I think I may have an idea why our stock radios go out so quickly.

Having had the problem since the car was new, and having it replaced under warranty, the radio / AC controls completely died last year for me.

I decided at that time that it would be better and cheaper in the long run to replace it with an after market Sony unit and the JDM conversion for AC controls.

Since I installed a radio that was only a single DIN, I have an opening below the radio. I have not found anything to put there to cover the whole.

In the last few months when the temps were low enough where I had to use the heater, I noticed that the area behind the radio gets extremely HOT. In fact the back of the Sony radio when touched after the heater has been running for a while will burn your fingers.

I only use my heater set to blow on my feet and it appears that the design of the system allows for hot air to blow directly on the back of the radio.
I have burned my fingers every time I touch the back of the radio when the heater is on.

With this kind of heat on the stock radio, no wonder it eventually starts having issues. I don't think the electronics can handle it .........................

 

I havent had any problems with my stock hu but good observation.

 

give it time. you will. I would start shopping around now for a new set up lol

 

yeah mine went out as well, i had it replaced under warranty.

 

^ Hahaha I hope not, I am saving up for ART pipes and OEM 19s... Then maybe stereo. BTW I use to have a buddy own a stereo outlet and they use to sell filler pieces to cover that hole you have. They have ones that function as drawers... Should look into your local shop to see if they carry anything similar. Would def help clean up the interior.

 

I have a 2006. Had it for 3 years and no problems with the radio. I live in Florida and it gets pretty hot here in the summers!

 

its mostly affects 03-04 models. mined died on me but it was a perfect excuse to get an aftermarket deck with navi since the stock navi is butt ugly.

 

had mine replaced 4 years ago and ever since i installed a usa spec ipod adapter, never had a problem since. i think the problem is with the cd player.. poorly made.. never used that cd slot for 4 years now and radio has been working without a hitch..

 

Well its because you dont have the HEAT on in florida. He was referring to the stereo getting hot when the heat is blasting.....

 

hhhaa thank you! We need the people that live in the northern states to be chiming in on this thread!

This really seems like it could be the problem.

 

I have an 05 with the bose setup daily driven for 4 years in Ohio and the last 2 only during the months without snow...

no issues as of yet.

 

04, going on strong.

 

Mines shot, but theres a fix now. Thinking of yanking mine to do the fix tomorrow. Income tax will provide me with a dd.

 

I don't think the hot air is the problem because in the summer it gets hot on its own. I think the Bose unit is cheaply made. Bose is known for being cheap.

 

Bingo... Bose is without a doubt the most overpriced underperforming company around. There are entire reports and articles written about how ****ty their products are. Bose is a company designed for mid 40/50 somethings to say... well I spent a littly extra and got a Bose. Anyone that has done ANY research will quickly realize how lusy Bose products actually are. With that said, my '05 Bose factory stereo is still going strong.