Factory JBL head unit problem: Blank screen and shuts off with any button

Vehicle: 2011 Double Cab 4x4 V6
Radio: JBL Audio AM/FM, 6 disc CD, XM, 6 Speakers and Sub (all factory)
Purchased: Dec 2010, currently has 19,600 miles on it. Factory warranty expires in 1 month, then a 7/70 Extended Coverage kicks in.


Over the past few months there have been times where the screen on my radio is backlit but there is no text or numbers shown. It still tunes stations and you can hear music, but pushing any button on the unit shuts it off. I can change volume and tune stations with the dials, but any button results in a shutdown. The steering wheel controls function.


Here is a short video I shot that illustrates the problem:


I shot the video because I know that it won't happen when I take it in to the dealer to get addressed under the factory warranty.

I'm not much of an audiophile anyway, but I was wondering if it would be worth it to drop in an aftermarket head unit instead of having the factory unit repaired/replaced? My only requirements would be Bluetooth and steering wheel control functionality.

Obviously I'd be out of pocket on a new head unit vs. getting it fixed.


So, any ideas?

 

Video isn't showing.

I would change the HU, nothing last forever.

 

Yep, mine did the same thing a couple of weeks ago. It was a similar issue with my 2009. The dealer fix is to order to radio and replace. Back then, it was on back order for months.

 

Weird, video shows in my browser (IE11). It is hosted at Photobucket. I checked on my iPad Mini, and it doesn't show up there. Direct link is:
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i420/scollins1868/IMG_0298_zps65e08e14.mp4

Thanks, although I'm guessing the dealer will say "never seen that problem before!"

Looks like I'll just have them order me a new radio, and when that one dies, I'll look into a better HU.

 

Video works for me. I wish it was that easy for the dealership to just order a new one but I'm thinking they will try to replicate it first. Mine has done it maybe twice on my 2011 out of the 500 times. Though it has been a known issue that the JBL HU has had some issues. I believe there was even a TSB out for it for the radio not turning on and the amp buzzing/popping sound.

 

Interesting. This happened to me once a few months ago. Hasn't happened again. Guess I'm not the only one.

 

My 2012 just started doing that randomly, it's the non-JBL. Won't be a problem soon though.