Have a little stange radio issue

[psk256]

Hey new to the forum here. I have a 2008 EL w/DVD I did a quick search and didn't find what I was looking for.

Here is the issue.......I noticed when my headlights turn on the radio display will dim and then immediately switch source to DVD. The DVD player will start and then FF, RW and do everything by itself. If I switch back to radio, it will change channels ect ect, and if I turn it off, it will turn back on. Sometimes when I hit the lights it will not dim the display, and there are no faults.

I took it to the dealership and they replaced the head unit. That night it was doing it again. Im going back again for them to do who knows what, they said maybe a had a bad unit from stock, it feels more like a wiring issue to me.

Anyone ever experience this? Anyone have any prints I could look at?

Im pretty experienced with wiring design and troubleshooting, just couldn't find anything to get me going.

Thanks

 

[Flexpedition]

Agree with your wiring issue feeling. Assuming your head unit is non-NAV and the DVD in the back is the OEM roof mounted, correct? Did you buy the truck new or used? Just wondering if possibly the 'rear seat entertainment center' was added or if its factory installed. The window sticker (or a website like research maniacs with your VIN) should confirm this if bought used.

Not sure what all is involved wiring wise, but I'd speculate that if you drop the rear entertainment center from the headliner and unplug it, and the issue goes away, that the trouble can be pinpointed to the rear unit. There is a ton of wiring involved with these things. Good luck.

 

[psk256]

It was used. Ill have to check on if it came new with DVD (it is a Ford OEM unit), and it is non nav. Taking in Thursday, so we will see what they say. I have read these head units have display issues, but it doesnt seem related. Didn't think about the rear DVD .....maybe that will be their next part to change. They dont seem to like to ring out wiring. I bought the ESP, so now its just the inconvenience of taking it in and getting a rental.

 

[stamp11127]

If it only does it when the headlights are turned on and nothing else that puts a heavy load on the system, ask the dealer to monitor alternator output with a scope while the system is put under heavy load.

 

[psk256]

At first I also would think its a load issue, however, if the display on the radio doesn't dim (50/50 chance) then it wont do it. Still a little puzzled without a DWG to examine.

 

[psk256]

Agree with your wiring issue feeling. Assuming your head unit is non-NAV and the DVD in the back is the OEM roof mounted, correct? Did you buy the truck new or used? Just wondering if possibly the 'rear seat entertainment center' was added or if its factory installed. The window sticker (or a website like research maniacs with your VIN) should confirm this if bought used.

Not sure what all is involved wiring wise, but I'd speculate that if you drop the rear entertainment center from the headliner and unplug it, and the issue goes away, that the trouble can be pinpointed to the rear unit. There is a ton of wiring involved with these things. Good luck.

Yes it was factory installed according to the VIN. Ill ask the Tech to investigate the rear DVD unit. Thanks!

 

[psk256]

Update if anyones interested:

So the service adviser told me they talked with Ford engineering and they said they needed to update the software in the ACM (radio unit). They could not duplicate the issue after that, and told me to monitor it over the weekend.

Now as I wrote here, it will act up when the display dims. Now magically it does not dim anymore - hence no issue. Now im really getting mad. Hopefully the tech didn't disconnect the dim line just because they are too lazy to check the wiring. Of course i called back to my advisor and had to leave a message. He has never once returned a call I placed to him, I always had to get lucky and have him pick up.

Im about ready to go to another Ford dealership and tell them to bill this other one for the deductible. aaaaahhhhhhh!