Radio Display Went Out

[chad4835]

I am a new owner of a 97 Boxster and was driving it tonight when the radio display went out. It flickered off and on for a while and now is out for good. The radio works fine and it is the stock unit with the single disc player. I was wondering if there is a fuse or bulb that I can change or do I have to remove the unit and send it away somewhere. If anyone else has experienced this I would appreciate your feedback.

[porscheguy05]

When the lights go out is the music still playing, because that is what it sounds like you are saying, or does is completely lose power? Also, from experience if you cannot fix it yourself, like a fuse or a loose wire, it is cheaper to replace it either with a used unit with a new code, or an aftermarket unit. Repairs can sometimes cost more than the unit is worth if it is an internal problem. The good thing is that it sounds like a loose wire behind the unit, either the power, remote, or illumination wire which may be easy to fix.

[donv]

You don't mention which radio you have... mine has a removable face plate, which has contacts on it that connect with the main part of the radio. If something was on those contacts, I'd expect it could cause symptoms like you're listing. If you have that style, check to see it is firmly attached and that the contacts are clean.

[RandallNeighbour]

Chad, my 97's CDR-210 has gone whacky as well. What you've described has happened, the whole thing has stopped for a minute and then poof! right back on, etc. The CD player will not work until the interior of the car is at least 70 degrees.

I think it's time to call Crutchfield and buy that Sony head unit I've had my eye on. Becker stereos are crap anyway.

I would imagine you'll be doing the same as well.

FYI - don't try to buy a CDR23 off Ebay and put it in... it requires fiber optics, which we don't have in our older cars. You can buy and install a CDR-220 and it will work fine though, although the "reverse" display may hard to read when installed in a Boxster.

[Brucelee]

I would agree that the stock units are junk. I would look aftermarket, which should fit right in and cost a whole lot less.

[chad4835]

Thanks for all of the feedback! That is what is great about this forum. My radio has the face plate that flips forward to release the cd so I will check the contacts as mentioned earlier. I went back out after the car cooled down and now the display works again. Must have something to do with the temperature. I would like to preserve this unit as long as possible as I have seen pictures of some of the replacements and they do not look right to me.

[Subanez]

Bingo, same problem that I have. I have the same unit, and the display sometimes just doesn't want to work. After a few hours of CD play on long trips, it will simply overheat and say its "too hot" to play CDs any more.

Considering I had a VERY nice system in my old integra, I'm still getting used to two dash speakers and a crappy headunit. Too rich for my blood right now to upgrade to a better system.

Good luck

-Kevin

[dale e]

I cleaned the contacts but my display still fades out. I did find out that if I slightly push the bottom of the removable display in, there is some play that causes the display to drop out. I am still trying to find out where the play is coming from. It works fine when pushed in. Update to follow. Thanks