Head Unit Problems
 

So I tried installing the axxes ipod unit today, and I got as far as pulling out the head unit a few inches. I tried taking out the climate control plugs and I got one out but I could not get the other one out if my life depended on it. I honestly sat there for an hour trying to get it out but no hope. So after I gave up I tried another method after seeing that the installation could be done without actually taking out the head unit. So after I got everything in, I turned on the car and my HU would not turn on at all. The climate controls work but my radio and the display do not work at all. I checked the fuses and all of them look good. If i could get that climate control plug out then I could check if any of the radio wires came loose but I cant even do this. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get it out without breaking the plug lol and has anyone run into the same problem before. I just hope that the HU did not short out.

Did you disconnect the battery before doing all this?

Getting at those connectors is a pain, but theres no trick to them other then squeeze them really hard to pop the retaining clip loose, and wiggle it back and forth to free the cable from its socket.

I'm not familiar with the axxes or how it installs, so i can't really help you much other then to say recheck your fuses and connections.

this could be a loose wire, or it could be that the "face" of the headunit was slightly disconnected from the rest of it.. check to see if you can still use the steering wheel controls.. if you can, then it's the latter of the 2 problems.. it's actually pretty common.

what you would have to do is take the radio completely out, remove the face and then clean the connectors and carefully put it back together.

and there is a lot of threads about people having trouble taking the head unit out.. search around.. and remember that most of those connectors have little tab "locks" that you have to push in to remove them.. it's a pain but it CAN be done

i installed the mazda oem ipod integration kit all is well except my instructions were for a right hand drive, hu came right out

Socket 7: yea i disconnected the battery

WikkedOne: The unit does not work at all, like it does not turn on so the display is pitch black and the radio or anything doesnt light up when i turn on the headlights and it also does not work. The only thing that works is the AC which thank god in this 90 degree weather that atleast works lol. I havnt checked the steering wheel controls so that is my next task, but as far as steering wheel controls do you mean the cruise control because since the HU doesnt work, i dont think the volume controls would work at all.

Im sure removing the climate control tabs can be done, its just a matter of me being able to do it. I kind of feel retarted not being able to but i guess thats how it is...

And I looked online and searched many threads on instructions on how to remove everything....those DIY's really help so thanks to all of those who took out the time to make them.

Anyway i guess its off to try again...thanx guys for all your help

Check this thread. I had the same problem until I found out it was a loose connection on the passenger side of the radio.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/center-dash-stereo-gone-black-151146/

thanks for the tip...ill try it today when I get a chance...I hope that is the problem. I took it into a radio install place and they checked it out and said that the head unit has shorted. I hope this screw in the top right of the Head Unit is the problem, but since my climate control does not work anymore either do you think that connection could be the problem?

Ive been searching this thread for other options other than the factory head unit. I really like the Metra kit and then throw in a Kenwood screen in the double Din. Though I was trying to find out how much a factory head unit would cost....since the dealer is closed I cant get a price but if any one knows, I would really appreciate it. All that I see online is the cd player and such but not the rest of it, or is that the entire head unit.

My climate control didn't work either. Air still came out but the lights didn't work. Once I did what I did everything worked.

yea thats how it is with mine....the air comes out but no matter what its warm air. Is that how it was with your problem Rx8 Fanatic? I guess that screw might have something to do with it. That sucks tho because one screw can determine if your entire head unit works or not....

So im taking it in to the dealer in a couple hours.....wish me luck that its not an entire head unit replacement. Oh and thanks for all the help.

No, I believe I was able to change the temp, but it just wasn't displayed. I also couldn't change modes.

Hmm yea thats the same thing with me....the ac noise clicks and so its recognizing it... just none of the buttons with light up or work so with that i cant change any temperature controls, so warm air blows out even if i have the setting on cold.

Does anyone know if the metra kit that will be released soon will fix the climate control problem. I got a quote for the dealer for about 450 for a new head unit and I can probably stretch another 100 out of my pocket so I really wanted to get that kit and a 7" screen but only if my climate control buttons will work again after putting in that kit.