2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission weird radio problem

[Tractorat]

This is a weird radio problem, and Im probably just going to get a new radio. But Im curious what could be causing the problem.
I have an aftermarket kenwood am/fm/cd player in my truck. Nothing fancy. I always leave the radio on when I shut the truck off so it powers up as soon as I turn the key on.

I always put the key in the run position for a few second before I start the truck (even when warm). When I do this, the radio comes on (like its supposed to). When I go to start, the radio shuts off (like its supposed to) and comes on again after the truck actually starts (like its supposed to). Well, what has happened a couple of times now, when the radio comes back on, the face plate lights up (but not the station display). The is no sound. I cant turn it off, I cant change stations. If I shut the truck off and take the key out, the display remains lighted in spite of the fact that there should be no power to it. The only way I can make it respond is to remove the face plate for a couple of seconds and replace it. When I do that, the radio comes back on and is fine.

Anyone have any idea what would cause that ?

 

[SnoKing]

The need for replacement! SNOKING

 

[Road Dog]

Sounds like a software crash but I would check the ground and +12. Also if the truck batteries are getting old it may draw down the voltage enough to crash the software but not reset. Modern radios always have +12 and the ACC is a signal to turn on the display.

I had an odd problem with my Caravan instrument cluster -- sometimes starting the van would cause a POST (power on self test) -- and putting in a new battery fixed it.

 

[BMelhuish]

Does your radio have any type of reset or reboot? If so, you may need to do that. I have fairly new Alpines (2013 and 2014) in both of my trucks. They both have reset or reboot buttons under the face plates. If I have a weird issues, I simply reboot. That has always solved the problem. The issue that I had that was similar to yours only happened once in the newer unit and has never reocurred. The Kenwood website or customer service may be able to help you too. Good luck.

 

[SSage]

Best to turn off the head unit independently of the truck. Cummins engines pull lots of power when cold starting and the head unit will see a low voltage situation. The nicer the unit, the more complicated it is the better I treat it.