My stock Bose stereo system seems to be dying. Whether I'm playing a CD or radio, the sound will occasionally fade out and then after a bit, suddenly come back on with a pop. This mostly happens when the car is cold and sometimes I think the volume comes back when I tap the side of the center console. It appears to be some kind of loose connection or bad solder. All channels loose sound together and come back together. Its quite annoying and has been occuring more frequently now and the length of the drop out is increasing too.

Has this happened to anyone else? Also, if it dies, do you think it would be cheaper to replace with a stock head unit or an aftermarket? If I go with stock unit, would I be able to use a more updated radio from 05s with MP3 support? My car is out of warranty now so I don't know what to do. Even if I can live without it, I imagine a potential buyer wouldn't be too happy and I think it would make my car a hard sell. Any advice here would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you search, you'll find it is a common problem with the radio. You can get a used one, get yours repaired, or convert to a double DIN setup.

You can't use a newer radio 05 and up) in your 03-04 car. And if you get a used radio, you need to get the same type - get the Bose if you have the Bose.

 

^+1 time to upgrade bro!

 

OK thanks for the tip. I can't really afford to upgrade so I guess I will like get a used or replacement head unit. I might consider replacing the speakers and amp now that I've read up more on it but I'm not really sure how much longer I'm gonna keep my car. Maybe I should sell my car before the stereo dies. Heh. How much is a replacement head unit new compared with a used one.

 

A head unit from the dealer is going to vost more than you're going to want to spend. You can check the online OEM parts sellers and see what they have it priced for.

If you get a used HU, you need a Bose HU if that's what your car has. A non-Bose HU won't work well and vice versa.

 

Dammit i have this prob, how much have people found used bose for?

How much is a double din + hu for a decent hu?

jon!