2005 MCS/Alpine Head Unit Problem

[alexnick]

In March 2006 I replaced the stock (non-HK) head unit with an Alpine cda 9856 with the i-pod controller cord. I also installed a PAC-X unit for the MFSW. Everything worked great until about six weeks ago, when the head unit began to power itself off. It happened randomly, sometimes at highway speeds, sometimes stopped at a light, sometimes when I turned the car on. I pulled the head unit, checked the wiring, checked the fuses. Both the switched and unswitched leads gave good 12V readings. The problem has worsened to the point that the head unit now comes on for a minute or two after starting the car, and then powers off. I switched an identical alpine 9856 from another car, and the same problem happens. So I don't think it's the head unit.

I searched through some threads on MINI2 last night, and it looks like others have had similar issues, although not specifically with the alpine 9856. I've made an appointment with the dealer. Any advice?

[alexnick]

I should add - no other electrical problems. The only change in the car's behavior was that, after installation, the MFSW lights turn on and off with the ignition. My understanding (from an old MINI2 post) is that this is related to the PAC-X.

[mikeythemini]

Does the fault happen with the stock unit?

[alexnick]

Alas, I can't say. I don't have the stock unit anymore.

[alexnick]

This topic didn't draw much interest. FWIW, the dealer found and repaired a bad connection where the switched 12v line connected to the ignition wiring. No problem with the stereo or installation. The dealer Initially refused even to look at the car because it had been "tampered" with due to the installation of an aftermarket stereo. I was able to satisfy the service manager that reasonable steps had been taken to ensure that the problem wasn't with the stereo. He relented and the service department did a good job. Unfortunately they insisted that the warranty didn't apply even though the problem was with the MINI and not the stereo or installation. So I paid.

[DaFlake]

Thanks for keeping us posted. It probably didn't draw a lot of attention due to it not being a common fault. I would have pitched a fit about paying for an issue that was clearly a MINI problem. Might be worth calling MINI USA to discuss with them.