Hey, my stereo stopped working

**TonyPSchaefer** · 12-15-2004, 06:50 PM

At 5:00pm this evening, I left work headed for Libertyville Toyota to get my NAV DVD upgrade.
At 5:11pm, while listening to a book on tape, the stereo popped and all was silent. All the lights on the stereo went out. Since I was crawling through traffic, I had time to whip out my little note pad and take notes. Here's what I got:

There's a tape in the slot
There are not lights
All these items are non-funtional:
* CD Load button
* CD Eject button
* Stereo Power button
* Tape Eject button
* The line of radio buttons (Scan/Seek, CD1 .. CD6, etc)
* Steering wheel Mode button
* Steering wheel volume buttons
* Steering wheel voice button

I can bring the Audio screen on the MFD. At first, it kept the tape screen. I could push buttons and the screen would beep, but nothing would happen. I went back to it later and this time it said "Audio Off".

Knowing that Lib. Toyota is a stored destination, I switched over to map, selected the stored point, and set it as destination. The nav functioned as expected and the sweet voice guided me in.

That's all I got. I'm using the computer at the dealership now. Priapus is in the back in the shop. I intentionally did not shut down before showing a guy here the things that were not funtioning. It's possible that restarting a few times would automatically fix it, but I wanted them to see it.

Has anything like this happened to anyone?
Any thoughts or ideas?

flyingprius · 12-15-2004, 07:03 PM

You described a "popping" noise. That may be an indication that the whole audio system shorted, considering that no audio related devices worked...

One evening this summer up in Traverse City, I turned on the Prius and the audio didn't work. The radio didn't work, and neither did any "beeps" work when I pressed the buttons along the MFD. I turned it off and back on again and still no sound, I ran the diagnostic and it indicated a malfunction in the DSP/AMP. I drove to my destination, and the next morning everything was fine. From reading all of the threads here, I gather that the Prius is prone to weird computer related behavior that it seems to fix on its own in a reasonable time period. However, since you have it at the dealership, they can plug in the OBD and give you the poop. I'm sure Priapus will be singing in no time; good luck.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 12-15-2004, 07:33 PM

If I didn't have a scheduled appointment at the dealer, I would have just driven home in silence and waited until tomorrow to see if it works itself out. I also thought of pulling over and rebooting a few times.

Following the advice of many on this board, I intentionally DID NOT ask that they look for error codes. I have heard that if you specifically ask them to pull codes but they do not find any, they will charge you for the labor. Only if they find something will you not be charged.

I'm still here at the dealer. The floorplan here does not allow for easy viewing of the car while it's in the back. I did see someone poking around, but I don't know if he's doing the NAV or troubleshooting the stereo.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 12-15-2004, 09:04 PM

UPDATE:
The guy came out and got me. Just in time too; the Simpsons had just ended. :-)

He said that they couldn't do the NAV upgrade because of the stereo. Honestly, I don't know how they are related, but that's fine. I don't really feel that I need the upgrade anyway. He went on to say that he ordered a new stereo for no charge and it should be in next week.

I asked what the problem might have been and he looked at what the Tech had written on the service paper. "Tape stuck in deck causing stereo to not function." Whoa, there fella. I was listening to the tape when the stereo stopped working. The tape is in there because the busted stereo won't let me eject it, it's not the other way around. He listened to me and basically told me to stop talking because he's going to take care of it and no one's blaming me. He was more polite about it, but that was the gist.

But there's more: He said that there is a chance, and I should go ahead and grasp the idea, that I might never see the tape again. This doesn't sound like any great loss, but the tape belongs to the local library. As do the two CDs in the changer. Hey, I like to listen to books on tape when I'm driving. So what?

So when I got home I called the Experience Line and was forwarded to Headquarters, who heard me out and gave me a case number of 200412151251 and then forwarded me to the "Green Team". Apparently, the Green Team deals exclusively with Prius-related issues. Pretty cool.

I explained the situation and left contact information. If all they can do is give me the busted stereo so I can take it apart and get the library's stuff, I'm fine with that.

That's rather windy, but does anyone have any thoughts now?

daniel · 12-16-2004, 09:00 AM

At the very least, they owe you for the amount the library will charge for lost items. That's my opinion. They might not agree.

**tag** · 12-16-2004, 01:04 PM

Quote:

At the very least, they owe you for the amount the library will charge for lost items. That's my opinion. They might not agree.

