Radio will not turn on - 2005 Prius

[xjahx]

Well, I am a longer time reader, but this is my first need for assistance. I have a 2005 Prius with 76,000 miles. I am the 2nd owner, having placed just 6,000 miles on her over the past 2 years (rely on my bicycles). Here is the first problem that I have had:

After a 15 day period of not using the Prius, I started her up last evening and the radio would not function. This is the single CD, lowest end radio. All of the radio buttons fail to produce a response. In addition, the buttons on the steering wheel related to the radio yield no response. There are also no beeps when changing screens on the display, and the audio reports "Audio Off." I quick inspection revealed that each of the pertinent fuses were fine.

I should add that prior to parking the Prius, the dealer completed the 75,000 mile maintenance and oil change. Because they returned the car to my driveway, I am not certain if the radio was functioning post maintenance.

I attempted to find older posts similar to this issue, but I have not had too much luck (outside of a 2007 Prius with a tape stuck in the player).

Thanks for your assistance...

[firepa63]

Is the original 12v battery still in the car? If so, I suspect the 12v may be going bad. It does strange things when it's on its last legs.

[vertex]

If the car starts, it is not the battery. Once the car is running, the 12v battery does nothing. I would take it back to the dealer. Does the MFD work? It could be a fuse.

[Patrick Wong]

If everything other than the radio works, then please check the following fuses:

15A DOME
7.5A ACC

When I say "check", I mean remove each fuse from the fuse box and use an ohmmeter to verify that the resistance across the terminals is 0 ohms. Or, replace each fuse with a new one. Do not rely upon visual inspection to determine that the fuse is good.

If that doesn't help, then you'll probably need to take your car in for service. Good luck.

[xjahx]

Thanks for the replies. Starting has not been an issue, and the MFD is working well. I will replace the suggested fuses that I checked visually.

I was thinking of throwing in an identical radio from the salvage yard, $50 + an afternoon. If that does not work, then I will head to the dealer.

[TonyPSchaefer]

My '04 radio stopped working once. I was listening to a tape and the whole thing just died, right there, halfway home from work. since it was within warranty I just had it replaced. I don't remember all the details off the top of my head but I'm just saying that since you have an '05 and they used the same parts then perhaps there is something.

[vertex]

Based on your description there is a problem on the control head. There is a diagnostic for that you can run.
Start the HV system (car)
Switch to the display check screen (info button)
From the display adjustment screen (brightness and contrast on bottom) touch the screen in this order: upper left, lower left, upper left, lower left, upper left, lower left.
The diagnostic mode starts and "service check screen will be displayed.
Anything that says CHEK or Old has a problem. Press the result for the DTC info.
If you get the DTCs let us know, and we can tell you what is wrong.

[xjahx]

Vertex, thanks for the information. I will run this check on my way home this evening.

Oddly enough, after using the car thrice in the past two days, the radio has returned to normal. How can this be, although I am not complaining?

[philobeddoe]

Originally Posted by xjahx

Vertex, thanks for the information. I will run this check on my way home this evening.

Oddly enough, after using the car thrice in the past two days, the radio has returned to normal. How can this be, although I am not complaining?

mine's done the same ... sometimes it'll get stuck on one satellite station, no matter where i turn the dial ...

a couple of times, but not thrice

i find power the car off and on solves the problem