2003 Sonata Radio Problem

The radio quit working on my 2003 Sonata (receive only static notice o
all AM/FM stations). The dealer took a look and concluded that th
problem "could be" with the radio and they need to remove it and sen
it off-site to be tested -- estimate $300!

I am not convinced that the problem is with the radio. I suspect som
sort of loose connection or an antenna problem. Any advice on how t
test my theory would be appreciated. Note: The radio starts workin
occasionally, if I play a CD for an extended period (~ 1 hour) an
remove the CD. It will continue to work until I turn off the car.

If it is really the radio, I would like to replace it myself and woul
like to know where I could find the instructions on how to go about it

 

You are questioning the diagnosis, but you don't know how to "test your
theory"? The other clue that should be telling you that it's not an
antenna connection is that the CD player acts up. You should probably let
someone who understand these things have a hand at it. That said, I'm
surprised you got quoted that price by the dealer - unless you're over the
mileage warranty period. My wife's '04 had a problem with the CD player and
the dealer swapped it out under the 5/60,000 mile warranty. No charge, no
problems.

Instructions come with aftermarket radios. If you go the route of getting
an OEM radio out of the junk yard or the likes, you can get information here
on how to get the dash panels apart. It's been discussed here before so you
could do a google search if you wanted, and you'll find quite a bit of
information.

 

buy a new one and install much less money

 

Unfortunately, Mike, the radio is not covered under the 5/60 bumper to
bumper warranty. The radio is only covered for 3/36. Go figure.