shot it in there anyway at 3,6,9,12; worked it in good, wiped off the excess and gunk that came out, put the radio back together, and the thing works like a charm now! Thank you so much for this video!

[@2jeffs1]

Never tried that. Makes sense and great to know that worked too! Thank you for sharing that info! Several weeks back I did the stereo that was upstairs in the shop (for when working up there) The knob turned really hard. Never thought of using that one in the video. It took like 6 tries and once the knob turned easily one knew the cleaner got thru the shaft area. That thing was a freebe from years back. It was always bad, worse as time passed. Works great now too!

[@hycron1234]

Thank you so much, this worked extremely well. I cut a straw and taped it onto the end of the plastic straw that comes with the wd40.

[@MoparDart1975]

You sir are the man!! Didn't have any contact cleaner but a little breakleen worked like a charm! Thank you!

[@jessicadesens5979]

This totally worked. I thought we would need to replace the radio and being in quarantine and laid off we were just gong to deal. ON a hunch I watched and did this and it WORKED! Yay and thank you so much!

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the feedback. Do this to save people $$$

[@lgeorge6149]

worked for me, used a piece of shrink tube ,sized one end with 1/4" drill bit for tight fit on pot knob and just shrunk other end over snout of spray can. fit perfect and now volumn works like new, thanks again

[@PaulsTips23]

Awesome 2Jeffs1. I have struggled with this problem for 2 years. My 2006 Toyota Sequoia is now fixed thanks to 2jeffs1. For Sequoia owners, knob will not just pull straight out. You will need to remove center dash(many you tube videos on this out there) then pull the front plastic shield of radio off. I did this by slowly pulling the knob out, then prying with a plastic scraper. there are no snaps just adhesive holding it so just be gentle it will come. Took me all of 15 minutes and was done. Thank You Thank You 2Jeffs1. Now onto my sons 2010 Toyota Tacoma this weekend.

[@2jeffs1]

Really appreciate your feedback Paul. Nice where you took the time to explain those extra details for people who own that type of vehicle! Thank you for stopping by, Jeff.

[@PaulsTips23]

Jeff, well I am 2 for 2 thanks to you. Just fixed my sons 2010 Toyota Tacoma. Took all of 2 minutes. Pulled the knob and 4 squirts. Thank You again.

[@2jeffs1]

Good deal Paul. Thank you for the additional feedback! Was so happy here years back when I first tried that. Had to do a computer powered speaker and another one of the home stereo's recently. I use to dread having to take something all apart which does the same thing.

[@kevinmitchell4159]

Found this video after searching for a fix to my 2008 Ford F150 radio which would not de rease in volume. Was able to do this with som WD40 and it worked like a charm. Thanks so much

[@fearthebear8855]

Thank you so much! Tried this with my car volume knob as it's been going back and forth when tuning the volume up. I sprayed WD-40 with my made up tube insert like the one you used and it worked after cleaning the excess and putting back the knob. Saved a costly sum of a repair job! By far the most easy and material accessible solution. Cheers!

[@michaelfeliciano5731]

Deoxit is the product best suited for the stereo pots. Cleans AND lubricates. That little tool you rigged up for spraying into the pot behind the shaft is genius. Wow.

[@offchristianamr]

Thanks Jeff! Still helping people with this video four years later :)

[@marim.4170]

Thanks for the tip. Great job!!! Worked like a charm and saved me from buying a new stereo.

[@cliff7292]

A very well made instructional video. Other you tubers could learn how to make videos from this man. The best price I could find for a repair job on my BMW's radio was $180 plus shipping. Most defiantly going to give this method a try.

[@travisgulley2652]

If you tried to clean the volume knob and the volume knob still doesn't work then it's likely that the volume knob is fried and has no continuity and then your only option to fixing the volume knob up to this point would be to take it apart and use a multimeter and check the volume knob for continuity and desolder the volume knob and solder a new volume knob on the circuit board of your stereo the volume knob is a resistor and sometimes resisters burn up and fry on you and yes the same that happens to resisters happens to the volume control knob and then the volume knob control knob permanently stops working

[@t.c.b4722]

Nice idea. I plan on using the body of a ballpoint pen and will seal the junction with my fingers. I would be reluctant to use WD-40 though because it doesn't evaporate completely and leaves behind an oily residue, which can attract further dirt and grime down the road.

