[James_98]

Just recently picked up a 98' s10 and nearly everything is perfect about the truck. The only thing that really bums me out is that the stereo does not work. I push to turn on the stereo, it will so a random time for about 5 seconds, and then turn back off. The deck does not accept any tapes either. I can tell it gets power because it turns on for a brief second but does not stay on.

Any advice or tips on how to fix?

 

[aitch]

Welcome to the forum. Is the radio/ head unit OEM or is it an after market unit? If it's an after market unit, how it wired in - with an adapter harness, or was the vehicle harness cut into and spliced?

 

[James_98]

Welcome to the forum. Is the radio/ head unit OEM or is it an after market unit? If it's an after market unit, how it wired in - with an adapter harness, or was the vehicle harness cut into and spliced?

It is OEM, bought the truck completely stock from an older gentleman. 108,000 miles it is pristine except for the radio.
Thanks for the quick response and I am excited to be here!

 

[oldeerslayer]

Easiest and cheapest thing would be go to a junkyard and get another one. That works.
Getting a 25 year old radio fixed is going to cost more than it's worth.
If you get it from a u-pull test it by putting a jump pack on the battery before taking the time to remove it. Make sure it doesn't have a lock code turned on. If it does the code is sometime in the owners manual packet somewhere.
If all is good just tear the plastic bezel off from in front of it. Rather than wasting time unbolting the needed parts. That bezel isn't bolted around the radio. Just over near the cluster and column.

 

[aitch]

It is OEM, bought the truck completely stock from an older gentleman. 108,000 miles it is pristine except for the radio.
Thanks for the quick response and I am excited to be here!

It's likely something amiss inside the head unit then, and you could either find one at a salvage yard (probably the least $), or find one online (used or rebuilt). GM audio units were somewhat model year specific, and IIRC, that unit was used from 98-02 (RPO code UM6). The RPO sticker in the glove box should confirm that. Or, if you are not intent on keeping things original, you might consider a newer aftermarket unit that has some more current features. Find what fits your car - Crutchfield is a good place to explore what would be available for your truck.

 

[James_98]

It's likely something amiss inside the head unit then, and you could either find one at a salvage yard (probably the least $), or find one online (used or rebuilt). GM audio units were somewhat model year specific, and IIRC, that unit was used from 98-02 (RPO code UM6). The RPO sticker in the glove box should confirm that. Or, if you are not intent on keeping things original, you might consider a newer aftermarket unit that has some more current features. Find what fits your car - Crutchfield is a good place to explore what would be available for your truck.

Huge help, the website has some awesome options. As a person who is pretty inexperienced with cars in general, would I be able to install a new stereo myself? (With the right tools)

 

[aitch]

Huge help, the website has some awesome options. As a person who is pretty inexperienced with cars in general, would I be able to install a new stereo myself? (With the right tools)

I don't see why not - a bit of aptitude, a few measures of common sense, and some basic hand tools should do the trick. If you do go to an aftermarket, be sure to get the Metra (plug & play) adapter harness (and trim kit) for the radio. Do NOT cut and splice the truck's harness - that only creates/ invites problems. There's several good YouTube videos on radio removal/ installation for S10's.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

Easiest and cheapest thing would be go to a junkyard and get another one. That works.
Getting a 25 year old radio fixed is going to cost more than it's worth.
If you get it from a u-pull test it by putting a jump pack on the battery before taking the time to remove it. Make sure it doesn't have a lock code turned on. If it does the code is sometime in the owners manual packet somewhere.
If all is good just tear the plastic bezel off from in front of it. Rather than wasting time unbolting the needed parts. That bezel isn't bolted around the radio. Just over near the cluster and column.

If the bezel is good, why not take the short amount of time required to remove it and sell it for $200+?

 

[oldeerslayer]

The 98 din and a half bezels are worthless. Only the Bravada and 02-1/2 up double dins are worth money. Because they are scarce. 😕

 

[Rhotpursuit]

Tell it to a guy that needs one.

 

[Monkeywrench78382]

Old thread but, late 98 up the OEM head units are programmed to bcm, the memory chip in unit starts to die, and the bcm intermittently it shuts off/locks it, 98-04 are the same plug ins and for proper function will need tech 2 to make bcm and radio friends. Youtube has an 1 800 number that covers units marked delco theftlock to unlock them to a new vehicle. Other models Yukon and suburban are plug and play but will need flashed to your bcm 00-06