This problem comes and goes randomly. It happened maybe 10 times in over the past several months, but has happened almost every time I take the car out in the last few days.

All the lights go out on my radio and heater controls. The radio display goes off, but the a/c display stays on. The a/c goes on auto at whatever temp I had it on last. None of the buttons work on the radio or heater controls, but my steering wheel controls still work for the radio.

It doesn't matter what was on or off when the problem starts. I'll be driving then all of a sudden my A/C goes on high. I can't shut it off. Then randomly the lights will come on and the buttons work again. Sometimes shutting the car off and restarting works, sometimes it doesn't.

This is on a stock 03 coupe. Does anyone have any idea what this could be or how I can diagnose the problem?

 

Sounds like you have a known problem with the stock HU and circuit board there-in.... i think the only solution is to replace the control unit, OR have your existing unit remanufacturered...

 

Can you be more specific about the control unit? Where is it? What does it look like? Does it have a more specific name or part number so I can order one?

 

Oh, sorry...

The control unit is the large circuit board that is directly behind the controls of the stereo and A/C .. if you remove the center console, you'll see a green circuit board that is behind all those buttons, etc...

There are not infrequently people selling their stock stereo control units as they replace their stereo's with aftermarket double din units...

unfortunately, i do not have the part number, sorry

 

Thanks. I guess I'll look for a replacement for the stock stereo and heater controls.

 

Just wiggle the key anticlockwise when the problem starts.......worked for me.....the problem was history after about 3 days