My Phillips GTE stereo won't work?

[noknok]

Hi there

I've just purchased a GTE with the original fit Philips stereo (700 series I think, but not sure). The back lights behind the knobs illuminate but there's nothing on the LCD display at all.

Looks like power is getting to it, so can't be a fuse. Does it sound to you like the it's security locked and needs a de-code?

Thanks for any advice.

[Timmy]

Put a after market head unit in or i can give you my old if you willing to collect or met half way, it'll cost is a spin in a GTE as im thinking of getting one and would like to go for a drive in one to se how much faster they feel than a 1.2

[craig green]

Ditch that stereo dude. It'll be ancient, sound terrible, have no power for speakers bigger than your thumbnail & just be past its best.

You still usin tapes or summat?

[Pigeonrat9]

It'll be a DC752, I think? If it wanted a code, the word "COdE" would flash on the display - it's only 3 digits, but you only get 3 chances anyway so you won't be able to guess it. There is an internal fuse on one of those - a little lift-out black "drawer" next to the power connection with a glass fuse in it - but if it's lighting up it's probably not the fuse anyway. Worth seeking out another 700-series if you want to keep the car original (they are a rare sight now), on ebay or something, otherwise just stick an aftermarket one in there...

[NovaLegend]

Put a after market head unit in or i can give you my old if you willing to collect or met half way, it'll cost is a spin in a GTE as im thinking of getting one and would like to go for a drive in one to se how much faster they feel than a 1.2

sounds like one hell of a deal mate go with that ;)

[noknok]

Cheers Timmy that's kind of you. I'm in Bristol area so Heathrow is a bit of a trek. Mind you I do go that way to see a mate in West London now and again so I'll let you know, thanks for offer. You'd be welcome to take the GTE out, think it needs running in as it's only got about 34k on the clock! Drove it to work today for first time after buying it. Good to be back in a faster car, reminds me of my old C reg golf GTI (r.i.p).

I'll check that fuse anyway, cheers Pigeonrat, BBQ skewers didn't work removing it, so may have to try proper tool. Lost out on a e-bay auction a while back for a pristine original that someone had found in thier loft. Gutted.

Would like to keep the original head unit but having no tunes in the car might get the better of me....Yes Craig I do own an MP3 player! Would like to get a head unit that allows me to plug my flash player into really (cheaper?). I still use ye olde tapes, how else would I get my fix of old school Dreamscape!lol

As a side note, would a modern head be any better than the old one seeing as I wouldn't have an amp or better speakers?

[Pigeonrat9]

A modern head would sound better - provided you stick with a decent brand (Panasonic, Sony, Alpine etc) simply because it's got more power - the 752 only had 5 watts per channel, I think. The bigger problem is the standard speakers - they're crappy paper-cone ones with only one driver. I replaced the head in my Nova with a top of the range Panasonic minidisc, and it didn't sound much better until I changed the speakers for Alpine custom-fits. Likewise, I've got a C-reg Astra 1600SR which I've kept looking standard, and it still has the original Philips stereo in it. Again, I've replaced the standard speakers with custom-fits and it now sounds reasonable. It'll never be great because it's a 20-odd year old factory stereo, but I'd rather keep the car original...

Not that I use the stereo in the Astra much anyway. Twin Webers sound much better :)

[noknok]

Ta much Pigeon. There's no cheap fix then really, new head and speakers needed. No twin Webers on mine though, will have to listen to the standard GTE hum!!

[craig green]

Ive got some scummy Grundig/Vaux fit head unit in my 'Nova beater'. Its got RDS so cant be anywhere near as old as the one you have, it powers the 6x9s OK but with the volume off you can here the tape mechanism whirring rather loudly.

I ditched the aerial when I sorted the wings so I'm currently taping Fabio & Grooverider off Radio 1 on a weekly basis. LOL.

If you are from Bristol, make sure you come to the next SW meet whenever it is....

[noknok]

scummy Grundig/Vaux fit head
That's my kind or relic ! Just add a shiny telescopic ariel on the wing that waggles in the wind, proper job! lol

Re meet, yeah might just do that Craig, might learn a thing or two, wouldn't be hard though, first Nova and all!!

[Timmy]

i have two head units both are a DC 670

[noknok]

Cheers Timmy. Looked it up, D670 is the exact one.

Will try and get mine out and have a good look at it. Maybe hook it up to another vehicle to test it. If it's dead I might be interested in one of yours if your offering still.

[Jack]

If you are from Bristol, make sure you come to the next SW meet whenever it is....
Mentally planning a date at the moment for end of August or mid September time...

[Timmy]

if you make sure its not on the 10th RJ and near ish to the M5 i'll will pop down i getting arches done on monday < YAY so i'll wanna show of my motor

[bump]

Jack, Newquay & Norway Inn? or closer to the M5?

[Jack]

Jack, Newquay & Norway Inn? or closer to the M5?
I was thinking the former, some people from my direction/M5 corridor could follow me down if they're not sure of the way...

[bump]

Don't forget I'm going to be further north than you by then!