Radio Woes

[eightsandaces]

You can check all the connections, including the faceplate, if you don't find a lose connection my next guess would be the output transistors on the unit.

[gschotland]

Those factory radios are Trouble. When mine started giving me problems (common faceplate issues), I looked into a remanufactured replacement or good used one. Both were pricey. I ended up dumping it for a $180 JVC CD head unit with HD radio from Crutchfield. Installation was easy, it mated perfectly with the factory Bose system, and the sound and functionality are a vast improvement over the factory Becker. Love the HD radio.

I know there were changes to the stereo in 2003 that might complicate a head unit replacement if you want to stick with the factory amp (if that's what you have & want to do), but it certainly can be done. Lots of good stereo upgrade posts on this site for you to read through.

Let us know how it works out.

[Run]

I just replaced my becker with the JVC in a 03. The install is simple only difficulty will be finding a switched lead. The telephone plug in the center console is the only switched lead close to the stereo. With the 03 there is not a switched lead in the factory harness. Once you know what to look for you can put the unit in in less than an hour.