Hey all,

I'm hoping somebody can help me figure out this problem...

I've had my rx8 for about 6 or 7 months, and just a few weeks ago installed the PIE Aux-in adapter (see this thread if you're not familiar: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/pnp-aux-solution-pie-alpine-adapter-31969/). The PIE adapter works great, no complaints there.

About a week after the PIE install, the display on my head unit started going wacky. Random characters light up and flash rapidly. I'd describe it as looking kinda like 'The Matrix' digits flashing all over the screen. This doesn't happen all the time, but it is very frequent, and appears to get worse or better every time I drive over a bump or hit the dashboard area with my hand.

Also, sometimes when the display IS working, the seconds on the CD player don't advance in sync. For example, it will read 1:13, skip a few numbers, then show 1:16, etc.

I'm guessing that I accidentally loosened something when I was back behind the head unit installing the PIE adapter. All the audio and HVAC controls are still working fine. The PIE adapter itself is tucked underneath the ashtray, and my RCA cables are coming out through the ashtray.

Has anybody seen this before? I'm looking for an idea of where to look for a loose connection when I open my dash back up. It's a big pain to take the whole HU out, and I want to make sure I get it right.

Thanks in advance,
Nate

 

I had a similiar problem but mine only occured on HOT days. The dealer tried a couple of fixes, the final was a new LED display. Its not fully fixed because the HVAC section will still get off from time to time. I think its probably a loose wire that moved in the heat and then corrected with AC on. You probably loosened up something when you put in the PIE adapter. I couldn't tell you which wire to hunt for, sorry. Good luck

 

I guess you never found a fix for the display, I was hoping someone might have and easy fix. Mine goes Haywire every couple of months and last between a few minutes and, about and hour. Just very annoying when it happens. Doesn't seem to effect the workings of anything else.
If anyone has and idea, better then the dealer saying Replace it!

 

The connection between your faceplate and head unit is probably just loose.

Mine does it all the time (screws are stripped) I just push it in a little in the center or pull it slightly from the ashtray area and it stops.

 

Thanks, I'll try it, but not sure how the ashtray area would help, the ashtray is below the Radio and the heater and Air Conditioner controls. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding what your saying, but I will let you know next time it acts up, if a push on the face plate would do something for it. Would be nice. Thanks, every little bit helps.

 

I meant, open the ashtray, reach up and under the radio and pull (lightly) towards you.

 

OK, your just saying that maybe some sort of pressure on the unit, could be breaking a connection or just a bad connection. Have you ever removed the Readout from the dash or have and idea were the Plug or Connection is located?

 

Yeah I pulled it out plenty of times. It's just like a aftermarket radio. Sorry hard to explain. It's similar too a loose faceplate on a aftermarket radio. You might be able to tighten down the screws that hold the faceplate to the actual radio to fix it. Mine are stripped so I just push or pull on the faceplate to get it to stop.

 

OK, started wondering if I new were the Face Plate screws were, so I checked the car and I have no idea were to look for those screw?????

 

You have to remove the radio to get to the screws. The faceplate and radio come out together.

 

What happen to the good old days when things were easier. I'll see if I can figure out how to take the radio face plate off. But might be smarter just to leave it alone, since it rare goes hay wirer. Might be looking for trouble. Thanks

 

Hey have this problem too; there is really nothing to do about it. I had my LED display placed at the mazda dealership 2yrs ago and its back. Its because of the heat (Hot Weather); once the weather breaks and it gets cooler it will stop until hot summer weather returns.
Sucks don't it. For the time being I just enjoy the Matrix show.