Car radio volume knob not working – How to fix?

Are you having a problem with your car’s stereo volume knob? It’s common for car owners to have their car radio volume knob not work at some point as the car gets old. Although it’s a common problem and can be solved with little time and effort, not many people know what to do. So if you want to know how to fix a radio volume knob not working, I will guide you through how you can fix your car’s radio volume knob that has no response.

How to fix a radio volume knob that is not working?

Step 1: Identifying why the radio volume knob is not working

The first step of fixing the volume knob is to find the exact reason it’s not working. There. There are a few potential causes.

It could be a problem with the stereo, the wiring, or a loose connection. But most of the time, it’s just the volume knob that has some dirt built under it. So before you disassemble the entire stereo system from the car, try cleaning it with an Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray. Most of the time, a simple clean up with fix the issue.

Step 2: Cleaning the radio volume knob’s contact point

If your car radio volume knob is starting to act up, it might be time to give it a good cleaning. An electrical contact cleaner spray can do the trick and get your knob working like new again.

What supply do you need?

  • Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray
  • An old toothBrush
  • a screwdriver

Instructions

  1. Start by unplugging the radio from its power source.
  1. Now remove the volume knob from the radio. If it’s attached with screws, unscrew them and carefully remove the knob.
  1. Once the volume knob is removed, look at the contact points where it attaches to the radio.
  1. If you see any dirt or grime, give them a good cleaning with a toothbrush or a paintbrush.
  1. Now get the contact cleaner spray. Spray just the necessary amount to clean the contact point of the radio volume knob.
  1. Once the contact points are clean, reattach the volume knob and screw it back in place. Plug the radio back in and give it a try. The volume knob should now be working like new.

Step 3: Replacing Damaged or Broken Radio Volume Knob

Check the knob for damage.

If your radio volume knob is still not working even after cleaning it with an Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray, the problem might not be dirt. The problem might be that the knob is broken or damaged. This can happen if the knob is made of plastic or cheap material and gets cracked or damaged. Check if the knob feels loose or wobbly or if it doesn’t seem to be responding correctly to input. If it feels so, then it may need to be replaced.

How much will it Cost To Replace The Radio Volume Knob?

If your radio volume knob is broken, it will likely need to be replaced. Depending on the make and model of your car, the replacement cost can range from $5 to $30, but no more than that. To save on costs, you may be able to find a used or aftermarket knob that will fit your car.

How to replace a damaged Radio Volume Knob?

Replacing the damaged radio volume knob is relatively easy as well. You will need just a screwdriver, and nothing else to do so:

  • Remove the damaged knob by unscrewing it from the radio.
  • Find a replacement knob the same size and shape as the one you removed.
  • Screw the replacement knob into the radio.
  • Test the knob to make sure it works properly.

Step 4: Troubleshooting For Other Issues

Check the wire connection

If you’re having trouble with your car radio volume knob, one of the first things you should check is the wire connection. Over time, the wires can become loose or disconnected, which can cause problems with the radio.

Here is how to check the wire connection of your cars radio:

  • First, make sure the radio is turned off.
  • Now remove the panel that covers the radio. You may need a screwdriver to do this.
  • Once the panel is removed, you should see the wires that connect the radio to the car’s electrical system.
  • Check to see if the wires are loose or disconnected. If they are, reconnect them and screw the panel back.
  • Check whether the radio’s volume knob is working or not. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the wires.

Fixing Sticky radio knobs

If your car radio’s volume knob is stuck, there are a few things you can try to fix quickly.

  • First, try gently wiggling and twisting the knob to see if it will budge.
  • If that doesn’t work, you can try using a small amount of lubricant on the knob. Put a drop or two on a cotton swab and rub it around the circumference of the knob. Then, try wiggling and twisting the knob again.
  • You can try cleaning the knob with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol instead of using lubricants.
  • If it still doesn’t work, you must grab a pack of wet wipes and give the volume knob a good wipe. The moisture will loosen up any gunk buildup on the knob and should be able to turn it smoothly again.

Check the fuse

If the radio volume knob is still not working after cleaning it or replacing it with a new volume knob, the problem might be with the radio’s fuse. Here is how to check the fuse:

  • Open the hood of your car and locate the fuse box. This is usually found near the battery.
  • Find the fuse that corresponds to the radio. It will be labeled accordingly.
  • Use a fuse tester or multimeter to check if the fuse is blown. If it is, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.

Final words

9 out of 10 times, a radio volume knob that is not working can be solved with a simple clean-up with Electrical Contact Cleaner. Cleaners like WD-40 Specialist Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray are pretty effective in blasting away any dirt or gunk buildup under your radio volume knob. But it can also be due to a broken knob or a loose wire connection. To inspect the radio volume knob properly and find what the actual issue might be.

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