2004 Mazda 3 Radio Issues
 

Out of the blue, my stereo decided to start short circuiting. Well actually I don't know if it is technically short circuiting or of there is another issue. Basically when I'm in the car it will play fine and then randomly shut off, losing my settings including time and bass, treb, ALC etc... I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem or what the issue may be. I've inspected it superficially, by taking off the front paneling and pulling the unit out, but I'm kind of scared to take the whole thing apart, for fear it won't work at all. I tested all the wires too, to see if they were compromised in any way, and from what I can see, they look ok.

Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks in advance! =)

Have you checked fuses or power connections are snug? That would all happen if say the battery was disconnected or dead.

Yeah I checked the fuses and the connections to the radio unit itself I didn't go any further. You think that my battery mad be going dead and showing early signs? Thx so much. =)

Probably not the bat. Think it would be haven trouble starting if so. But you can always take it to auto zone or some other parts store and most of them will test it for nothing. But other than what I said before I don't really know. Sorry couldn't be more helpful.

Your radio is losing the battery constant power somehow, pull it out and turn it on and wiggle the harness to see if the problem is there, if not check the plugs in the fuse box (under glovebox).

Agreed about a faulty connection for the power to the HU. Try pulling the HU our but leave it plugged in. Then try wiggling the wires around and see if you can break the connection somewhere.

Hello,

I am working off of this post as I am not sure how to start a new one. My issue is similar but may have a different underlying cause. I purchased a used 2012 Mazda 3, 4 door in 2013. The car has worked great and I have not had any major issues. Out of the blue, approximately 4-5 weeks ago, the stereo lighting and sound starting spontaneously turning on and off. Initially, the stereo would turn off for a few second and then turn back on and be ok for a prolonged period of time. It has since progressed to where I no longer hear any music/sound, it's just the constant clicking of the radio turning on and then abruptly back off. It will often times stay off for long periods of time, but never stays on longer than a few seconds. The area that displays the time and temperature stays lit and I can always read the time/temperature, but the "Hello" greeting will flash on and then off in sync with the lights. Even when my car is off, I have heard the speakers make an almost popping noise and then turn off. A friend in the mechanic business suggested buying a new radio online and putting it in myself. When I contacted a mechanic shop they suggested a full diagnostics to determine if there is a deeper electric issue.

Does this issue sound familiar to anyone? Any thoughts on a likely fix?

Thanks so much!