Really, really weird stereo issue - 2001 Grand Caravan

2231 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by columberjack, Oct 23, 2012

columberjack

Discussion Starter · Oct 18, 2012

Hello!

I don't think this has been posted before but apologies in advance if another person has tackled this topic.

Our stereo in our Caravan flickered in and out over a few days and now it's completely 'dead'. All of the fuses have been checked and are good.

Here's the kicker: My wife has left the lights on twice this week and, of course, drained the battery. When the roadside assistant guy has come and jumped us....the radio works! It only works for a few days...and then it goes out again.

I have had the alternator, battery, and (as mentioned before) all the fuses checked by an ASE certified tech. Everything comes out good.

Is there some issue with the ground? I'm stumped.

I'd like to put an aftermarket stereo in (one with aux. plugin for iPod) but should probably get this issue figured out first before I do

If anyone has ever replaced the stereo and has any tips on getting behind the plastics, that would be appreciated too

Thanks in advance for the help!

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Stratuscaster

· #2 · Oct 18, 2012

If I recall, there's a couple of screws to be removed behind the cup holder tray. Pull the tray out all the way, remove the screws, and then the entire center bezel pops off. You'll unhook the plugs going to the rear wiper controls and other whatnot, and then you can remove the factory head unit.

The head unit itself may have developed an intermittent failure - do you know which head unit it is? There's usually a 3-letter code silk-screened on the front, like "RAZ" or "RBK".

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columberjack

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 20, 2012

Stratuscaster - wow, 16k+ plus posts, you've helped a lot of people!

You were right on for me - I had to pop off an additional small rectangular piece...but that revealed 4 phillips screws 2 of which released the black console piece.

I've gotten to the radio - it's RBK. I can get part number if needed?

Big question now: Does the radio need to be replaced? Would a new one fix this issue? I have the wiring diagram (and I have done a radio twice before) so I think a new one wouldn't be too difficult.

I just want to make sure it will help

Thanks for your response!

-lj

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Oklahoma Wolf

· #4 · Oct 20, 2012

Just replace the head unit. The RBK isn't exactly the best one Chrysler's ever put into their vehicles.

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Stratuscaster

· #5 · Oct 20, 2012

columberjack said:
Stratuscaster - wow, 16k+ plus posts, you've helped a lot of people!

Some. Mostly I just blab a lot about nothing.

columberjack said:
You were right on for me - I had to pop off an additional small rectangular piece...but that revealed 4 phillips screws 2 of which released the black console piece.

I've gotten to the radio - it's RBK. I can get part number if needed?

Big question now: Does the radio need to be replaced? Would a new one fix this issue? I have the wiring diagram (and I have done a radio twice before) so I think a new one wouldn't be too difficult.

I just want to make sure it will help

Thanks for your response!

-lj

I'm with OKWolf - who knows MUCH more about Chrysler head units than I ever will. I'd just replace the head unit right off with something that has the features you want.

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columberjack

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 23, 2012

Hey thanks to you both! Successfully installed new head unit in just over two hours.

My wife is happy....thanks a million

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