I have had an issue with my stock Bose radio w/ single CD for a couple of years but it appears to be getting worse. It's an intermittent and unpredictable problem.

Sometimes, the unit operates normally. Other times, when attempting to switch between radio and cd, or when ejecting and reinserting the CD, the radio will turn off, and an alarm-like buzzer starts. The display will show "VEr 6.12". Sometimes, the CD will be playing while all this happens and the only way to clear the alarm noise and the display is to pull over and turn off the ignition.

Sometimes restarting the car fixes it and everything works properly but the problem usually returns after a few minutes.

Does anyone know what is going on? I have tried disconnect the battery (left it for an hour) hoping that the radio might reset itself, and I can't seem to find this issue via search here or Google. I don’t think that there is an anti-theft reset for the radio – is there?

I'm at a loss. No other electrical issues and every other function on the car seems to be normal.

 

Finally got a P0141 code for an O2 sensor. Replaced it and the radio/CD worked for a while - thought maybe for some crazy reason this was the fix. But, the problem came back. I just can't figure this one out.

No one else has seen this issue eh?

 

Right up front I will say that I'm guessing at this. I think the head unit has a problem. It could be caused by the ribbon cables inside the head unit that connect the printed circuit boards. There is a write-up or two about where you shim the connector to put more positive pressure on the cable connection.

 

I agree with the above. This is a perfect opportunity to replace it with aftermarket. It will make your Bose system sound significantly better.

 

I was hoping that someone would know what the issue was or had experienced it too - especially the cryptic 'VEr 6.12' display - but I appreciate the replies.

Since the Maxima has been relegated to winter car and for the odd time I need 4 seats and a trunk, I guess I'll just live with this or maybe just take the dash apart and check that it isn't just a loose connection (unlikely since restarting the car often fixes the problem).

 

The loose connection would be INSIDE the radio itself, not a connector to the radio.

 

I understood that the suggestion is the ribbon cable inside the radio. And I did find the other threads on that issue but I'm not experiencing any of the problems noted in them and the folks commenting don't have the same problems with their radios that I have with mine.

 

I've purchased cheap radios off Amazon for like $30. Add install accessories and a DIY install and you can have a working radio for less than $50.

 

Ribbon cables are like a wire harness, lots of individual electronic signals. That would make it entirely possible for you to have a different proble than another person. But it is also possible that the CD section of your head unit took a dump. If you like to tinker with stuff, do the ribbon cable thing. The price is right. But if you don't want to mess with the head unit, then it is replace time.