[@4TheZoo98]

I have a 2003 Toyota RAV4 - Caution when taking out the radio (the clip behind the bezel and bolt off the mounting bracket went down the shaft as it was being removed - I was able to find them with determination and persistence. I've since learned to block the shaft to prevent items from going down). Once the radio was removed the unit had to be disassemble, took the head off the unit then remove 5 screws from the back of the circuit board - the knobs have a washer attached that will not allow a straight pull. I used a baggie over the sprocket then a corner piece of paper towel just before I sprayed and moved the volume arm up & down. The unit was reassembled. Re-hooked up the Radio and checked it before I re-installed all the bolts. Worked like a charm.

[@jpsmtm]

This method worked like a champ, I used good old rubbing Alcohol in a squeeze bottle, Tnx for this tip, a whole lot easier then opening the unit to get at this control.

[@christianmontoya375]

Worked on my 2012 Sierra. Thank you sir

[@petermortimer3521]

I had an old digital radio I purchased from Woolworths (Brits will know are now gone) some years ago and as the volume dial either made the sound to loud or extremely quiet, I left it on my wardrobe gathering dust for years. I found the original box for it and was going to dump it. Then I saw this video. I squirted some WD40 either side of the gap and hey presto, I have adjustable volume, the dial still squeaks but WTF. Thank you so much.

[@jeffmurrell5707]

Just fixed the volume knob on my 03 Ford. Great idea with the tubing.

[@bobbarcalowmusic]

Brilliant simply brilliant I'm working on a guitar right now that needs that I will build one like yours thank you so much

[@jamalcole1985]

are you from minnesota

[@okcyurwin]

Hello, Watched this video, stuck a peace of plastic tubing over the straw of wd40, boom. Volume control now works perfectly 👌

[@wil8495]

Enjoyed it and will fix my volume control in the morning. Thanks

[@garanincorp.5579]

Thank you! Worked great for me! Used brake cleaner and after WD40. Works perfect!

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. Very appreciated!

[@travisgulley2652]

Garanin Corp. never a good idea to use wd40 because wd40 can damage or destroy the volume control knobs I read that online before that you should never use wd40 to fix volume control knobs

[@thomasfranklin7973]

This fixed my RetroSound Radio Volume COntrol!!!

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

You could do that parked on a steep hill, and let it sit overnight to get the best chance at success. Anything that would raise the back end would help at least a little bit. Thanks for the tutorial... I have this problem and hope to fix it. Somehow, I'm associating it with removing my battery connection at some point. Maybe it was unrelated.

[@kevindobbins-callahan4995]

This’ great! The f350 work truck I use has a broken volume control that doesn’t work at all I’m going to try this out on Monday thank you!

[@2jeffs1]

Hi Kevin. When their totally bad/out that probably wont help. As your thinking - never hurts to try tho.... Good luck!

[@davidrf100]

I just did this and it worked great. Thanks so much

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome Dave. I enjoy getting feedback on these type of video's

[@Waybeey]

This is a pure video

[@averageguy1261]

My tubing was too small to fit around the volume stem (different car). Being impatient I blasted it with the cleaner anyways, hoping it'd work. It did, but I suspect it isn't as good. When it stops to work, I'll know what to do. Thanks!

[@Gearheadtom]

Used WD-40 before, and dribbled it in from the front, but this is a much better idea. Similar to a cable luber liked you use on a motorcycle brake cable.

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you for stopping by Gearheadtom. I have had real good luck with this and the best part is it lasts too.

[@not2fast4u2c]

I have got to try this tip ...I have a 1980 K-mart made cassette in dash in my 1979 F150 It was not easy to put it in the dash so This would be great to fix my nasty scratchy volume knob I believe the radio was made by Kenwood or Pioneer

[@2jeffs1]

Haha. Yeah - my 86 Ranger had the scratchy, turned hard syndrome many many years back before I figured this out. Was a job to remove the radio to do it the hard way for sure! I was hoping this would come in handy for folks with those aged units.

