Technical RT3 display not working

[sheriffjonny]

Hi, just bought this today, didn't realise this little screen did so much, i just though it displayed the radio station!!! Anyway it doesn't work, i'm guessing it's a monochrome model as i have a 2003 eleganza model. The stereo also cuts out, and the sos button flashes, then cuts back in after say 20 seconds. I'm guessing after reading here, that this is notifying me of a fault? What can i do?

 

[Brittleware]

Do you have the built in SatNav and phone system? (Clue - if you have a blue coin holder to the right below the gearshift, you have the simpler system) That "little screen" is interlinked closely with the RT3 head unit, which itself is linked closely to the BSI - body computer.

What does the screen show? If anything?

 

[sheriffjonny]

It is the satnav and phone unit. The screen shows absolutely nothing, it doesn't light up or anything and there is no buttons on the screen mounting, just something that looks like an ir sensor

 

[Brittleware]

BTW, we had exactly this fault a year ago - a new (S/H) screen sorted it plus updated firmware. If your screen is readable, hold the "menu" button in. There'll be a menu - choose "unit firm/soft/ware" or something like that. The latest useable on a 2004 car is v5.95.

 

[sheriffjonny]

The screen is not doing anything at all, i don't know how to update it or anything, i haven't got any discs at all

 

[harrybozing]

I had a similar problem with my 53reg Prestigio when the whole sereen went blank. After checking the usual things like fuses etc I removed the radio unit to check all the connections. In the midst of all the wires was a single black wire with a grey plastic plug on it, the plug was a very loose fit but with a bit of alteration it got wedged in place a bit tighter and it's still working 9 months later. It's worth a try and good luck with it.

 

[Brittleware]

If you get to the point that you need it, I can send you the RT3 5.95 update disc and a "how to".

 

[sheriffjonny]

If you get to the point that you need it, I can send you the RT3 5.95 update disc and a "how to".

That would be very kind.

So should i just try to disconnect the radio unit and the screen unit, and seeing if they are all connected properly? Is there a certain process of doing it?

 

[Brittleware]

The screen connection is very easy to check - the housing is held in by plastic tangs. Simply get a small flat blade under one side and it will pull out of the top of the dash. On the back of the display there will be a plug - easy to unplug (there'll be a plastic retaining tang on that) and re-plug. You might give it a clean with a solvent?

The RT3 will require two DIN removal tools - basically wire sort of "U" shaped tools which plug into the holes either side of the unit's front. Tugging a bit whilst holding them outward and pulling will get the RT3 moving. You should, using the hole revealed by taking off the screen be able to disconnect and re-connect the connections at the rear. (Note Harrybozings comment in this thread while you're there.)

Best to disconnect the battery whilst doing this. Do you know about the "soft boot" procedure? It's important so as not to corrupt the BSI. I can tell how if asked!

 

[sheriffjonny]

Best to disconnect the battery whilst doing this. Do you know about the "soft boot" procedure? It's important so as not to corrupt the BSI. I can tell how if asked!

Soft boot???No I don't. Will i lose any connections with the key if i disconnect the battery?

 

[Brittleware]

You will not lose anything - here's the procedure:
Sit in the car with the battery cover off. Make sure all equipment, interior lights etc, is off.
Switch off the ignition and remove the key.
Wait a FULL THREE ( 3 ) minutes BEFORE disconnecting the battery[FONT=&quot]

You must always carry out the following procedure, often referred to as a "soft re-boot", to minimise the possibility of the BSi corrupting its own software when reconnecting the vehicles battery supply. Again, from inside the car:[/FONT]1 Close all doors. Make sure nothing is turned on.

2 Remove ignition key if left in ignition
3 Reconnect battery. DO NOT open any doors
4 Wait 10 seconds
5 Switch on headlights (you will hear a "bong")
6 Switch on ignition then start the vehicle and check system functions

 

[sheriffjonny]

Right just had 5 minutes so went and popped the top display, and it was disconnected so i hooked i up, and it comes on but has loads of vertical lines through the display, also seems as if i need a nav disc, as i made out that it said it was missing

 

[Brittleware]

That's a result! Don't worry, they all seem to develop vertical lines over time. It's a screen fault, not a unit one. Mine has quite a few - one day I'll send it to "cluster repairs". At about £100? - £120? it's much cheaper than buying one from a dealer. (£450!!!

I have a nav disk (2010-11 I think) which I can copy, but to run it you'll probably need the firmware update for the unit.

You can check which firmware you have - hold down the "menu" key either on the unit or the rotary controller - from the resultant list choose "unit description". further push - or two - will show you (about 3 or 4 down at right) the firmware version. To run the later nav disks it must be 5.50 or later.

I have v5.95 - the latest useable on RT3 units . Easy to install, simply with the engine running insert the disc and let it do its stuff. It will eject - put it back in - then eject again, job done.

What's your address? I'll burn copies and post to you.

 

[sheriffjonny]

I've been looking on ebay, i know the headunit is rt3, but what is the display number? is it rd4? and type? A or C?

 

[Brittleware]

The display will also be RT3 - RD4 is not compatible. Most of the flea bay screens are those with buttons either side of the screen. Also not compatible - the correct one has that little infra red port at the right side.

 

[Brittleware]

For whatever reason, the PM feature of the forum won't let me post - in response to your blower problem, I have read about this before. The motor is beneath the gear shift in the centre console and can be got at by pulling out the carpeted side panels - I think(!) May be another connector problem? BTW, sorry, missed post for CDs, will get them off on Monday...

 

[Brittleware]

For whatever reason, the PM feature of the forum won't let me post - in response to your blower problem, I have read about this before. The motor is beneath the gear shift in the centre console and can be got at by pulling out the carpeted side panels - I think(!) May be another connector problem? BTW, sorry, missed post for CDs, will get them off on Monday...

 

[Brittleware]

For whatever reason, the PM feature of the forum won't let me post - in response to your blower problem, I have read about this before. The motor is beneath the gear shift in the centre console and can be got at by pulling out the carpeted side panels - I think(!) May be another connector problem? BTW, sorry, missed post for CDs, will get them off on Monday...