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HELP!! I am being given the run-around by dealer. my scion came with the alpine system w/dvd player and the 7" headrest screens. all factory installed items. a couple of months ago the screens began cutting off at the same time, you can still hear the audio playing so the player is working somewhat at least. the dealer says they need to order 2 new screens! what are the odds of both screens having the same problem at the same time and the both act the same at the same time. syncronomous defectivity? not sure if these are even words but the only common factor is the head unit or video amp if there is an external one. Please anyone help or let me know that the "gold" team (ha) is right for once. many thanks and happy motoring!      

I also have the xb 3.0 with the same Alpine DVD unit, same problem. It happened under warranty, but the dealer couldn't reproduce the problem and it started working fine for a while. Now that it's out of warranty, screens fritz out after anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. Still hear the audio on the main speakers, but just hear buzzing sounds on the headsets.  Only now the dealer wants to charge for repairs, because they didn't record the first incident since I couldn't show them what was wrong!

My dealer's service center said the problem is probably in the head unit (in the dash), not the screens (since they both go out together. They recommended I take the car to a local automotive audio dealer for repair.  

You're right - the odds of 2 screens going out at once on the same car at the same time is astronomical. Don't know if there's a video amp, but if there is that could be suspect as well.

If more than one of the same car has the same problem, it sounds like a common defect, and they should repair/replace it.  

i would sure get online to the alpine site...  put the model numbers of your various units in it...    download the alpine service manuals..  start there...

there are a bunch of electrical connections that could be also going bad...

between the dash , seats, displays...  so many things in high end electronics that can and do go bad...

ever been in a professional recording studio...   the best ones take at least one day a month to clean, adjust and maintain the millons of dollars of equipment they have... recording studios are not portable.. do not drive over bumps.. are not exposed to rain, snow. drinks, heat soaking in the sun with the windows up... having the cables bend and flex as people get in and out...

and then there is the audio levels...  bouncing everything...

i have seen home stereos loud enough that when a nine inch nails cd was put on..  the amps turned up... that the paint was flaking off the outside of the house that it looked like a snow storm...

almost all audio gear is repairable..   most video gear is repairable... depending on the failure... i agree that it might not be the individual heads.. but a common power supply....  or the video output from the head unit...  intermittents are really hard to trace...  without having the diagram infront of me or a working knowledge of that exact wiring and workings... this was the best i could advise..

sometimes toyota will have additional parts of the manual for the optional audio systems...  so they may not be in the normal manual... but ... the alpine manual will cover it deeper... without the third item being change out for a good known unit..

hook up a different display directly to the back of the dash unit.. see if it goes out...   hook it up at the seat connectors... see what happens...   video is video... in most cases...


this also goes to show that when you have a problem or a code on the check engine light... get the info from the dealer on what the exact code is.. and what the trouble was... along with a list of parts that were replaced...   without that documentation..  when it fails just out of of the warranty you have nothing to fall back on except your empty wallet...  

I am having the exact same problem too! Its killing me! About 1-3min in, audio keeps going, but the screens power down. I used to be able to tuen them back on, then they'd power down a little sooner, a little sooner, till they stayed off. The infrared headphone lights remain on. I looked everywhere to try and fix this, but to no avail.  

If anyone has figured this out, please post the solution!
Thanks,
-Austin  

If anyone has figured this out, please post the solution!
Thanks,ottawa escort

-Austin  

This is apparently a common problem. I myself have had the cutting out for over a year and now no tv power 90% of the time & no warranty.

While searching after looking if there was a common issue I found a great DIY fix it. I have not attempted it myself due to trading the vehicle in now. As you can see from follow up posts there are many others who have the same issue.

http://www.scikotics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46915  

Has there been a recall on this as of now?  
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