CB Radio Repair

CB radios still offer two-way communication on a budget. This Fix-It Guide on CB radio repair tells how a CB radio works, what often goes wrong, how to identify a CB radio problem, and what parts and tools you will need to perform a few simple CB radio repairs. It then gives instructions for how to diagnose noise on your CB radio, replace a CB antenna, and clean electronic CB components. CB radio repair also applies to walkie talkie repair.

How Does a CB Radio Work?

A citizens band (CB) radio is both a receiver and a transmitter. A radio receiver is an electronic device that receives audio signals through an antenna, then amplifies and sends the sound to speakers. A transmitter does the opposite: it takes microphone (a reverse speaker) signals, converts them into electronic signals, and distributes them via an antenna. CB radios have 40 channels on which you can speak and/or listen. Some, such as channel 9, are set aside for special purposes (emergency assistance), but most are open to whatever you want to talk about. Mobile radios and mobile telephones work approximately the same way.

What Can Go Wrong with a CB Radio?

Mobile CB radios, those installed in cars and trucks, run on car battery power. Base stations are corded radio transmitters and receivers. A battery or cord may need replacing. Many CBs have fuses that can be replaced, often from the back of the unit. Contacts can be bent or corroded. Controls and switches may be dirty. Antennas can break or become disconnected.

Because CB radios transmit electronic signals, they come under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission. You’ll need an FCC technician’s license to work on a CB or mobile radio, other than a few tasks that can’t impact transmission. Cleaning a CB is okay, as is replacing an antenna. And you can replace a Fuse.

How Can I Identify a CB Radio Problem?

• If a CB radio won’t work, make sure the car battery is charged, or the electrical cord for a base unit tests okay and replace it if needed.
• If the sound on a CB radio is fuzzy, disassemble the unit and locate the volume control. Spray electrical contact cleaner into the control and rotate or slide the control several times to lubricate the mechanism. Replace a damaged or broken antenna (see below).
• If the sound on a CB radio is crackly or whines, check the car’s noise-suppression filter and ignition coil capacitor (see below).

Fix-It Tip

Don’t throw away the owner’s manual that comes with your CB radio. It offers information on where to get parts as well as what you can and can’t do when attempting to repair your CB. It also includes warranty information.

What Do I Need for CB Radio Repair?

CBs are digital wonders. That means there is little you can do to them without the help of an FCC-licensed technician. Even so, you can clean and maintain your unit. Here are some basic tools for the job:

• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches
• Canned air
• Electronic contact cleaner

What Are the Steps to CB Radio Repair?

Diagnose noise on a CB radio:

1. If the sound is a high-pitched whine that gets higher as the engine speeds up, the cause is probably a defective noise-suppression filter. Buy an exact-replacement unit from an auto parts store and make sure it has installation instructions included.
2. If the sound is a ticking that doesn’t get higher pitched but does become more frequent as the engine speeds up, it’s probably a defective spark plug wires or a defective ignition coil capacitor. Purchase the replacement parts from an auto parts store that can advise you on installation.

Replace a CB  radio antenna:

1. Loosen the antenna mounting nut on the car fender and remove the antenna. Some CB antennas are temporarily mounted with a magnet base and run a wire between the antenna and the CB radio.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the replacement antenna. (There are entire books on selecting and mounting CB antennas!)

Clean electronic CB radio components:

1. Unplug the CB radio from power and from the antenna.
2. Remove the screws holding the case together, typically mounted on the bottom of the case.
3. Look for labels and other indications of the transmission circuitry. Don’t touch it. You need to be an FCC-licensed technician to work on the transmitter.
4. Use canned air to blow dust from other components including any power cords and speaker jacks.
5. Use electrical contact cleaner or a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol to clean electronic components as needed.
6. Reassemble.

Fix-It Tip

Electronic and CB stores typically have books on specific brands and models of CBs including information on what you can do and how to do it.