Question about replacing radio faceplate

[kkasson]

The volume control on my radio isn't working correctly. 2012 Sonic LT. The radio is this type:

The volume control has lost its springiness, so the on/off switch is constantly making contact and when you try to adjust the volume the radio will turn on and off. You can manually pull the knob back out but sometimes it will move when driving over a bump and the radio will turn off.

I've read that the radio is coded to the VIN of the car...does anyone know which part exactly is coded? Is it the face plate or the actual radio part, or both? Can I just swap the face plate with one from another car?

I found one post on here where someone had the same issue with the volume control, and it seems that they were able to just replace the face plate but I wanted to verify that it would work before I bought one.

 

[carsNskis]

If you can find just the faceplate you can replace that, it's just a remote control interface so it shouldn't require any programming

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Natesriv]

I'm not sure there's a faceplate like aftermarket types... Looked on ebay to see if a knob is available...didn't see it..

This link has some good pics though which may help give you some info. You'll want the part number which appears on the body of the head unit.

2014 14 Chevrolet Sonic Radio CD MP3 Player 95365926 LM271 | eBay

But can the knob be pulled off completely?...carefully! Like you, I suspect it's in the mechanism of the actual knob assembly, and not the knob itself, but it'd be worth verifying it's not just a broken knob... Seems there's a lot on eBay. It may be tied into Onstar and XM radio as far as functionality...

Guys?

 

[Natesriv]

carsNskis could be right I didn't see any face parts only though in my search....

 

[RMinNJ]

When I I had my radio like that replaced at the dealer they said it required programming. Or at least the USB and AM didnt work (AM still doesnt really) and they had to "program" it they said.

Even if it does need them to do something I would install the new/ebay/used one myself. I would recommend that..my dealer butchered my dash (tech used a crowbar and a chainsaw).

 

[carsNskis]

When I I had my radio like that replaced at the dealer they said it required programming. Or at least the USB and AM didnt work (AM still doesnt really) and they had to "program" it they said.

Even if it does need them to do something I would install the new/ebay/used one myself. I would recommend that..my dealer butchered my dash (tech used a crowbar and a chainsaw).

Yes if you replace the entire unit (like the link Nate provided) you have to get it programmed (all the brains are in the silver box) but if you can find a replacement face plate the brain remains untouched and therefore no programming is required.

I haven't been able to find just the face, but see plenty of used complete units for $60-100 on eBay. Probably the best bet unless you are savvy enough to crack it open and attempt a repair yourself

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[MaD]

Taking off the face is a pain... and a lot of screws... been there done that... but is possible to do, just take your time

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[kkasson]

Thanks for the replies.

I originally took the face off the radio to try to repair it...the problem is within the sealed rotary encoder component on the circuit board. I think it will be a lot easier to just replace the whole thing instead of trying to find a new component and swap it out.

I found a couple of the faceplates for sale when I checked a month or two ago...don't see any right now but I'm sure they'll show up again.

Thanks for the info!

 

[RMinNJ]

It sounds like you need the knob and entire volume control ?

Question for everyone..is pressing the knob the only way to turn the radio on? I use mainly the steering wheel contour once it's on.