Factory head unit volume non-responsive

[MikeF1185]

I have a 2004 Sierra Denali with the bose system. Up until a while ago, very rarely, my factory head unit would stop producing volume and the volume knob produced no response - nothing on the display and no output. Most but not all other controls seem to work. This would seem to reset once I turned off the truck and restarted, until recently it happened and has been permanent. I purchased a used head unit off eBay, and after having the dealer unlock it I have the same exact problem - no response from the volume knob or steering wheel control at all.

 

Has anyone experienced this before and know a fix?

[Chris]

Time to go aftermarket

[chevydriver37]

Sadly, GM hasn't been able to install a radio that will last more than a year, since FM radio's began showing up in cars. I had mine replaced 4 times in my '07, and I know it's only a matter of time before the one in my '13 craps out. Chris is correct, time for an aftermarket unit. I installed a Kenwood DDX419 in my '07, and it was great. I didn't add all that stuff that lets you keep Onstar, and all that. I just wanted factory sound, nothing fancy, and the ability to play music thru various sources. I also added an XM tuner And just soon as this one takes a dump, I'll get it replaced, then yanked, and have my Kenwood reinstalled.

 

Since you have the Bose System though, I'm not certain what you'd have to put in. But I know with that 300 amp alternator, you could go nuts and put in something crazy!

[Chris]

Could be the Bose amp. I sold mine already. With my 300 amp alt, I have nothing crazy. Electric fans, 750w amp, 2-10's, double din, door speakers on deck power. With the 105 amp alt with clutch fan, I would dim with wipers, heater, lows/fogs, and radio going.

[MikeF1185]

Is there a fuse on the amp that might need replacing? This problem was intermittent/rare before but is now permanent, which makes me think bad wiring somewhere

[Chris]

The amp can go bad, I know a few people that had their amp die.

[&CDFiXER%]

But his display is not changing either? Kinda makes me think it is NOT the amp.

[Chris]

2 radios doing it made me think amp. I don't remember the stock display. I have a stock radio in my closet, but it is a non-Bose unit

[&CDFiXER%]

I know nothing about Denali's, do they have the RSE standard? Maybe that has gone haywire somehow and screwing up the main radio volume? What about Bluetooth muting or something else in the vehicle to mute?

[Chris]

I don't think it was standard but it would help to know if it is equipped on this truck

[MikeF1185]

RSE is...? No Bluetooth. It's a 2004 Sierra Denali with bose, and volume indicator is similar to a bar graph that shows on the display when you change volume. That does not show up at all anymore when I turn the dial, and the stereo has zero output whatsoever. Identical problems on both head units. The replacement was purchased off eBay from a seller with good feedback and was claimed to have no issues other than cd ejecting. I am especially hesitant now bc going aftermarket means a new head unit would possibly not work with the factory amp either.

[Chris]

RSE is Rear Seat Entertainment. On the back of your console, is there radio controls and headphone jacks?

[MikeF1185]

Yes there are controls in the back but no TVS in headrests or anything fancy

 

Yes there are controls in the back but no TVS in headrests or anything fancy

[Chris]

So you have RSE. Might want to have that checked out

[MikeF1185]

What issues should I look for in RSE? Or amp? Easiest way to access either?