Phyrx

2004 Mazda RX8 - 53k miles.. Bose System all factory.

So ever since I purchased my RX8, I've always had sound problems but for the last few months the sound has been completely gone.

It all started where SOMETIMES the sound from my speakers wouldn't come on at all.. then it would randomly start working.

Eventually, my center dash speaker started to crackle/hiss/whistle randomly...

Now I haven't been able to here any music for months... Its starting to get old.

The ONLY sound I get is a horrible static noise from the front center dash speaker so I have to remove the fuse just to get that noise to go away. (Lowering/raising the volume doesn't do anything).

Does this sound like a bose amp failure?

Is it easy to remove? Seems I have to take nearly the entire back of the car apart...

Once removed, can the AMP be opened up or is it sealed? Is it possibly a solder joint or capacitors?

Any info would be appreciated... thanks! (I did search but really found no FIXES)

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Could be a bad Bose amp. Could be a faulty headunit. What I'd personally do is use my tone generator on the Bose amp inputs to see if it outputs anything different, keeping in mind that the remote turn-on lead must have power. If it suddenly outputs a signal on one of the speakers, your headunit is likely the culprit. If it's the same static nonsense, then the amp is probably shot. If you want to test the speakers, then putting the tone generator on the Bose amp outputs would do that.

Replacement of the Bose amp is not all that difficult. The rear seats come out rather quickly and easily. Then the panels covering the rear speakers are held it place by a couple plastic push-pins and then a couple metal clips towards the rear glass. I could have it all apart in 10 minutes. That said, no, you cannot open the Bose amp. The odds of you finding the problem are slim to none. Unfortunately, the Bose amp cannot be replaced with aftermarket and still push the factory Bose speakers. So you're left with either buying a new Bose amp, finding a deal on a junk Bose amp, or replacing the amp and front speakers with aftermarket.

Phyrx

Yeah, I got the amp out. You're right. It was pretty easy.

You actually can take it apart, although all of the solder joints/caps looked good.. Not sure where the problem lies. But since I removed it and re-installed it, it has been acting differently. I can hear a VERY feint popping noise in the rear speakers and if I tap on the AMP with a screw driver than the front middle speaker will go in and out...

I am going to try to source an OEM BOSE AMP, I guess...

Thanks for the reply!