04 Radio power on/off with turn signals and brake application.

[talonsaab]

2004 Vue AWD V6. The factory radio will cut out now and then while driving. Sometimes it will cut out for several minutes at a time. At night the radio and radio light will both cut out. No other lights on the dash seem to be affected. The clock in the radio seems to be working fine and has never reset. Also recently the radio will cut out with use of the turn signals, brake pedal or high beams but only the radio is affected, no other inside or outside lights seem to be affected. While testing the brake and signal lights I noticed that the front corner lamps (orange) are not working with the turn signals or 4 way flasher hazard, however they do flash when I lock the doors? Any help is appreciated.

[billysvue]

Have a sunroof?

[far2grumpy]

Originally Posted by talonsaab

2004 Vue AWD V6. The factory radio will cut out now and then while driving. Sometimes it will cut out for several minutes at a time. At night the radio and radio light will both cut out. No other lights on the dash seem to be affected. The clock in the radio seems to be working fine and has never reset. Also recently the radio will cut out with use of the turn signals, brake pedal or high beams but only the radio is affected, no other inside or outside lights seem to be affected. While testing the brake and signal lights I noticed that the front corner lamps (orange) are not working with the turn signals or 4 way flasher hazard, however they do flash when I lock the doors? Any help is appreciated.

The front corner lamps are tied to Park lamp circuit and not turn/hazard so they are not "blinkers" by design.

However, I recall a forum thread where one or more member rewired the corner lamps to blink out of sync with the real turn/hazard signals.

It appears your radio is looking for excuse to quit altogether. It does obtain accessory input power thru same B+ circuit as headlamp so its possible minor power transients occurring when you apply turn signal or headlight high/low are affecting internal radio circuitry.

I could tell you how to choose an alternate power path for the radio if you wanted to "move" the source for a short test ... PM email address if interested.

[talonsaab]

Thanks for the replies to date. I am adding a variable here as it seems to be linked to wet weather as today it seems fine, but I will need to verify. If wet weather related could it be a bad ground or a wire/connection shorting out? The odd thing is that when it happens all the lights seem to work fine, they don't dim or go out, it only impacts the radio.

[billysvue]

sunroof?

[talonsaab]

No sunroof. Its definitely acting up when its raining. Also noticed that when the radio cuts out the clock light goes out but the other radio button lights stay lit?

[billysvue]

I forget which kick panel( driver or passenger side front) but there are some harness/wiring connections behind them that may corrode/get wet( which isn't a good thing).

Sunroofs exacerbate the problem as there are drains( that clog without maintenance) which can lead to water where it shouldn't be in these areas.

It's possible, since your in the GReat White NOrth( SALTed roads), that wheel wells could be leaky/rusty allowing water in to same areas- so I have read/recall in these great forums.

[far2grumpy]

Originally Posted by talonsaab

No sunroof. Its definitely acting up when its raining. Also noticed that when the radio cuts out the clock light goes out but the other radio button lights stay lit?

If you use wipers when it rains they will create added load on electrical bus.

Next time radio loses power - and clock display disappears - push the "i" button (if you have) to see if time reappears.

If time appears it confirms the radio "thinks" its been turned off.

[kevev]

Check battery voltage with vehicle off and running. Is it cranking slow? The 3.5 Vue is very sensitive to weak batteries. They may test good, but may not have enough voltage to maintain current draw when radio, a/c, electric steering are all working.

Next time this happens pop the hood and jerk around the battery terminal wires. If it stops replace terminals and or wires. Mainly check the ground. There is also a ground block on the front driver side frame behind and under the headlamp assembly remove the 2 10mm bolts and from the top with a long screwdriver release the headlamp clip. Pull the headlamp assembly up. The ground block is there. It is botled to the frame. It is a 2 piece with pins that go into a socket. Clean and add dielectric grease. Reinstall.

Does the issue happen when you have the heater on or when it is a hot day? If so the BCM may be going out. I replaced mine with one from a salvage yard. The only issue with that is you need it programed by the dealer to your vehicles features(heated seats, etc), and your odometer will have a different miles reading. After the second one started failing I sent it to these guys for a solder refloat/replace. http://www.bba-reman.com/us/catalogu...edproduct=2487 It's been good ever since. By having the original bcm repaired you don't need to have it reprogramed.