[@zeak107]

My car stereo would turn on and off by itself and volume knob wont work right. I don't know if you are suppose to do this but I took out the stereo, took off the stereo face and sprayed the volume nob with electric circuit cleaner and it fixed the problem.

[@elizabethleduc185]

Great video makes the job so much easier!

[@heidiwalter168]

Extremely helpful !! Thank you ! Love your out the box thinking !! ;-)

[@heidiwalter168]

Oh yeah mine was a 2006 Dodge Ram and I was getting ready to replace the radio after dealing with this issue getting progressively worse for years :-( You rock !!

[@theodore6548]

Will this method work on a knob that spins without any ability to turn the volume up or down? My knob feels completely stripped.

[@traviss7625]

I have a Motorola APX 6000. Would your technique work on the on-off/volume knob suffering the same problem?

[@TheSign2020]

I didn't hear the difference and youre fixing the volume !!

[@timwright7738]

ok - this makes sense. Probably how the dirt got in there in the first place. It's tempting to try canned air first, then switch to tuner cleaner or wd40 if that doesn't work. It looks worth the time to build the adapter and get the windshield washer tubing T.

[@michaelvinson9973]

Mine is a set knob as well but the issue is it will . But it will volume up. I'll try your suggestions thank you for this upload as the problem is not too popular. .

[@Me-fw1xr]

Hey do you think this will work if when I turn the volume knob the radio says it goes to maximum volume but no sound comes out . Or do you think it's a different problem?

[@wyattoneable]

Pretty cool stuff. Thanks for making the video so we can learn.

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome. Glad to help out!

[@ldr4278]

God Bless you ! Thank you for the advice. I will try this helpful tip.

[@davehogan4776]

I will be trying that one out!! Thanks again Jeff

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome Dave. Let me know how things go if you wish.

[@williamzoom]

I will remember that one for sure. Thanks Jeff.

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome William. Without me having a before and after example I was concerned some folks whom always had newer equipment might wonder what this is about. ;>)

[@vsvnrg3263]

i have a stack of old amps that were replaced, 1 by 1, because of the volume knob playing up. one day i'll try this great trick on them. i've only got 1 set of ears unfortunately. the amps even after being fixed will remain in a stack unused. i wish i'd known about this 40 years ago. isn't yt wonderful for advancement of knowledge and the human race.

[@molly18239]

Will this work with radio tuner knobs too?

[@rogeroconnor5182]

nice idea,i have a old stereo tuner in the garage that suffers from the static volume. try it tommorow

[@2jeffs1]

Excellent! Always appreciate feedback on these deals. Thanks Rodger, Jeff

[@jayti2234]

Thank you 2jeffs1 for this video. I have a 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS and the factory radio in it doesn't play. I'm thinking there is something wrong with the volume. When I turn the radio on and put it on full volume, you still hear nothing. I notice when I'm driving and making a turn or when I drive over a bump the radio plays for just a second. But this rarely happens. I was thinking about having someone replace my radio but he charged me $184 😭😞 I'm now thinking of just doing what you did. If it works I get to save a lot of money. I hope what you did in your video will work for the radio in my 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS.

[@2jeffs1]

Hello Jay. I don't think this would help with the issue you have. If your volume don't do anything when turning it up and down that almost sounds like a connection or such if it comes on for a second sometimes when hitting a bump. If you have speakers in the door try moving the wires that go from the body to the door in the jam area. Move gently in different ways and see if it comes on. That is the most common area for a failure like described. Also gently move the wires around in the back of the radio area if you can get at them. Hopefully this helps you diagnose the problem so you can save some $$$!

[@chucktaylor5172]

Love the videos, wish you had more to watch, so hurry up!

[@2jeffs1]

Hello Chuck and thanks. Comments like yours make me wish I could get one a week out for sure. Just too many things here keeping me out of trouble.

[@camtheham13]

This is a really great idea, I may make one of these for my self

[@2jeffs1]

It sure came in handy around here thru the years on different radio's!

[@ESPNsPeacockbassProfessor]

any help on a car radio.. barely sounds at full volume s-10 pickup, sounds fine with a cd

[@2jeffs1]

Not good. Could check the antenna but probably an internal problem.

