Why has the radio stopped working and my speakers are making loud random static noises even when the car is off?
Asked by Rdb2017 Apr 25, 2017 at 12:45 PM about the 2012 Ford Focus SEL
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have 2012 Ford Focus SEL. Check engine light was already on for a
Canister purge valve, and I'm about to replace that. I'm not sure if that has
anything to do with it, but then I got a flat tire on the front passenger side.
Soon after the flat tire (10-15 minutes) my speakers started making noises,
even with the volume down or off, and even when the car is off. The next
day, the radio stops working, but the random loud statics are still occurring.
What is causing this?
5 Answers
It may be a bad audio amplifier.
100s of other ford focus 's have the same problem and noone knows what to do about it even the dealers dont know what it is.The factory dont want to deal with it because they would have to recall every ford for the last five years $$$$
TechBeast1 answered 5 years ago
Ok I worked on a Ford Focus today with that issue of crackling and repaired it. Now my method is a little unconventional . What's wrong with these radios are what we in the industry call. ( A Cold Solder) That's when solder comes loose and parts don't make contact with the board. Back in the day you were able to see a cold solder but now with everything on the board being the size of a grain of pepper you can't so here's what you do to fix it . And it will work . . You take the unit out then unscrew the bottom cover , take a torch and heat up the board just enough to see solder melt around the parts . Do not hold on same place for long periods of time . Do not shake or move till it cools off or all your semiconductors well fall off then you could just trash it. Once it cools put it back in and enjoy the sounds . Or you can get a soldering machine and go point by point. That's your fix . Thank Ford for using solder that breaks up after the warranty is void. As they did in the 80s with the leaking capacitors.
Beastmode56 answered 4 years ago
I need help too 2012 focus radio comes on sometimes then dies crackling sounds what to do?
Thanks TechBeast1! This worked for me as well!! "You take the unit out then unscrew the bottom cover , take a torch and heat up the board just enough to see solder melt around the parts . Do not hold on same place for long periods of time . Do not shake or move till it cools off or all your semiconductors well fall off then you could just trash it. Once it cools put it back in and enjoy the sounds "
