radio ignoring all controls
radio ignoring all controls
Hi. First forum posting, so wish me luck. A couple of days ago the radio display showed a random selection of angled lines, but powered on and worked ok. Next time we used the car the radio came on with the ignition, but did not respond to any of the buttons, volume, anything. So it is now fixed on one station at a set volume that we can not change and we can not switch it off. Okay until it loses the radio signal, at which point we are forced to listen to the crackling noise. Help please. It's a 2006 Crossfire with the standard radio (as far as I'm aware).
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
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Re: radio ignoring all controls
There are two fuses for the radio - pull them both. (Sorry, but the exact fuse varies by year, I found this out the hard way this summer). Both fuses are in the undershood fuse box, driver's side. Leave them out 15 seconds or more.
Alternatively, disconnect the battery ground cable for 1/2 minute.
When you power back up, it should restore it's brains. If not, it is done for - sorry. But many on this forum have upgraded to way better head units (myself for one!) and have the OEM radio sitting on a shelf in the basement. If you look, you CAN find one.
But do not overlook the idea of just upgrading to something newer. The Kenwood/JVC (and I think Clarion) marine radios are the same color as our dash and they sound WONDERFUL compared to the factory unit.
I put a JVC 660 in my car (it is discontinued), $80 at Best Buy and WOW did is enhance the sound in my car.
I had it wired up and installed in 1/2 hour.
Alternatively, disconnect the battery ground cable for 1/2 minute.
When you power back up, it should restore it's brains. If not, it is done for - sorry. But many on this forum have upgraded to way better head units (myself for one!) and have the OEM radio sitting on a shelf in the basement. If you look, you CAN find one.
But do not overlook the idea of just upgrading to something newer. The Kenwood/JVC (and I think Clarion) marine radios are the same color as our dash and they sound WONDERFUL compared to the factory unit.
I put a JVC 660 in my car (it is discontinued), $80 at Best Buy and WOW did is enhance the sound in my car.
I had it wired up and installed in 1/2 hour.
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M60A3Driver (05-10-2023)
Re: radio ignoring all controls
Hi. Thanks for the speedy response. I forgot to say that I did try the time-honoured 'press the power button for 10 seconds' computer re-boot trigger with the on/off button, but to no avail. I will do what you say. I have read in the threads that there is no security code, which is good as ours came with no paperwork.
I had considered an upgrade to DAB with Bluetooth, but was put off by the need for a decent DAB aerial (wired) as DAB is very patchy where we live. I'll have a look at the makes you mention.
Thanks again. :-)
I had considered an upgrade to DAB with Bluetooth, but was put off by the need for a decent DAB aerial (wired) as DAB is very patchy where we live. I'll have a look at the makes you mention.
Thanks again. :-)
Re: radio ignoring all controls
Hi. First forum posting, so wish me luck. A couple of days ago the radio display showed a random selection of angled lines, but powered on and worked ok. Next time we used the car the radio came on with the ignition, but did not respond to any of the buttons, volume, anything. So it is now fixed on one station at a set volume that we can not change and we can not switch it off. Okay until it loses the radio signal, at which point we are forced to listen to the crackling noise. Help please. It's a 2006 Crossfire with the standard radio (as far as I'm aware).
There are two fuses for the radio - pull them both. (Sorry, but the exact fuse varies by year, I found this out the hard way this summer). Both fuses are in the undershood fuse box, driver's side. Leave them out 15 seconds or more.
Alternatively, disconnect the battery ground cable for 1/2 minute.
When you power back up, it should restore it's brains. If not, it is done for - sorry.
(This will go in the Index of Crossfire problems.)
Re: radio ignoring all controls
There are two fuses for the radio - pull them both. (Sorry, but the exact fuse varies by year, I found this out the hard way this summer). Both fuses are in the undershood fuse box, driver's side. Leave them out 15 seconds or more.
Alternatively, disconnect the battery ground cable for 1/2 minute.
