Expert: Cleggsan - 7/23/2011

Question
when I try to turn up the volume up on my radio in my 2002 Focus it will go down instead. If I play with it enough I can get it to go up. It will go up or down whenever I turn the knob to the right. How can I fix this problem?

Answer
Does it go down when you turn the volume down?   Does it change if you wiggle the control or lightly tap on the front panel of the radio?  Have you tried resetting the radio unit?  (Reset can be done by disconnecting the power from the radio for a few minutes, then connecting it up again).

It could be a loose connection inside the volume control circuitry or a defective control. In the worst case it will require service; at least some testing to find out what is going on.

If it turns out to be a difficult matter or an expensive repair you may be better off just replacing the radio unit.  There are many plug and play replacements for most automobiles from Ford.  And, you can purchase an OEM replacement from such places as oemautsound.com

Another place to find radios that will fit your car is at crutchfield.com where they have a work through called "outfit my car" and will give you options for what will fit and work in the car.

Good Luck.