Bose Stereo Problems
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne IN
Bose Stereo Problems
I have a 2008 coupe with the 3LT trim level. Both the radio and climate control displays show a marked discoloration when the car is turned off. It is less obvious when the displays are lit but still there. The dealer agreed to replace the radio and did in fact do so... with a "reconditioned" unit. Needless to say... the "new" radio has the same display problem but also problems with the automatic volume control and the 6 CD disc changer (now completely inoperative). I'm trying to get them to put a brand new radio in but so far no go. Has anyone else experienced similar or other problems with the Bose radio? I really think this is 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
I hate my BOSE system. I have Nav, so there's not much I can do about it. The speakers rattle. They are not blown, and they have been replaced under warranty, but they sound like crap.
They sound blown, but aren't.... any help?
They sound blown, but aren't.... any help?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 17
From: Danville IL
The display on these units is not great. Mine is quite cloudy but is readable both day and night. It sounds to me like you just have another bad display, thus needing another warranty replacement. And don't forget, you can take the vehicle to any Chev dealer for warranty work.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1
From: Webster Groves (St. Louis) MO
I have read here that others have the same problem. Maybe a search would turn up some useful information.
Even though the average person thinks Bose is a high quality name, they are actually not great quality at all. I have always found their sound quality poor, and their components sub-standard.
Even though the average person thinks Bose is a high quality name, they are actually not great quality at all. I have always found their sound quality poor, and their components sub-standard.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17,373
Likes: 6
From: Chatsworth California
The display on these units is not great. Mine is quite cloudy but is readable both day and night. It sounds to me like you just have another bad display, thus needing another warranty replacement. And don't forget, you can take the vehicle to any Chev dealer for warranty work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: San Diego CA
I have read here that others have the same problem. Maybe a search would turn up some useful information.
Even though the average person thinks Bose is a high quality name, they are actually not great quality at all. I have always found their sound quality poor, and their components sub-standard.
Even though the average person thinks Bose is a high quality name, they are actually not great quality at all. I have always found their sound quality poor, and their components sub-standard.
If Bose spent less money on TV spots and shunted it to research, development and QC, they just might turn out a fine product. In the meantime, I AVOID Bose. In fact, the base C6 radio seems adequate for now. I'll probably upgrade the HU, amp and speakers in the future. That's the plan, anyway.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
From: in the Ozarks
I wanted the 3LT package with Nav, but found my (almost) perfect deal with an 08 3LT with no Nav. For the cost of a Nav unit, I added a Kenwood Nav head, replaced the speakers, added a good pair of amps and a sub. I couldn't be happier. The Garmin Nav system in the Kenwood unit is sweet, the iPod interface is exceptional. I'd do this again in a heartbeat!
YMMV/ Dave
YMMV/ Dave
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 24
From: Las Vegas NV
I have the same in mine...I believe it happened when I had the top off and the sun was directly hitting the temp display. Has yours ever been exposed to direct sunlight??? Prior to that there was no noticeable discoloration...it sort of looks like a "rainbow" effect right?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 15,685
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My 2006 had a bit of a rainbow effect...everything read fine though but it almost looked like there was water or something under the display window...no bubbles but just a strange look...didn't bother me at all. It all reads better now....ditched the BLOSE system and the Denso 6 CD changer for a Kenwood DNX7120 and a real stereo that doesn't sound like dogsh*t. Sadly if you want good nav and good tunes in a Corvette you're looking at spending 2 grand or more to fix the horrid stock units.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne IN
Hey all... thanks for the feedback! Yes... it appears to be a rainbow type of distortion... darker in some spots than others. Dealer has another reconditioned unit to install. Will be taking it in on Monday for the swap. Hopefully I will get my CD's back some day.
Has anyone dealt with the reconditioned vs. new issue? I've been through the dealer and Customer Care Center... escalated to District Specialist... all had the same answer... "we don't install new radios to fix warranty problems" Letter in the mail to the General Manager of Chevrolet Division expressing my displeasure with their policy. I won't hold my breath on getting a response.
Has anyone dealt with the reconditioned vs. new issue? I've been through the dealer and Customer Care Center... escalated to District Specialist... all had the same answer... "we don't install new radios to fix warranty problems" Letter in the mail to the General Manager of Chevrolet Division expressing my displeasure with their policy. I won't hold my breath on getting a response.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,648
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From: Cape Canaveral Florida
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '26
NCM Lifetime Member
That, to my knowledge, is not the way GM warranty has ever worked on electronics (radio, instrument cluster, computers) ... they always provide a reconditioned unit if there are ones in the supply chain. I have generally found the reconditioned units function better than the new ones anyway (maybe the tech's that recondition them take a bit more care than the off-shore manufacturer). Its been that way since at least my '85 C5 (the big difference is most dealers don't tell you ....).
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne IN
Well... took the car into the dealer yesterday (Monday) and had another "new" radio installed. So far, everything seems to be working. While checking out the CD player today I noticed some greasy smudges on the hood. I always accept the fact that when the car is in for service it will not be returned in the same condition. While cleaning that up with some detail spray, I also noticed some scratches!! Will be back to the dealer tomorrow (Wednesday) to have that evaluated. I am not a happy camper.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Westminster CO
That, to my knowledge, is not the way GM warranty has ever worked on electronics (radio, instrument cluster, computers) ... they always provide a reconditioned unit if there are ones in the supply chain. I have generally found the reconditioned units function better than the new ones anyway (maybe the tech's that recondition them take a bit more care than the off-shore manufacturer). Its been that way since at least my '85 C5 (the big difference is most dealers don't tell you ....).
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Westminster CO
Well... took the car into the dealer yesterday (Monday) and had another "new" radio installed. So far, everything seems to be working. While checking out the CD player today I noticed some greasy smudges on the hood. I always accept the fact that when the car is in for service it will not be returned in the same condition. While cleaning that up with some detail spray, I also noticed some scratches!! Will be back to the dealer tomorrow (Wednesday) to have that evaluated. I am not a happy camper.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,023
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From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
My stereo isn't that great either, for one, it is as slow as molasses on a Winter day. Just flipping through songs, changing volume etc. all have a big time lag. My Accord has a better stereo, save for the lack of a subwoofer.
