No volume on radio '03 (cdr-23)
 

Hi all,

Bought a (new to me) '03 Boxster last weekend and love it -- except there is no volume when using the radio. It's the cdr-23 model and I've searched high and low across the forum for ideas on what to fix. It powers on/off just fine, scans channels and reads cd's. I've read the manual, pressed all buttons and menus, etc. The alarm works fine. I've driven it for a week so doesn't seem to be an intermittent issue.

I also checked and there is power coming to the amp in the front compartment. Any troubleshooting tips or other pieces of advice for me?

Thanks!

When you adjust the volume does the display change? You should be able to increase to: "VOL +30"

Yes it does -- even goes up to +40 I think.

bad ignition switch. Do a search on here for ignition switch

OK will do! Have seen that issue mentioned before, but seemed to cause a host of problems while I only have this -- and couldn't see how this is a power issue as such.

I have a 2003 Boxster S and I've had the exact same thing happen occasionally. So far, it's a sporadic thing, and what works is actually shutting off the engine completely, the restarting.

This happens on my '04, every few months. Now lately, though, it's starting to not transmit sound to the door speakers... :confused:

Can anyone suggest what troubleshooting steps I can take? Is there e.g. a fuse in the amp or something else I could do to try and isolate the issue... (I have a non-BOSE system)

Took it in to a audio shop who wants to put in both new headunit, amp and lots of cables... $700 bill for essentially getting basic sound. Thinking of just buying a used amp from a scrapped model -- do you guys think that'd work?

Mine did as yours a few weeks back, I just removed the head unit plugs and refitted and it now works 100%

From the Amp side or from the HU side? I've tried to do that on the amp, but don't have radio keys for the HU so haven't tried on that side...

Any tips on how to disconnect the large connector on the amp? Is it just force or is there a locking mechanism?

... nevermind. Was a simple sliding lock just needed a flashlight :)

Head Unit side

Antenna amp
 

If you are having volume issues with only the AM side of the radio, check the antenna amp, it probably needs changing out.

Clean the contacts of the HU and removable Faceplate.

Cheers!

Just to wrap this up, I found a amp from a scrap yard and once plugged in (very easy) I now have sound again. No need to remove or otherwise do anything to the radio/headunit.