E39 radio not working - BMW Forum

fahdp · 05-07-2009, 03:18 PM

Hi
Need some help with my radio. Its doesn't work at all. No power, no display just does not switch on. Tried the CD changer as well, and it does not even eject the cartridge. Seems like no power there also.

I have checked the fuses in glove box and boot, and they all seem fine. Anyone have any ideas?

Thought I might add that the battery died and by mistake when jumping the car, mechanic connected jump leads the other way round so there were sparks ( i.e postitve on negative terminal etc ) all be it for a few secs before he realised mistake. All other electrics work fine though, just the radio and changer.

Thoughts appreciated

LOS · 05-08-2009, 08:33 AM

If I'm not mistaken some radios required a code to activate after being removed or in your case a "short".

LOS

fahdp · 05-08-2009, 08:40 AM

how would you activate it if it does not even power up?

Do you just enter the code when its off and it somehow powers it?

LOS · 05-08-2009, 02:31 PM

There has to be a fuse behind the radio unit. Have you pulled the radio out?

LOS

fahdp · 05-11-2009, 03:47 AM

that the next thing i'm going to try, just need some time!! Any ideas where behind the radio unit?

LOS · 05-11-2009, 09:12 AM

Usually is on the back of the unit itself. The next thing would be to have it tested at a repair shop. If the unit is bad you can purchase one from ebay or a junkyard.

LOS

fahdp · 05-16-2009, 06:25 AM

OK finally got to remove the headunit. Checked the fuse. Indeed it was gone. Changed it with another new 10Amp fuse. However radio unit still does not switch on at all. CD changer in the boot also does not work ( still cant eject cartridge ).

Im beginning to think that perhaps unit is blown, but not sure. Ideas?

LOS · 05-18-2009, 09:14 AM

Try disconnecting the battery for ten minutes and see what happens...

LOS

fahdp · 05-18-2009, 09:28 AM

Thanks but got it sorted now. After I changed fuse in radio unit and it still wouldnt power up, I removed the CD changer and changed that fuse as well.

That fixed the issue, both work now! Phew. Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Am still confused as to why only after changing both fuses it worked, I assume they must be sharing power.

Anyways sorted!

LOS · 05-19-2009, 08:47 AM

Electronics on these cars are in a pain in the ass!
I'm glad things worked out

LOS

dimbim · 02-16-2010, 04:49 AM

How did you remove the radio panel?, I am having real trouble.