Expert: Ernesto R - 5/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Good afternoon,
I live in the New York metro area (Long Island--Nassau County) and I have a problem with my 2004 Nissan Quest audio system. My vehicle is equipped with the original factory 6-CD changer/AM/FM stereo (actually, the CD changer was replaced by the dealer a few years ago, due to it freezing up), but I am no longer able to get sound out of the radio/CD when it is turned on. I took it to my local mechanic to check the fuses, but he said he thinks the radio needs to be replaced, even though the radio controls (on screen display--volume, stations etc.) all seem to work ok, there's just no sound.
A few weeks before the radio stopped working, I noticed a subtle sound in the speakers, almost like a crackling or popping sound, & then one day the radio stopped making sound, although I still hear the sound in the speakers(?) every time the car is started, wether the radio is on or not. This makes me think the problem is not really with the radio, but either with the amp or the speakers; although I can't imagine all six speakers would have 'blown' at the same time or what, so I think maybe the problem is with the amp? However, I don't even know where the amp is located in this vehicle.
I am by no means a car audio expert, but it just doesn't seem to me that the problem is with the radio, when I can get the tuner to turn on and seems to work right. However, I went to a local electronics store (Best Buy) and they told me they don't sell kits for the 2004 Quest, so I would have to get it fixed or replaced by the dealer; Now, I am faced with taking the car to the dealer to troubleshoot & based on what the mechanic told me, it may cost me upwards of $1,000 to replace/fix the stereo…taking it to the dealer is not my preference, because they overcharge for every service I've ever had, & does not always fix the problem!
Can you give me any advice/guidance on what to look for, & troubleshoot on my own before having to take it to the dealer? I would appreciate any assistance…my wife & kids are driving around in complete silence in this vehicle & it's frustrating to think it will cost me that much to troubleshoot & repair.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide!

ANSWER: I need more information, single cd or 6 disc ?
bose system ?  only the amplifier or the tuner needs to be replace not everything





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is a 6-cd changer, factory Bose stereo.

Answer
check the realy that powers the bose amplifier,
you can also check the fuse for the amplifier and if they are all ok
remove the amplifier and send it out to be test,
i know they go bad if you juno start the car, with a second vehicle,

check all of them first before you do anything with the radio
good luck