So I was wiping down my dash with a microfiber towel like I usually do some mornings while the engine warms up... then I noticed the display shut off. Turned off the car and turned back on, still doesn't work.

Only thing I've installed is a bluetooth/USB peripheral via the acc port on the back of the head unit. But that was installed over a year ago...

What could be the cause of this issue? Should I bring it to the dealer to fix?

 

Check the interior fuses if you haven't already. I had the 7.5A ACC fuse go out on me not too long ago which cut power to my radio / lcd / climate control functions.

 

+1 on fuses.

If it's not a fuse the something is loose or you cracked the faceplate (buttons, lights, etc) that actually attaches to the headunit. But honestly at times the plugs on the read of the headunit feel like they are plugged in but they are actually not.

I bet the plug just worked it's way loose a fraction of an inch and lost connectivity. If you take it to the dealer they will see you installed the USB piece and blame you. Check it yourself, if it is not a simple solution then remove the USB piece and head to the dealer.

 

The controls on the console work fine, both radio and a/c. I just have to "memorize" where I'm at with the controls, lol. I'll double check the fuses, but I couldn't find one that related to the LCD. Any ideas? I'll check the 7.5A ones tonight.

Thanks.

 

Ah. Didn't realize that the radio and climate controls themselves still functioned despite the LCD being out. It shouldn't be a fuse then, as the LCD by itself doesn't have its own fuse.

 

Could it be static from the towel damaging the LCD? This should not happen, but never know...

 

No it's not static, I'm telling you I have seen a couple of times, either something is not plugged in right or the face is separating from the head unit. The plastic pieces that the screws that hold the faceplate on get cracked so the screws do not hold and the faceplate comes away from the head unit and you lose power to the lights and LCD. This happens when people get anxious pulling it out and pull on the black faceplate instead of the head unit itself. Take the head unit out all the way out by removing the panel piece where the mini disc player goes and pulling from there to get the head unit out, check it, and reinstall. If it is cracked super glue will hold for a while. It may just need to be removed and then make sure the faceplate is pressed against the head unit all the way and make sure the screws are secure.

 

I checked the fuses today and everything seemed fine (as it should). I'm a bit reluctant to take my whole dash apart just to check the head unit plugs...

Using a media device plugged into the AUX port on the head unit should not void any warranties, right? And it would have absolutely nothing to do with the LCD. Just debating whether I should take it in or do it myself

 

Something inside is defective, i think. Bring it back to the dealer and let them decide. Who knows, you might get lucky and they might fix it for free (if it is covered by warranty).

 

If the headunit was removed to install the aux device then they will likely discover that and blame any problems on it. Removing the headunit is really no big deal.

 

I did not have to remove the HU to plug in the media device. I was somehow able to worm my gigantic hands through the glovebox opening after much cursing and swearing

My battery just died on me this morning... running it through a charger to see if it will come back to life. Any recommendations in So. California if I were to buy a new batt? Optima generally the most recommended here?

 

I don't see how that is even remotely possible

 

Did I mention I'm a designer/architect? lol

So yea, I'm shopping for a new Optima redtop 35... I thought car batteries should last longer, but I do drive my car everyday for very short commutes...

 

I would get a battery with and increased CCA and reserve time. The RX8 is hard on batteries. Did you see if they would replace under warranty? They replaced one of mine early on under warranty.

 

ok, so I charged the dead battery for a couple hours and put it back in. LCD works now and the car starts too. Just to make sure I bought a new Optima battery for peace of mind

 

So the car was starting and running but the battery was dead? You need to get your whole charging system tested. If it was running and the display just shut off I don't get it. Weird.

 

No, I think the batter was cold and I just don't drive it long enough each day to charge it sufficiently, thats why it wouldn't start yesterday.

But yes, last week I was warming up the engine at idle, and while wiping my dash/LCD with a towel, the LCD just went blank. Red backlighting worked but the screen was blank. But after disconnecting the battery, it works? O.o

Cold cranked it this morning again (~43*F according to the car), I could tell this battery wasn't going to last. Ordered an Optima 34R... the 35 I found at Kragen didn't have the reversed terminals that we need

 

Meh, Red Top doesn't have such a great rep in terms of reliability.

 

What do you guys recommend? I also saw a Bosch battery at Pep Boys for $100, but only 640CCA =/

 

Well, from what i have read there are only a couple of battery manufacturers, most batteries are just rebranded. My father is big into off roading and he has found Die Hard's high end version to be the best. he has been few quite a ew yellow tops, and other premium brands that have died on the trail.