1st Gen R53 JCW Most liked posts in thread: Harman Kardon Head Unit: Dial Lights, Number Lights NOT Working

  1. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

    Aug 9, 2014
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    I would check the illumination wire on the radio plug/harness to make sure it's getting power when the lights are turned on. The voltage amount might vary depending on the dash dimmer setting. If the wire has voltage, then something is probably wrong with the radio unless the dimming function to the radio is canbus controlled, which I doubt.

    There's no HK specific radio so you can look for almost any 1st gen boost radio. The HK settings on the radio are "unlocked" by the amp. When looking for a radio, keep in mind 2002 radios were not aux capable. Also, sometime around 2005 MP3 CD playback was added if that matters to you. The radio should have a sticker with the production date you can check before purchase.
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Jul 31, 2009
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    On my 2002 R53 all the buttons lit up. I would upgrade the radio anyway
     
  3. TATTRAT

    TATTRAT Well-Known Member
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    Oct 10, 2010
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    All great info, I'll get into it this weekend.

    I should have stated it's an 06 so great tip on that! Thanks!
     
  4. TATTRAT

    TATTRAT Well-Known Member
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    #5 TATTRAT, Sep 25, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2020
    MILLION dollar question: I've seen a few mentions of codes being needed? Do I need to do anything special to replace with a used factory receiver, or just plug and play?


    ***EDIT***

    Hopefully, since it's a "newer" radio, I shouldn't need a code. I hope that's truly the case.