Radio Always Restarts and Needs Factory Code. HELP!

[Terrence_Patrick]

I have a 1996 318ti and the radio sometimes turns on if I hold in the volume button in. It then asks for the factory code (which I have) and I enter it and it works for a little while at a time.

I have found no direct correlation with this activity and any other activity like this.

I do notice that the dome light comes on whenever it wants if it is set to go on when a door is opened.

ALSO, I have noticed that the door locks buttons only works sometimes but there is no correlation with these problems and the radio working.

I am guessing the dome light is due to the car thinking a door is open and the non working door lock button not working is when the car thinks a door is open.

But, the Radio... No clue.

Anyone else having or have had any issues like this? I just want to listen to tunes.

Thanks for your help in advance!!!

[tiFreak]

the connection behind the radio might be loose, when you push in on the knob you might be pushing the radio back far enough that it engages the plug

[Terrence_Patrick]

I would agree with that but trust me I have taken the radio out, checked the fuses, put it back in and the whole 9. When it is on and working I can take it out and move all of the wires around and it just plays fine. No problems no shorts. But, just driving and giving it time... it shuts off.

So annoying. I took it to a shop to do a diagnostic and they basically just charged me $40 to say "try taking it to the dealership."

[familytruckster]

might have a short or a cold solder joint in the radio itself.

[campaiar]

I had a similar dome light issue.

The striker, or black piece the door latches too in the door jam, has a sensor in it for the dome light. You might have one going bad. This is a common E36 failure.

Mine was the cheaper sensor in the hatch. Kept turning the dome light on and off while driving.

[Terrence_Patrick]

Originally Posted by campaiar

I had a similar dome light issue.

The striker, or black piece the door latches too in the door jam, has a sensor in it for the dome light. You might have one going bad. This is a common E36 failure.

Mine was the cheaper sensor in the hatch. Kept turning the dome light on and off while driving.

Yeah, good looks on this idea! I bet this is the problem. Before the car was mine it was broken into via the trunk and I fixed the tumbler and that all works well. I bet it is the sensor. I will follow up after the weekend.

familytruckster,

If it is a short or a cold solder joint in the radio itself I will find out this weekend too. I am trying a friends E39 radio to see if his will work fine with mine. If so then I am just gonna shop for a new OEM radio.

Fingers crossed that I can have all the bugs out over the weekend.

Thanks for your help guys!