2003 z4 Radion audio knob

[pabj]

2003 z4 radio audio knob doesn't adjust volume

[chickdr]

This is a known issue. The rheostat goes bad over time. I would look for a refurbed radio. there may be a company who could refurb your unit as well.

[StickMon]

Mine doesn't work either, but my steering wheel buttons do.
There's a thread around here somewhere where somebody fixed their's by taking it apart and hitting it with some contact cleaner.

I'll do it when I remove my head unit soon to get my dash apart to fix my A/C.

[JAS1169]

My volume knob wasn't working on my 2003 Z.
Here's what worked for me. 1 can of CRC Electronics Cleaner which you can get at auto stores or the home depot. I think it was $5 or $6 dollars.

Pull off the volume knob (no you won't break it) and you'll see the metal pin where the knob fits on. Behind it, a white plastic with holes. I used the CRC cleaner with the red plastic straw and inserted the red straw thru the holes in the white plastic (trying to aim at the center where the metal pin would be attached) and gave it a long blast of cleaner. Afterwards I turned the metal pin (volume control) in one direction and then in the other direction a number of times. I then repeated with long blasts of cleaner and the volume control spinning for each hole. Afterwards, when I turned on the radio the volume knob was working as it should. I did this a year or two ago.

[AirH2OGuy]

1st I hate to dig up an old post but since its directly related I though I'd do it anyway.

JAS1169, My plan was exactly what you suggested since I had my radio out tonight to add an inexpensive Bluetooth module.

I really got worried about breaking something trying to pull that knob off.
Finally got it off, sprayed some CRC electronics cleaner in there and went to twist it with my fingers. It felt a little clunky first then went totally free with out any resistance and plugging it back up I have no volume control, before it was hit or miss which is why I hoped cleaning it would help. I think I had to pull so hard to get the knob off I trashed something in the switch. I've completely dissembled the radio and gotten the little board out that the switch is mounted to out.
Only identification on the board is the number 3807 1
Has anyone ever sourced a replacement part for this?

Only thing I know to do now is to de solder the rotary switch off the board an try and get a part number for it and get a replacement on Digi-Key.

Here are some images of the board and switch.

[JAS1169]

I'm sorry the CRC contact cleaner didn't work for you. Since posting this back in 2018 I've had to re-spray my volume switch twice. After each spray the volume could be adjusted again.

I really don't think you did anything by pulling off the knob. In that, this is the way they are supposed to be removed. I just think that your volume switch must have something wrong which contact cleaner won't fix.

Actually, taking apart the insides of the radio is way beyond me. I'm hoping that another member of this forum can help.

[Clearancediver]

Just take it to an electronics parts store… show them.. and ask for a potentiometer the same dimensions/value etc… desolder/resolder in replacement.

[Piper1]

Make sure it clearly goes to 11

[AirH2OGuy]

No more local electronics stores around here, the last one closed a few years ago.
I think I must have put a lot of lateral pressure on the shaft because of how stuck on the knob was and cracked the internal plastic part.
Pretty sure I've found a replacement on Digi-Key. Its a ROTARY ENCODER MECHANICAL 15PPR with switch
They are pricy though... $1.92 US each! Might buy a few just so I can take a new one apart. They make a 15PPR and a 20PPR version and with or without detents. I can buy one of all four types for the cost of shipping.
If it works I'll write up something and post in the radio section.
Here are a few pics of the rotary encoder disassembled.

Britt

[AirH2OGuy]

[wdb]

What a crufty mess in there!

[elerner61]

Originally Posted by wdb

What a crufty mess in there!

Must be from all that nasty Rock n' Roll music being played!

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by elerner61

Must be from all that nasty Rock n' Roll music being played!

[cdemeyers@gmail.com]

This worked for me... the CRC QD Electronic Cleaner was $12 at Walmart... but much better than replacing the unit from some seller at EBAY. I hope it lasts.

[JAS1169]

Originally Posted by JAS1169

My volume knob wasn't working on my 2003 Z.
Here's what worked for me. 1 can of CRC Electronics Cleaner which you can get at auto stores or the home depot. I think it was $5 or $6 dollars.

Pull off the volume knob (no you won't break it) and you'll see the metal pin where the knob fits on. Behind it, a white plastic with holes. I used the CRC cleaner with the red plastic straw and inserted the red straw thru the holes in the white plastic (trying to aim at the center where the metal pin would be attached) and gave it a long blast of cleaner. Afterwards I turned the metal pin (volume control) in one direction and then in the other direction a number of times. I then repeated with long blasts of cleaner and the volume control spinning for each hole. Afterwards, when I turned on the radio the volume knob was working as it should. I did this a year or two ago.

Yea, I still own the Z4 and about twice during a year I pull the volume knob and use contact cleaner on it. Afterwards, it works again.

[MVRS]

I came across the same kinda problem. I have yet to fix it but after digging through some old posts on z4-forum.com I found someone who replaced it successfully.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=102480

I ended up buying this one because he stated the 20mm length was a little longer than the factory set up.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1

Hope this helps!