no radio volume Radio volume control not functioning

[T. Vallon]

Hi,

Specifics:

2011 987-2 Boxter Spyder

CDR 30 radio with Bose #680 Sound System

Radio appears to be functioning, but no sound from speakers when volume control knob is rotated.

 

Background:

Believe the damage is self-inflicted.....rats!  So embarrassing, and probably expensive.  I inadvertently flooded the rear of the passenger compartment  with water (don’t ask), lots of it!  To my horror, it was about an inch deep when I discovered.  Radio worked fine until this.  After this, no sound from speakers.

 

Checked all fuses located in drivers side box...all OK.  There is a aluminum electrical box beneath the passenger seat with heat exchanger fins that looks suspiciously like a power amp or preamp.  There also appears to be a power amp located near the battery in the front trunk, but no water issues affected this area.  

 

No automated system warnings logged on instrument panel.

 

Questions:

1.  Does it seem from the above I have most likely fried the module under the passenger seat?  (And am I right that it’s an audio amp?)

2.  How can I determine definitively if the unit is fried?

3.  Could I have been saved by a fuse in the unit (he asked hopefully)?

4.  If I have to replace the unit, first, must the seat be removed?  If so, can you point me at key things needed so I don’t have my head removed by an exploding airbag (not preferred!)?

5.  Does anyone know where I can get a replacement unit if this is the bad actor?

 

Many thanks for any thoughts!

Terry

[deilenberger]

1. Yes

2. Replace with a working one

3. Probably not

4. Probably. Not hard to do - 4 bolts one in each corner. They're external torx so you need "e-torx drivers" (they're a torx socket)

5. Porsche for a lot of $$. Possibly a wrecking yard specializing in Porsche.

 

 

[deilenberger]

I see you posted the same basic message over on Rennlist - my answers wouldn't change so I didn't bother replying.  You did add one question on Rennlist - the answer is - the "preamp stage" is in the radio/PCM itself.  You have a dead amplifier. It drowned. It's kaput. Nailed to the perch so to speak.. it's an ex-amplifier.  You need a replacement. Electronics never does well submersed in water.

[T. Vallon]

Dear Dielenberger,

 

Thank you very much for your comments!  Message received.😊

 

How about seat removal safety procedures?  Disconnect negative lead on battery?

 

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

Terry

 

 

Edited December 24, 2019 by T. Vallon
Missing text

[deilenberger]

Removing the battery negative is always a good idea. The seats have airbags in them, so - good precaution.  What you don't want to do is turn on the ignition, or even have the key in the ignition when the connectors to the seat are disconnected.  That would likely cause an airbag fault error which might require a diagnostics tool to reset it when you reconnect.

 

Disconnecting the battery will avoid all that.

 

Good luck! Let us know how it works out!

[T. Vallon]

Update:  Saga Continues

 

1.  Pulled Passenger Seat.  Affected electrical box below pass seat shown below.  Signs of water damage (severe corrosion on connector in lower left hand corner of photo)

Model number 987.645.442.01  Label indicates it is a computer of some sort. One of the red leads (assuming input power was dissolved in mentioned connector.)

 

2.  Second photo is the corroded connector.  Red lead is relocated back into its mating hole but it is dissolved at the pin end.

 

3.  Third photo is pooched box internals.  Circle on photo indentifies area of severe corrosion.

 

Questions:

1.  Does anyone know what this box is,or what it does?  Could this be the reason my volume control does not work on my radio? 

2.  Is this box common to other Porsche models???

3.  Is this a dealer only part, or would/could you trust this coming from a wreck yard?

4.  I will need to replace the connector which is labeled as a Tyco PBT-GF15.  Does anyone have any ideas where I might locate one of these?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Terry

 

 

 

 

Edited January 5, 2020 by T. Vallon
Photos did not upload on original