1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

[James C.]

I had the Bose system in my 1990 ZR-1 go kaput. The head unit is working (ie. changing channels, CD and Cassette) but no sound The radio screen shows (SRV) which I assume is service. I did notice that one fuse (the#1) controlled the Bose amps, the antenna (which also is not working) and the courtesy lights. I checked the fuse and it is OK. Darn it!!

I know these things are a pain, but before I drop $80 on my Chevy dealer telling me that the radio is not working, does anyone have an idea what is going on and how to fix it.
I did change the battery about two years ago and it has worked fine since. I don't think that is the problem. The car is driven monthly and the battery is always kept charged. Any help is appreciated..

Thanks!

Jim Carmain

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

My guess is your amps are toast !! Been there, done that a million times. I can say though that I don't recall seeing SRV on the radio screen of a 90. ?????? I'll go see if I've got one around here today to take a look at !

Here's a pretty handy site !

http://www.corvetteradios.com/

Here's another place that many use.

http://www.doctordons.com/corvetteradios.htm

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

Are you getting any popping or squealing from the speakers.

[James C.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

I am getting no sound at all, though the head unit looks to be functioning OK. It does have a "SRV" on the face plate of the head unit. The car number is 2950 if that helps....Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

You sure your radio doesn't say "SCV" instead of "SRV" ??? What I believe you are seeing is the SCV in the lower right corner of the radio screen. That stands for speed compensated volume. If you turn the inner knob on the on / off switch of your radio, you will turn that feature on and off.

It increases the radio volume to compensate for road noise and speed. I'm still saying your amps are blown.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

Tom, in 90 didn't the speakers have built in a amps. in each one off them? I remember back in my days at a Chevrolet dealer (late 80s) ,I saw a lot of radio head problems, but generally the head would lose one complete side, not both.

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

Yes, the amps are built in the bose speakers. Used to be big money to fix them, now it's not too bad.

What happens is the amps gradually go out, one at a time. Most people don't even notice until they all puke. Of course, I haven't seen this car, but I'm bettin' the amps are bad. I have had them all go at once.

[James C.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

Tom:
Thanks! It does say SCV. I remember that speed feature now that you mention it. As to the amps, can the dealer check/replace these or can a radio seller/installer take them out and send them off to be repaired. At $80 per hour, the dealer bill runs up very quickly.

Or, should I replace the radio with a modern unit. If so , is there a particular one that fits these carswithout a big hassle. I will not be having the car judged, so originality is not a big deal.

Thanks!

Jim

[Edward J.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

I was just looking up the wiring diagram, they do show a relay for the amp. Worth checking Jim.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

Jim, Sometimes the dealer will take the radio head and send out for repairs generally they have a source. Tom maybe able to fill you in. the relay for the amp. is worth checking and sometimes there are other relays with the same part no. on the top of the relay , so try swapping a relay around. its located behind the drivers side instrutment panel. (To the right of column).

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

Might try the troubleshooting guide here. Perhaps you can diagnose it.

http://www.carstereohelp.net/troubleshooting/CorvetteBose.htm

[Jim T.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

I am not familiar with the dash of a 90. The radio in my 85 was was of the easiest radios I have removed. The Bose amps in my 85's front doors were more work, lots of bolts and screw removal to get the amp box out of the door. The rear amps were a lot easier.

[John D.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

The replacement of the 4 amps are a relatively easy repair if they are the culprit. If I was you I would go to Dr. Dons website. I think there are some trouble shooting and removal tips there.

The 1990 units have very early CD mechanisms in them, they are prone to skipping and failure to eject/insert a CD. This can be fixed but you need to send the radio out.

The amps fail due to Bose using capacitors on the boards which (I have been told were poor quality) fail over time.

Again your best bet is Dr. Don's a previous poster provided the link. I have used him and he does superior work at a reasonable cost.

Best of Luck.

[James C.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

I replaced the amps. Not the problem. Dr. Don( by the way, a heck of a nice guy) says it is the head unit and I will get a replacement from him. I hate to admit it, but with the radio not working, the sounds that the engine makes at full song sounds like music to me. Thanks! Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Bose Radio

I replaced the amps. Not the problem. Dr. Don( by the way, a heck of a nice guy) says it is the head unit and I will get a replacement from him. I hate to admit it, but with the radio not working, the sounds that the engine makes at full song sounds like music to me. Thanks! Jim

Jim------


I think I'd have him rebuild your unit rather than getting an exchange.