Gl1800 Radio Disassembly

The following procedures apply to all 2001-2005 GL1800 Goldwings, although it is intended as a guide to help those with

2001 and early 2002 models determine whether their radios will benefit from the audio upgrade. This is not a difficult

task. If you can take your shelter off and put it back on without damage, this will be a breeze. It only takes about 15

minutes. Please read the assembly notes at the end for some tips to avoid problems.

Disassembly

Lay your radio upside down on a towel, or something that won’t scratch the faceplate. Remove the 9 short machine

screws and the back cover. Then remove the 3 long machine screws from the side of the radio at the heat sink.

Remove the 4 washer head machine screws from the circuit board.

Next lift off the silver bracket located at the two large connectors and set it aside.

(Technical note) When static sensitive components are installed, they are less sensitive to damage, but there is still a

minor risk if you are careless. When you remove the board, move your towel out of the way and set the circuit board

down on something like a wooden bench or a small piece of plywood. It is also a good idea to discharge static from your

body by touching something metal that is grounded. Don’t do this while standing on a carpeted floor if you can avoid it.

(I am admittedly being overly cautious here.)

You now have to separate the main circuit board from the keyboard. It is attached to two connectors under the board.

Grab hold of the two large connectors and gently rock the circuit board up and down until it disconnects from the

connector. You can also use a finger at the antenna connector to help rock the board.

Two methods to remove board

Once the connector breaks loose, lift the board out as straight up as possible. If it hangs up on the heat sink, dislodge it

with a small screwdriver.

On the same side as the long machine screws are installed, you will now see three sheet metal screws that go into a

bracket, which hold the output IC’S in place. Remove them.

At this point, all you need to do is bend the hold down bracket slightly out of the way so that you can read the part

number on the output IC. If the IC is an LA4743 or a TDA7454, your radio needs to be upgraded. If it is any other

number, email me at GL1800Audio@att.net with the number so that I can determine what you have.

Reassembly

Putting it all back together is pretty much just the opposite. There are a few things worth mentioning that can help to

avoid problems.

First re-install the three sheet metal screws in the side by holding the hold down bracket in place that you bent back in

the previous step. Do not over torque any of these screws. They are not going to fall out. And leave your 18 volt

cordless construction driver in the tool box.

When you re-install the board, set it in the chassis as straight as possible. There are two guide pins on the side near the

heat sink. The circuit board connectors also have guide pins. You can’t see them. Once the board appears to be flat on

the pins and the connectors lined up, gently push down on the board at the location shown in the following picture. If it

doesn’t seem to be sitting right, shift the board around a little and even rock it a little while applying light downward

pressure until the board seats into the connector. It will require firm pressure, but don’t force it. If the connectors won’t

seat, they are not lined up correctly.

Once the board is seated, set the main connector bracket in place. There is a guide on the front side that has to drop

into a notch on the board. Once it is in place, install the 4 washer head machine screws to mount the board.

At this point, all that is left to do is put the back cover on and re-install the 3 long machine screws in the side. You’re

done.

If your radio needs to be upgraded, visit my webpage at http://www.rattlebars.com/radio/ for shipping and payment

information. Don’t forget to fill out the form and submit it.

For those who find that their radio does not need the upgrade, I would appreciate it if you could email me the Honda

part#, model#, and serial number of your radio for my records. It will help to narrow down which range has this IC.