My RCA stereo receiver is frozen on the AM/FM function. How do I fix this?

About four months ago, I bought an RCA rt2870a stereo receiver off craigslist for $60. The unit worked perfectly until about a month ago when I decided to try the other functions. I hit the AM/FM button and ever since then, I have not been able to switch the unit back to any other setting. I have already tried contacting every possible customer service outlet possible for this device and they have all been inadequate. The unit is functional, as in it has the ability to turn on (not manually). I can't turn the unit off without unplugging it and then the only way to turn it back on is by plugging it back in and waiting for it to turn on by itself. The volume knob still works and will display the volume level but then will go back to displaying " PM 87.50". I don't have the FM antenna for it but still, there's no reason why it should be frozen like this. The only thing I use the unit for is listening to music from my iPhone, but now I can't because it won't switch from the radio function. Getting another unit is not an option right now.

It's broken. The fact that it's power on/off button also doesn't work makes clear that it's broken. There's no easy fix for it, and taking it to a repair shop would cost you far more than you paid for it.

Next time, test out the thing that you are buying BEFORE you hand over the money.

Oh, and RCA audio gear was always, at best, bottom level stuff.

The unit has failed and isn't really considered repairable. I repair and restore electronics, and while these aren't really bad units - it sounds like yours has had a microprocessor failure. If it was an amplifier failure, it would be fixable but iffy due to economics of repair costs vs. Replacement. With a processor failure - it's done for.

You can find this very model receiver on eBay pretty inexpensively. If you like it, and the bundled speakers and remote are still fine, consider buying a working used replacement.

So a fix is out. New replacement is out, and we can all understand that. But used replacement is the best you can do.

These things are usually never worth it to fix. I don't know how the other well respected name brands get passed you before you bought this RCA on CL. The RCA is priced the same as better receivers that you can buy. Don't set yourself up for failure, look again and you will find a decent receiver for $50.

Also, I strongly suggest that you NOT cover your receiver with a towel and put a subwoofer on top of it. It is just wrong.