I HAVE A 1991 MAZDA 929 THAT CAME WITH A STEREO SOUND SYSTEM FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT UNTIL RECENTLY. WHEN I FIRST TURN IT ON, THE AM STATION POPS AND "FRIES" FOR AT LEAST 1/2 HOUR AND THEN COMES IN CLEAR AS LONG AS I HAVE THE RARIO ON. IF I TURN THE CAR AND RADIO OFF IT STARTS TO DO IT AGAIN BUT TAKES LESS TIME TO CLEAR UP. THE FM BAND IS FINE. CLEAR AS A BELL.ANY IDEAS AS TO WHAT IS WRONG ?
THANKS.

JIM, July 2004

If the crackiling doesn't happen on the FM bands then maybe the noise is from something else in the car that's causing interference with AM? Try testing if the stereo crackles on AM if the car is not running (ie just ignition/Acc on and NO heater blower etc?...) Just a thought.. Can't be the amp if FM is OK I'd have thought..

Xernius, July 2004

crackling sound means that the amp in the stereo has blown

cupra R, July 2004