Expert: Cleggsan - 3/7/2010

Question
Hi,
I just bought a '95 F-250 (don't know if that matters but just in case) and it came with a Clarion radio- the front says DXZ615 High Power 50Wx4. It worked fine for the first day and a half, and then it quit- it lights up but everything on the screen in gibberish. Can you help me? Thanks! -Renee.

Answer
The DXZ615 is indeed a Clarion model of modest price quality range.  I think you could purchase an equivalent receiver/head unit for around $100 or less.   If the display is showing unintelligible graphics it could mean the controller IC has failed or become corrupted.  You might be able to restore its operation with a reset.  To do this it will require complete removal of power for a few minutes so the internal memory units can be emptied out.  The power can be removed by disconnecting the F-250 battery for 15 minutes or by pulling the power wires off the radio for same amount of time.  Pulling power could also be done by pulling out the fuses that power the radio.  If the reset does not clear it you will need service to the unit or a replacement radio.