Radio wont start unless I disconnect & reconnect the battery

[ikk100]

Hi Guys,

Really annoying problem with the radio in my E38 (728i – 1998). The radio does not turn on. However, I found- by pure coincidence that if I disconnect the battery- then reconnect it- all works fine (at least for a few hours!). Then I’ll start the car and again the radio just will not turn on. I originally thought that there may be a problem with the radio but due to the fact that “disconnecting & reconnecting the battery” trick works every time Ive tried it, I’m worried that I might spend hundreds of pounds replacing the radio and then find that it’s not that!. Any suggestions on how to fix or at least how to diagnose what the problem is?

Thanks in advance,

Ismail

[da_bull]

Is this a stock radio or aftermarket?

[ikk100]

Nope- Factory fitted one- came with the car

[da_bull]

As far as fixing, I cant really help you there. It almost sounds like you are having issues with the radio itself. Like maybe a cold solder joint (those stem from heating up and cooling down over time). Unhooking and re-hooking the battery from it, may be spiking the connections enough to make it turn on. Sorry I'm not much help here...

[ikk100]

Any help is much appreciated here so Im very grateful for your time.

Just out of pure coincidence I recharged the battery- & guess what the radio starts working again for about 2 weeks, now its back to normal!

[da_bull]

interesting, not sure what that would have to do with it, you may want to have your battery and alternator checked, just to make sure.