[@tannerjackson5442]

Just so happens you showed a 4th gen nova. I have 76 nova that I am working on the radio. Haha great vid

[@johnwallace7465]

Another great tip Thanks Jeff!

[@2jeffs1]

Thanks John. Great to keep those aged radios working great!

[@phooesnax]

ood tip. I wonder if it works on stereos with the pots stacked. One I have is one behind the other for each channel.

[@2jeffs1]

I would think it would. Not sure if any of the ones I did that on were the stacked ones where no diss was required. Let me know how it works for you!

[@phooesnax]

I will Technics sa400 recvr.

[@danpierce2515]

I have 1999 Mercedes S 420 with same problem even I have right now some sound can have very low sound music but I can go up or down with the volume I try what you recommend but no working I am in Wilmington NC are you around or not?

[@2jeffs1]

Sounds like you probably need a radio repair from a dealer then.

[@josegallardos4265]

do you recommend using WD40 on a hard to turn volume know o. a vintage amplifier? I used some electrical parts cleaner, it works for just a few time and eventually the volume know will become hard to turn again. please reply 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@2jeffs1]

Hi Jose. I recently had an old stereo that the volume turned very hard. It took multiple trys, kept working the vol, finally got the wd40 to where it needs to be. This is what you need.... It will last, after it turns easy still do again 2-8 times where the fluid can get thru now.

[@josegallardos4265]

@@2jeffs1 Thank you very much for your reply! !!!

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome Jose. I really so much appreciate when I get some feed back when helping someone out. At times that don't happen which makes me kinda sad!

[@nuvey7939]

Holy shit. My Trans Am radio had this issue for years. The radio has since died, but I wish I'd known this trick years ago

[@2jeffs1]

Yeah - this makes something that is irritating get fixed where otherwise might not have been for a long time. (at least around here) ;>)

[@lefteris.adamou.1]

Can it fix dead loose potentiometer?

[@roboticunclephil]

i didn't have the stuff to make that little contraption, so what i did was spray a TINY (you'll taste why soon) amount of the contact spray around it & then put my mouth up to it, forming a seal & just blowing into it. I did this 3 times to make sure it really got in there

[@mustie1]

look at you with the sneak attack hack, l wonder how a punched out football needle would work and if it would help a headlight dash dimmer,

[@2jeffs1]

Haha, Thanks. ;>) That is a thought for sure but I haven't had very good luck with those where they are a different kind of animal. They can get kinda warm and when that rounded doot on the sweeper arm wears well.... Actually on several of my vehicles I bypassed those and have the dash non dimable now. PS - Pepperoni night was tonight! None for the dog tho, just cookies.

[@mustie1]

lilly had a steak, l had a lousy sandwich, l was thinkin that gummy black stuff that forms on the brass not so much a worn contact,

[@2jeffs1]

Too funny! 1 step up from soup. :) Different from the Chev ones I was thinking about. A good cleaner in the right spot... Gotta tell ya this one. Bought a headlight switch last year for one of the Nova's. The shaft lock button had an issue. Yep - you already know where it was made. A real pos. Made the time to refurbish the old one. Should be good for another 30 yrs now.

[@dustydee8342]

It worked thanks for your amazing info

[@ubertotrejo925]

It worked with WD-40!!, thank you very much

[@natanmandala]

Hello, would you or anyone reading have any advice on how to fix a jammed volume knob on a music production drum machine that I dropped on the floor and jammed it in or misplaced it, now it only plays on the left side of speakers and headphones? When I push it in towards the left, it will play on both sides, but I have to hold it in and to the left pretty hard. Any advice will help. Who should I go to or where can I find out how to fix it? Thanks

[@2jeffs1]

Sorry - no easy fix for that one. Also those volume pots have different tapers besides resistance. Even if they look the same outside they can be internally different. I would be some one on YT that could help...

[@juniorlopez6761]

Great video I’m going to try it on my volume button I’m having a problem that I can lower it Is sometimes just goes higher instead of Lowering the volume when I turn it to lower the volume

[@juniorlopez6761]

I meant to put I can’t lower the volume when I tried to lower it. It goes higher the volume.

