Muting switch on stereo is cutting out sound in the speakers

[Blackjaw]

Hi, I have an older (10 years?) Sears Electronics Professional Series Stereo Amplifier. I can't find any other model information than that.

Most of the time I am playing something on it, there is sound loss in either one of the speakers. It is not consistent to one side, and the speakers are wired properly.

I tried a bunch of different things until I found that there is something wrong with the muting switch. If I flick it off and on and jiggle it around, or hold it up as tight as it can go with an elastic band or tape, I can eventually get full sound to return, but only temporarily.

Also when I flip the power off and back on quickly, the full sound returns for the brief second that it's off, then it cuts out again when it's back on until I play with the muting switch.

I don't know much about electronics or wiring. I was thinking if I open the stereo up and simply cut the wire for the muting switch, it would disable the function and the stereo would work properly again. What do you think?

[vtech]

Typical problem with tarnish buildup on mechanical switch contacts.
There are a number of spray contact cleaners on the market that will fix the problem. Depending on the type of switch, you might be able to clean it without taking the cover off.