They might agree once someone tells them the system contains library materials and that 'knowingly damaging or destroying' such materials is a Class A misdemeanor. :wink:

Charles Suitt · 12-16-2004, 01:47 PM

:idea: Is there a chance that the libray's tape "bunched up" and jammed the tape player section of your audio system? I have had this happen on tape systems and all was OK when I managed to extract the tape.

Just my 2¢ worth - worth a thought.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 12-16-2004, 02:11 PM

I called my local library and asked about the Class A misdemeanor. She said that if they caught someone intentionally destroying things, they could press charges and make them pay for repair/replacement.

In this case, she agrees that someone other than me should be reponsible for retrieving or replacing the materials. Just for the immediate future she extended my due date to buy me more time.

Of all the system resets, engine stalls, and other technical issues, I'm thinking that this is the strangest turn of events I've ever read. Even though I'm reading about myself!

But I still want to know what they do with the "broken" items they replace. If they're going to throw it away anyway, let me have it.

**efusco** · 12-16-2004, 02:32 PM

Quote:

But I still want to know what they do with the "broken" items they replace. If they're going to throw it away anyway, let me have it.

If they stick you next to Martha, in the "Big House" for this crime against the citizens of the US, could you get me an autograph?

AFAIK, ALL Prius parts must be sent back to California that are removed/replaced under warranty. I don't know for a fact that that extends to more 'standard' parts like the radio or not. But, when I had my SKS issues and they replaced the main SKS computer the repairman accidently left it in the passenger seat when I picked up the car. I thought maybe it was normal to return removed parts to the car owner and thought little more of it. In fact, I took it home, opened it up to see what the circuitry looked like (not that impressive really) and tucked it away with thoughts of putting it up for sale on EBAY or something.

About 2 weeks later I get a call from the dealership asking if I had it and that they really needed it back if I did. When I brough it back I thought the Prius Tech was going to hug me!! He proceeded to tell me that all removed/broken parts must be returned to California so they can check them out and find out what went wrong and how they might be improved. And, if the service tech did not return the part he would be personally charged for the part...in the case of my SKS circuit/ECU it woulda set the guy back over $700!!

So, I don't know if they'll let you keep it or not. But I'll bet that there is a mechanical release that will allow that tape to be ejected. I'm not a car stereo expert, but I think there must be some mechanical means of releasing it. BUT, I don't know about the CDs...seems like that must be a purely electronic system..but I'm guessing.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 12-16-2004, 05:20 PM

I keep thinking about Apple computers and CD drives. Such a good idea that it became standard on all CD drives as far as I know.

That is, even with the computer's power turned off, you can shove a straightened paper clip into a little hole and push a mechanism which will eject the disk. Greatest idea ever!

Now if only Prii had such an option.

12-15-2004, 06:50 PM	#1
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 11,219 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 58 Thanked 315 Times in 197 Posts Friends: 27	Hey, my stereo stopped working At 5:00pm this evening, I left work headed for Libertyville Toyota to get my NAV DVD upgrade. At 5:11pm, while listening to a book on tape, the stereo popped and all was silent. All the lights on the stereo went out. Since I was crawling through traffic, I had time to whip out my little note pad and take notes. Here's what I got: There's a tape in the slot There are not lights All these items are non-funtional: * CD Load button * CD Eject button * Stereo Power button * Tape Eject button * The line of radio buttons (Scan/Seek, CD1 .. CD6, etc) * Steering wheel Mode button * Steering wheel volume buttons * Steering wheel voice button I can bring the Audio screen on the MFD. At first, it kept the tape screen. I could push buttons and the screen would beep, but nothing would happen. I went back to it later and this time it said "Audio Off". Knowing that Lib. Toyota is a stored destination, I switched over to map, selected the stored point, and set it as destination. The nav functioned as expected and the sweet voice guided me in. That's all I got. I'm using the computer at the dealership now. Priapus is in the back in the shop. I intentionally did not shut down before showing a guy here the things that were not funtioning. It's possible that restarting a few times would automatically fix it, but I wanted them to see it. Has anything like this happened to anyone? Any thoughts or ideas? __________________ Current Mileage \| Chicago Prius Group Website Chicago Hybrid Group on FaceBook \| Find me on FaceBook

12-15-2004, 07:03 PM	#2
flyingprius Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Daytona Beach, FL Posts: 150 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Hey, my stereo stopped working You described a "popping" noise. That may be an indication that the whole audio system shorted, considering that no audio related devices worked... One evening this summer up in Traverse City, I turned on the Prius and the audio didn't work. The radio didn't work, and neither did any "beeps" work when I pressed the buttons along the MFD. I turned it off and back on again and still no sound, I ran the diagnostic and it indicated a malfunction in the DSP/AMP. I drove to my destination, and the next morning everything was fine. From reading all of the threads here, I gather that the Prius is prone to weird computer related behavior that it seems to fix on its own in a reasonable time period. However, since you have it at the dealership, they can plug in the OBD and give you the poop. I'm sure Priapus will be singing in no time; good luck.

