My radio keeps going off and resetting itself. Today when it happened the radio wouldn't go back on until I turned the car off and on. Does anyone know what this is and what the fix is? New radio?

 

Those Becker head units are crap. I'm on my third one in a year--had several issues including one like yours. About 6 months ago they ended up replacing the head unit, amp and CD changer with the latest versions (per a memo from PCNA that said to replace all 3 components on any car with stereo issues) and everything was fine until about a month ago I started the car and the head unit showed an error message, so I turned it off and on--twice--with no success, then shut the car off and started again, again with no success. Picked up my son and started the car and it's been OK since...keeping my fingers crossed.

 

I don't get this, imo this is unacceptable. If it was in a hundia, everyone would say the whole car was a pos. I guess I'll go complain to the dealer, what a pain in the ***.

 

No kidding! The first problem I had was the CD 1 button didn't work properly. They put a new head unit in--same problem. Took one out of a new car on the lot--same problem. Tried 2 other new cars on the lot--same problem. They spoke to Porsche who said they were aware of the issue, but since the 997 wasn't using this head unit, they weren't going to bother fixing the problem. Can you believe that answer. I told them that was unacceptable and was prepared to call whoever I had to at Porsche to get it resolved. 2 weeks later a "specially programmed" head unit arrived that worked.

 

I had/have the same f'ing problem, it's like the alarm gets tripped and the radio says'porsche' or 'protect'. Turn the car on/off lock/unlock then it's ok. They replaced the radio once, same ****. Another funny thing mine does is the radio will turn itself on for no real reason, usually when I'm working on the car. Weird.

 

I haven't had any problem w/ Becker HU in my 996 and my E class, knock on wood. Which dealer worked on your repair in SF area?

 

I had intermitten problems with my PCM2 unit until I put some wire ties around the optical cable and tied it to the more rigid power cable so it can't get kinked or bent as the car moves. Someone here recommended it. Saved me a trip to the dealer and some hassle having them try to figure it out.

Otherwise the only problem I have is not blameable to the becker unit, but to condensation at very low temperatures on the CD, I have to wait for the interior to warm up if I left the car overnight outside and the temp's are below 10'F. I have the same issue in my wife's audi and have it in every car with a CD player, though it was worse in my boxster since it was a rag top and not completely sealed to the outside as a coupe.

Good Luck,
Corey...

 

Poursha ... details!! Do you know what "specially programmed" means? I need to know, unfortunately.

I have had only two re-occuring problems with my C4S ... the radio and remote key unit. Here is what I find interesting (and have passed along to the dealer).

I've had several new radio's including the replacement of the amp, etc. Still continued to have problems. The dealer just replaced my alarm control unit under the driver's seat (to help with remote key issue). Two things have happened (so far anyway) ..... a) my key works much, much better and b) my radio is LOUDER and has more Bass now than it did before!!

Not sure I understand that one unless there was some kind of lose connection on the prior unit. But I noticed the two changes in the radio immediately.

Any one else ever experienced this? TIA

 

I guess I could rip out the entire system and replace it at my expense...Great. Or not listen to the radio.

 

I had the head unit replaced 3 times in my 996! The 4th one didn't work right either, but I finally gave up on having it replaced and got used to having problems.

 

I've had my head unit replaced once (phone mutes the calls then the head unit goes dead), and yesterday had the amp replaced.

Drove home with tin-can music. Apparently the connectors to the amp are crap too, and they came loose. What a piece of ****. Can't believe a 100K car has crap like this in it.

Getting the duct tape out now. Sucks.

 

They had a head unit specially programmed with the "it works like it's supposed to" option...

Sarcasm aside, I have no idea what they did special--it worked so I didn't ask any questions!!

 

Aren't these problems covered by lemon laws? Unresolvable with 3 tries. I mean I love my car but this is just stupid. I see other people on this board with repeated problems. Doesn't anyone file suit?

 

So, I'm not the only one ... my radio gets "stuck" sometimes where I cannot change the station or switch between cds and radio.

And, I have had the key issue as well ... won't lock or unlock the door - even if I am standing next to it. I switched keys and it still happens. Not that often but it seems to happen at the worst possible times!

Thanks for the info ... guess I will be visiting my FAVORITE place in the world .... the dealer (ha-ha!). I'm willing to place bets that they just tell me I don't know how to use it or something ....... the adventure begins!

 

Neil,
Even if it was(Which I think it isn't). I'm pretty sure NJ Lemon Law only covers new purchases. Didn't you buy yours pre-owned. In that case your engine could fall out, and it wouldn't be covered by Lemon Law.

As for the radio issues, bring it in to the dealer, it's covered underwarranty. It could however be related to a loose connection. If you want to check it yourself, I do have a set of radio removal tools somewhere from my boxster I'll look for them and let you know then you could borrow them.

Corey...