Awern416

Hi All,

I recently purchased a '02 C4S w/BOSE and w/o MOST. The car is in great shape but the OEM CDR-220 radio system isn't operational. The unit turns on and functions seemingly as it should (changes sources, volume, settings menu, etc.), but it does not produce any legible sound other than a small static ticking. Its prior owner advised that the radio was working previously and that after a period of time on the battery tender it stopped working. I do also know that at one point it had an aftermarket Continental single DIN radio installed but was subsequently removed to replace back with the OEM for the factory aesthetic. I tried replacing fuses D8 & D9 with new ones, to no avail.

Any next steps suggested before I give up and bring it to the local audio shop? I believe Becker is nearby me in NJ...

Note, I want to upgrade to the PCCM soon but don't want to make any moves until the original system is operational to minimize future confusion.

Thanks for the help!

-AW

ZuffenZeus

You need to test the amplifier and radio wiring. The OEM wiring could have been cut improperly.

frisbee91

A quick thing to check is the contacts on the removable faceplate. Remove and clean.

Awern416

Thanks for the responses.
Update: I cleaned the faceplate, removed the CDR unit, checked the rear plugs, replaced the 10amp fuse, reentered the Becker code and got the unit on. I did the same with the amp up in the frunk. Same exact issues persisted. Any other DIY suggestions?? How would I test the radio wiring further?

Should I look into replacing the Amplifier?

Much appreciated on the help.

ZuffenZeus

The amplifiers in these cars tend to go bad because they're mounted in the frunk and exposed to the elements. I've replaced a bunch of them. Unfortunately, the BOSE amps are more expensive but you can find them on eBay with a little patience. My bet it's the amplifier. There is a way of testing these units by process of elimination, but you need testing equipment and harness adapters. I assume everything is factory and hasn't been altered?

The easiest way is find a second amp and swap it out. The same goes for the CDR-220. Personally, I've never had one of the CDR-220 units go bad, but again, I've replaced a lot of the HAES, Nokia, and BOSE amps.

Porschetech3

If all else fails, you may need to do a "vehicle hand-over using PIWIS" ..

When the cars are new they are shipped in "transport mode" that limits the battery draw by keeping many creature comforts from working while being shipped..When the cars are being prepped for sale, the "Hand-over" is preformed with the PIWIS to restore all the creature comforts functions...

There are some weird cases where the battery voltage or some strange electrical circumstance/issue can cause car the car to go back into "transport mode"....I have fixed many a radio or A/C or interior lighting issue by doing a Hand-over...It's been a long time and I don't remember if the CDR-220 on the 2002 is susceptible of this or not,, but something to keep in mind as a "last ditch effort"...

Awern416

Thanks guys. Just (reluctantly) ordered a new amp. Fingers crossed!

@Porschetech3 - If the new amp doesn't cover it, is that something a local euro shop can do or is that Porsche direct only?

Porschetech3

The PIWIS Tester has a vast array of Functions that all the other Testers do not have.( but they can do 90% of the common things needed).Anyone who has the PIWIS and "KNOWS how to use" its functions can do this..

Awern416

To close the loop here, I replaced the amp and to my utter shock, it worked! Thanks for all the great feedback.

Now on to phase 2... PCCM installation!

Much appreciated everyone.

ZuffenZeus

What, you didn’t trust me? 😂👍🏼 Glad it was just the amp like I predicted. 🙌🏽

Awern416

@ZuffenZeus @Porschetech3 Your expertise is needed once again on the PCCM install! Nothing is ever easy... thread link below.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-sound-14.html