Strange factory head unit problem

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=35249
Printed Date: May 14, 2025 at 1:12 AM

Topic: Strange factory head unit problem

Posted By: cabt
Subject: Strange factory head unit problem
Date Posted: July 08, 2004 at 5:09 PM

I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The other day for no apparent reason the headunit went dead except for two flashing orange lights on the bass and treble knobs. I checked and there aren't any fuses blown, and everything else seems to be working ok. Has anyone ever seen this or does anyone have any ideas on what might be the problem? Any help would be greatly appriciated.

Replies:

Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: July 08, 2004 at 7:08 PM

This is a good sign, it means that you can finally have a valid reason to upgrade to a good Eclipse cd player. Did you have any work done to the vehicle recently? Does the factory head work at all or is it totally dead except for these two lights?

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Posted By: lspker
Date Posted: July 08, 2004 at 9:52 PM

The CPU has gone brain dead. It needs to be reset. Try a local repair shop, they should be able to reset and it will be as good(?) as new.

Posted By: cabt
Date Posted: July 09, 2004 at 8:37 AM

Forbidden,

I didn't have any work done, the truck was sitting in the sun on saturday and it got very hot inside, and that is when it stoped working. I never thought that could hurt anything, but i guess it can.

Ispker,

My brother-in-law is a mechanic, if i tell i need the cpu reset he should know what i mean?

Thanks for the replies.

Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: July 09, 2004 at 10:07 AM

i service a fair few of these units that develop multiple cold solder connections on the logic PCB.... the problems occur in thermal conditions as solder expands and contracts with hot and cold.... so they'll work when cold but not hot, etc. etc........a good service shop should be able to repair this unit for you for around $100....

or you may finally have a valid reason to upgrade to a good Eclipse cd player.....

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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979

Posted By: cabt
Date Posted: July 09, 2004 at 10:15 AM

Ispker,

When you say to reset the CPU do you mean the procedure where i would dissconnect the neg batt wire, then turn the ignition to on for 20 sec, and reconnect batt?