Why would my Radio get hot?

[Skeeter]

Hi

This is either going to be a strange question, or im goign to be made to look stupid for asking something with a well known answer, but anyways...

I have an L reg 1.3 Ford Fiesta LX with the standard cassette radio in it. Recently, when driving for more than an hour or so, the front of the radio gets really hot, more specifically the area below the LCD screen and above the buttons, where the ford branding is.

Why could this be?

It has once got to the stage where it caused that hot plastic smell, but i then finished my journey and it hasnt happened since.

Cheers

 

[moss]

Ive had radios get quite hot in the past, especially when being played loud, probably due to the internal amp.

 

[mjt]

because you're listening to some sizzling tunes? :/

 

[Biohazard]

^^

gets worse with the more power the HU can handle.

 

[Skeeter]

I havent changed anything though? It never used to get this hot, and Im not playing music any louder.

 

[Jonny69]

The transistors they use in the amps belt out a lot of heat, depending on the circuit setup they can get hot even when idle. I expect because it's a bit older it's probably got dust on the heatsink and it's cooking up a bit.

 

[ChoÞÞer]

easy solution,buy a new decent HU

 

[Fr0dders]

The transistors they use in the amps belt out a lot of heat, depending on the circuit setup they can get hot even when idle. I expect because it's a bit older it's probably got dust on the heatsink and it's cooking up a bit.

that would be my bet. internal cooling is propbably blocked up with dust

 

[Skeeter]

easy solution,buy a new decent HU

I would, but my cars worth nothing and is parked on a street in Plymouth city centre... Even with a removeable front it wouldnt be safe...