How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Car Radio?

 

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide On How Much It Costs to Fix a Car Radio!

Everyone gets their car radio broken once in a while. So we are here with all your answers regarding your car’s radio repair/replacement.

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Fixing a car radio does not cost as much as a new car radio installation does, and it is cheaper than an entirely new audio system, but you still have to spend a bit on it. The actual cost depends on what the problem with your radio is.

The head unit may need to be replaced, or there may be a problem with the antenna or speakers. So the car stereo installation cost ranges from $30 to $200.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Car Radio

You can check your car radio if you have the technical know-how of the internal components, which can save you a lot of money. But if that is not the case, the mechanic is always there to check the car’s audio systems.

So whether you have fancy car stereos or basic ones, this article explains the replacement and cost of both.

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What is the Cost of Repairing a Car Radio?

We all know how much you love blasting tunes in the car. However, just like your cell phone, your car’s radio is susceptible to damage that could necessitate a replacement or repair.

Maybe you just have a damaged antenna or blown fuses. In such cases, the repair cost is pretty low. If your radio, however, has stopped working, you will likely need to replace it. A custom car audio install will be much more expensive than a basic stereo install.

The most common car radio issues are faulty wiring, blown fuse, and damaged antenna. But if things get more complex, you might need to pay for the entire automobile radio installation. Nevertheless, the repair cost starts from $30 and can go up depending on your radio’s fault.

If the issue is easy to find, it will save you time, and you can tell the mechanic in advance to keep the new component ready. By doing so, you can cut costs as well. But before you go somewhere to install car stereos, make sure to read about the place. You can avoid being taken advantage of and pick a place that fits your budget this way.

How Much to Fix Car Radio Wiring?

Most vehicles with an issue with the radio have broken wire harnesses. This is a relatively easy and less costly issue to fix, and it takes less time, and if you have the mechanics know-how, you can do it by yourself.

You just need a little equipment to fix the issue. But if you are unsure of your abilities, you should not tinker with the wiring. Instead, take it to a mechanic for their expertise. A new wiring harness costs no more than $30. But if your car has several other features, you might need a special wiring harness compatible with your car.

Not all equipment works with every type of car. Because a basic vehicle is quite different from the expensive one, both carry different features, and the equipment cost also depends on the model. So if you own a big car, you sure will pay more. The car radio repair cost depends on the issue your unit has.

Is it Possible to Repair a Car Radio?

This depends on the degree of fault in your car’s radio. Honestly speaking, if there’s an issue with the internal wiring or circuits, you most probably will need a new radio. You can sell the current one to the mechanic and get something in return.

But you can do a few things to fix your broken radio. First of all, check the satellite radio. Turn up the volume, switch to Bluetooth mode, or turn on the CD player. If you can hear the music from the car speakers, there is no big thing to worry about. You have a broken antenna, and that is all you need to replace.

Secondly, check inside for a broken fuse or wire harness. However, make sure the car’s battery is disconnected before you start poking around. If you find a broken car radio fuse, you can replace it yourself. Just get a new fuse from the market and fix it.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Radio?

If you find a problem in your car’s radio that cannot be fixed, you will need a new car radio. How much you’ll spend on a new stereo depends on what features you want. If you are replacing just the radio, it will cost around $50 to $100.

But if you are replacing your entire audio system, it will cost you more than that. The cost will depend on the equipment.The equipment cost is also subject to personal preference. 

A basic audio system consists of a radio, antenna, speakers, and amplifier. But you can upgrade it by adding woofers, tweeters, and a back camera. But most of the new car radios come with a back camera and an LCD.

So if you are thinking of renewing your entire audio system, your new stereo install cost will range from $200 to $400. Depending on the options you select, the total cost may go up or down.

Car Radio Warranty

Inquiries about the length of time an item is covered by warranty are the most frequent for car radios. A product’s warranty may change if you purchase it from a different manufacturer. The typical duration of a manufacturer’s warranty is 90 days. Within that time frame, if your car radio starts acting up, you can bring it back for a free replacement and installation. One alternative is that they could simply fix the one that is already in place.

It also depends on whether you have a used car or a new one. New cars that come with a factory-installed radio have a better warranty. So you need to keep these factors in mind too.

Replace or Repair; Which is Better?

Most people want to know if they should buy a new car radio or have the one they have repaired. The condition of your current car radio and your desire for additional features will determine the best option.

Let’s say the car radio you have has some wiring issue that is hard to fix. You can either repair it or replace it. If your current radio is technologically advanced, we suggest you not replace it. Just take it to your nearby mechanic, or if you have knowledge of this process, you can repair it yourself.

Contrary to that, if your car’s radio is pretty old and the repair cost is more than $50, we suggest you replace it rather than repair it. The reason for this is that in the near future, you will probably have to replace the current radio as it lacks most of the new features. So it is better to do it now than to do it later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can car radios be repaired?

Yes. It is possible to repair car radios if they have small issues like a broken fuse, wiring harness, or antenna. If your modern radio is broken, it needs to be serviced by a professional. However, if you have an older radio, you can fix it without professional help.

What causes a car radio to stop working?

The most common reasons a car radio stops working are broken fuses, antennae, and wiring harnesses. These three are the most common and easiest to fix issues. Every car radio has a fuse that protects it from power outages and often blows out. So if your radio stops working, you should check the fuse first. Because this is the most common issue, you can even replace it yourself instead of taking your car to the mechanic.

Is it worth replacing a car stereo?

Repairing or replacing is a decision only you can make. If you find that your car’s radio is outdated and needs an upgrade, it is worth it to replace it. But if you have a modern car radio that only has a small issue, it is better to repair it. These two decisions can save you a lot of money, and replacing a modern car radio with a small issue is not worth it.

How long does it take to repair a car radio?

The answer to this question depends on the issue with your car’s radio. If it is a blown fuse, you can repair it in no less than a few minutes. But if there is a wiring issue, you can expect the time to increase. It is because you will have to take it to a technician, who will give you the car after a day or two.

Conclusion

Fixing a car radio can be easy and difficult simultaneously, and it can be impossible for others. Depending on the issue with your car’s radio, the cost and time for repair change. Be sure to give your car a thorough self-check before taking it in for service. Check the fuse, antenna, and speakers. In most cases, there are blown fuses.

It does not cost much to repair your car’s radio but replacing it can be expensive. So before making a decision, make sure to check each component. We hope the post was serviceable and you got the answer to all your questions.

Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Danny Reid

Hey, I'm Danny, and I know how hard it can be to find the perfect audio gear. Need a new stereo, amp, speakers, or subs? Don't worry – my blog is here to help you cut through the noise! My mission is to give you the best reviews, so you can make the right decision for your audio needs. And if you ever get stuck thinking, "Where does this blue wire go?" don't worry – I've got tons of cool tips to help you out of any jam. So come along with me on this fun, sound-filled adventure, and let's find the perfect audio setup to make your tunes really sing!