[@juniorlopez6761]

This only happens sometimes

[@missttttttttttttttttttt]

Me 2. Did you manage

[@jimlaing3384]

Will this repair also fix push on and off so it works every time you try to turn it on?

[@2jeffs1]

Never tried that to one with that type issue. Wouldn't hurt to try but leaning more toward that might not help where the switch part is usually mounted separately on the rear of the volume pot.

[@MikhelBL]

No, but some radio electric shops can fix it really easy either by replacing the small switch (20 cents or less in value) or fix the small metallic plate that gets stuck so it doesn't spring back and gets stuck. Ask a radio or tv technician (or somebody who repairs it in your neighborhood). I have had some fixed when the auto dealer told me it would cost upward of 100 dlls to fix and ended up paying... get this: a 6 pack of beers.

[@tompas11A3n52KkX]

Hey man you got a really cool tube channel. Keep e'm coming. :)

[@2jeffs1]

Thanks tompas11, will do! :>)

[@ko6128]

Before doing that, turn volume knob 30 times each direction and tell me it didn’t fix problem. I’m talking about initial issue where you turn knob to lower volume but yet the sound increases. Worked like a charm on my 04 odyssey.

[@davegeorge7094]

97 Honda volume stopped clicking as turned and volume won't step. Thanks man!

[@mmcbirney]

Great idea! But the T-adapter isn't needed. Just find a 2" piece of tubing that fits tightly over the threaded part of the volume control, then build up the contact cleaner spray wand with electrical tape to fit tightly inside the other end of the tubing.

[@Chevy-cd1wg]

Anyone know how to fix the volume on a blazer sound won't turn up and I already tried this

[@badatguitar]

this legit worked.

[@kevindeal7747]

Trans am and a cool chevette?

[@northwestprof60]

Sounds like Dan Akroyd in the Great Outdoors....

[@donnawallace850]

Awesome !!! ❤

[@slimjim119]

great up date

[@2jeffs1]

Hi Jim. Thank you for stopping by!

[@ChicagoDoItYourself]

Used it .. worked perfectly... just a little squirt ! But I used tuner cleaner ... (because I had some :P) I'm cheap too..

[@2jeffs1]

Because you had some & cheap too! Really enjoyed your feedback! (reality check) ;>)

[@ChicagoDoItYourself]

I have no idea how you find time to respond to comments on your videos... seems like you shouldn't have a second to spare all the projects you are always working on.. thank you !!!!

[@2jeffs1]

You are very welcome! I so much appreciate that folks take time out of their day to not only watch my video's but to leave so many kind comments too!

[@jchase1702]

You should offer to sell those copper adaptors!

[@creativeeyechalk31]

The FM volume in our SUV is almost non existent but the am and CD player volume work fine. Help!

[@2jeffs1]

That sounds like a different problem to me. Sorry - You will probably end up removing your unit and having it repaired.

[@creativeeyechalk31]

@@2jeffs1 so sad

[@travisgulley2652]

I have heard that you should never use wd40 to clean and fix the volume control knobs because wd40 can cause permanent damage to the volume control knobs and or possibly destroy the volume control knobs on a stereo

[@red2965]

Here's a tip for you WD-40 collects dust

[@71195]

So I can use wd-40?

[@JimCalkins]

WD40 did the trick for me, thank you!!!

[@opengate5849]

Thanks

[@vityazsix]

so basically tape a hose on your wd40 straw and spray pressurized wd40 into the knob base cracks

[@renebourbeau1671]

super good I like it.

[@Rick_Foley]

That hawk looks familiar.

[@2jeffs1]

He was a rental I think! ;>)

[@matthewdroz5613]

love you videos!

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you Matthew.

[@BackForMore666]

Funny how the guy thinks this adaptor is so nice. If this works I may think differently, I’ll try it afterall. Thanks

[@henrywashington3732]

I literally have a 97 Firebird with this exact problem and your's is a Firebird also,😂

[@GREATGARLOOS]

Cool

[@debratobin2282]

Awesome but my radio has buttons you push. No knobs.

[@zurdoremi]

my Speaker Balance control does not work, Volume control.is fine.