12-15-2004, 09:04 PM	#4
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 11,219 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 58 Thanked 315 Times in 197 Posts Friends: 27	Re: Hey, my stereo stopped working UPDATE: The guy came out and got me. Just in time too; the Simpsons had just ended. :-) He said that they couldn't do the NAV upgrade because of the stereo. Honestly, I don't know how they are related, but that's fine. I don't really feel that I need the upgrade anyway. He went on to say that he ordered a new stereo for no charge and it should be in next week. I asked what the problem might have been and he looked at what the Tech had written on the service paper. "Tape stuck in deck causing stereo to not function." Whoa, there fella. I was listening to the tape when the stereo stopped working. The tape is in there because the busted stereo won't let me eject it, it's not the other way around. He listened to me and basically told me to stop talking because he's going to take care of it and no one's blaming me. He was more polite about it, but that was the gist. But there's more: He said that there is a chance, and I should go ahead and grasp the idea, that I might never see the tape again. This doesn't sound like any great loss, but the tape belongs to the local library. As do the two CDs in the changer. Hey, I like to listen to books on tape when I'm driving. So what? So when I got home I called the Experience Line and was forwarded to Headquarters, who heard me out and gave me a case number of 200412151251 and then forwarded me to the "Green Team". Apparently, the Green Team deals exclusively with Prius-related issues. Pretty cool. I explained the situation and left contact information. If all they can do is give me the busted stereo so I can take it apart and get the library's stuff, I'm fine with that. That's rather windy, but does anyone have any thoughts now?

12-16-2004, 01:47 PM	#7
Charles Suitt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 1,624 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Touring Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Hey, my stereo stopped working :idea: Is there a chance that the libray's tape "bunched up" and jammed the tape player section of your audio system? I have had this happen on tape systems and all was OK when I managed to extract the tape. Just my 2¢ worth - worth a thought.

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12-15-2004, 07:33 PM	#3
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 11,219 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 58 Thanked 315 Times in 197 Posts Friends: 27	If I didn't have a scheduled appointment at the dealer, I would have just driven home in silence and waited until tomorrow to see if it works itself out. I also thought of pulling over and rebooting a few times. Following the advice of many on this board, I intentionally DID NOT ask that they look for error codes. I have heard that if you specifically ask them to pull codes but they do not find any, they will charge you for the labor. Only if they find something will you not be charged. I'm still here at the dealer. The floorplan here does not allow for easy viewing of the car while it's in the back. I did see someone poking around, but I don't know if he's doing the NAV or troubleshooting the stereo.

12-16-2004, 09:00 AM	#5
daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 11,819 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 79 Thanked 293 Times in 184 Posts Friends: 0	At the very least, they owe you for the amount the library will charge for lost items. That's my opinion. They might not agree.

12-16-2004, 02:11 PM	#8
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 11,219 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 58 Thanked 315 Times in 197 Posts Friends: 27	I called my local library and asked about the Class A misdemeanor. She said that if they caught someone intentionally destroying things, they could press charges and make them pay for repair/replacement. In this case, she agrees that someone other than me should be reponsible for retrieving or replacing the materials. Just for the immediate future she extended my due date to buy me more time. Of all the system resets, engine stalls, and other technical issues, I'm thinking that this is the strangest turn of events I've ever read. Even though I'm reading about myself! But I still want to know what they do with the "broken" items they replace. If they're going to throw it away anyway, let me have it.

12-16-2004, 05:20 PM	#10
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 11,219 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 58 Thanked 315 Times in 197 Posts Friends: 27	I keep thinking about Apple computers and CD drives. Such a good idea that it became standard on all CD drives as far as I know. That is, even with the computer's power turned off, you can shove a straightened paper clip into a little hole and push a mechanism which will eject the disk. Greatest idea ever! Now if only Prii had such an option.