When you power back up, it should restore it's brains. If not, it is done for - sorry. But many on this forum have upgraded to way better head units (myself for one!) and have the OEM radio sitting on a shelf in the basement. If you look, you CAN find one.
But do not overlook the idea of just upgrading to something newer. The Kenwood/JVC (and I think Clarion) marine radios are the same color as our dash and they sound WONDERFUL compared to the factory unit.
I put a JVC 660 in my car (it is discontinued), $80 at Best Buy and WOW did is enhance the sound in my car.
I had it wired up and installed in 1/2 hour.
Alternatively, disconnect the battery ground cable for 1/2 minute.
When you power back up, it should restore it's brains. If not, it is done for - sorry. But many on this forum have upgraded to way better head units (myself for one!) and have the OEM radio sitting on a shelf in the basement. If you look, you CAN find one.
But do not overlook the idea of just upgrading to something newer. The Kenwood/JVC (and I think Clarion) marine radios are the same color as our dash and they sound WONDERFUL compared to the factory unit.
I put a JVC 660 in my car (it is discontinued), $80 at Best Buy and WOW did is enhance the sound in my car.
I had it wired up and installed in 1/2 hour.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
Posts: 13,453
Received 883 Likes
on
688 Posts
Re: radio ignoring all controls
I just had my radio display go blank and all function ***** and buttons do not work, pulled radio and disconnected from wiring harness, plugged back in and it all worked again. The next time i started the car screen was blank again, repeated process again to no avail. Any thoughts on what may be the problem? Or does it mean the radio needs a repair. any info on repair shops?
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
Posts: 13,453
Received 883 Likes
on
688 Posts
Re: radio ignoring all controls
I just had my radio display go blank and all function ***** and buttons do not work, pulled radio and disconnected from wiring harness, plugged back in and it all worked again. The next time i started the car screen was blank again, repeated process again to no avail. Any thoughts on what may be the problem? Or does it mean the radio needs a repair. any info on repair shops?
I work for a radio shop, (RadioPhone of Northwestern Arkansas). Our hourly rate is $95.00, one hour minimum. It sounds like yours has a watchdog timer issue or problem with the central processor. I'd estimate repair costs of $125 to $300 plus shipping both ways. Given the struggle to find parts for an obsolete, outdated device, we should be able to get it fixed and back to you within two to four months.
Your OEM radio is two channel, with lousy audio controls and an outdated AM/FM receiver. You can buy a truly superior AM/FM head at Best Buy for $85 to $200 that supports most or all "HD" functions as well as Bluetooth phone interface, MP4, and provides amazing audio controls .
If you want to stick with the lousy, crappy, worthless OEM head, you can buy them from other owners (who saw the light) for $30 to $50.
Last edited by pizzaguy; 02-11-2020 at 09:00 PM.
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BLKFYRE (06-25-2020)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
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Re: radio ignoring all controls
Thanks, Kate!
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
Posts: 13,453
Received 883 Likes
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688 Posts
Re: radio ignoring all controls
The factory 'radio' is a disgrace. WHy they went to all the expense that they did, only to give us two channel sound is beyond me.
But fact is, automotive audio has come a LONG way since 2003.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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Re: radio ignoring all controls
Search for marine units. Any single-DIN radio will fit fine.
But to get the look you want, for some odd reason, marine units have the satin finish of our interiors. Be prepared, marine heads are built to be water resistant and are way more expensive.
I went with a JVC RD660 - but my dash is not factory. I intended to upgrade to a marine head, but I got over it. My head was $85, I wired it for four channel sound, (You oem head is two channel crap.)
The RD660 was discontinued in 2015, that's how I got one for $85.
But to get the look you want, for some odd reason, marine units have the satin finish of our interiors. Be prepared, marine heads are built to be water resistant and are way more expensive.
I went with a JVC RD660 - but my dash is not factory. I intended to upgrade to a marine head, but I got over it. My head was $85, I wired it for four channel sound, (You oem head is two channel crap.)
The RD660 was discontinued in 2015, that's how I got one for $85.