Stupid question, but help me out...Radio dead

morningglory

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PLYMOUTH
My radio has gone out, which also leaves me without my backup and mirror cameras. I had a mobile mechanic come to work on the rig and he spent a lot of time dinging around on it and his assessment was that the unit was getting power, but would not operate, so I need a new radio - but he doesn't do them. My regular mechanics who do the oil, transmission, tires, and so on won't touch it.

So what kind of specialist am I looking for? Do I keep trying RV places, or is this something done by people specializing in electronics? And if I am replacing the radio/screen... has anybody found a good replacement unit for an older Thor Axis 24.1?

Please forgive me if this sounds really stupid... I am just not that familiar with RV repairs beyond basic mechanical maintenance.
 
My radio has gone out, which also leaves me without my backup and mirror cameras. I had a mobile mechanic come to work on the rig and he spent a lot of time dinging around on it and his assessment was that the unit was getting power, but would not operate, so I need a new radio - but he doesn't do them. My regular mechanics who do the oil, transmission, tires, and so on won't touch it.

So what kind of specialist am I looking for? Do I keep trying RV places, or is this something done by people specializing in electronics? And if I am replacing the radio/screen... has anybody found a good replacement unit for an older Thor Axis 24.1?

Please forgive me if this sounds really stupid... I am just not that familiar with RV repairs beyond basic mechanical maintenance.
There is no stupid question so don't think that way :)

What RV is the radio in and what is the radio model. My RV is a 2023 Thor Axis and has an Axxera radio which was recently replaced by my dealer because it was erratic. This was a warranty replacement. But a lot depends on your RV and radio model. Any pictures?
 
Any automotive audio shop can replace that radio if you don't want to tackle it.
Any Double-DIN radio with a backup camera input will work. The 3 cameras are handled by a box external to the radio.
 
Replacing the radio with a new one of the same make & model would not be difficult. The electrical connections would likely be the same - so out with the old & in with the new. But if that radio is no longer available or you wish to upgrade to something better then the electrical connections would almost certainly need to be adapted. Not hard but it requires some basic wiring skill.

Did your RV mechanic remove the radio? There is often a fuse in the back of the radio itself. Perhaps that's all it needs?

A shop that installs custom automobile sound systems would have no trouble replacing/upgrading your radio. But they probably wouldn't be cheap. (and I admit to being cheap...)
 
There is no stupid question so don't think that way :)

What RV is the radio in and what is the radio model. My RV is a 2023 Thor Axis and has an Axxera radio which was recently replaced by my dealer because it was erratic. This was a warranty replacement. But a lot depends on your RV and radio model. Any pictures?
Sorry... I thought the profile used to tell the rig. It is a 2015 Thor Axis 24.1... and I don't know what radio it has - the rig is in storage some distance from where I am currently.
 
My radio has gone out, which also leaves me without my backup and mirror cameras. I had a mobile mechanic come to work on the rig and he spent a lot of time dinging around on it and his assessment was that the unit was getting power, but would not operate, so I need a new radio - but he doesn't do them. My regular mechanics who do the oil, transmission, tires, and so on won't touch it.

So what kind of specialist am I looking for? Do I keep trying RV places, or is this something done by people specializing in electronics? And if I am replacing the radio/screen... has anybody found a good replacement unit for an older Thor Axis 24.1?

Please forgive me if this sounds really stupid... I am just not that familiar with RV repairs beyond basic mechanical maintenance.
Just a thought, is a small hole about the size a paper clip can go into. It would be on the face it’s a reset button and my radio ( Axxera) you have to hold any buttons due to the slow electronic response. If you can get to wiring in the back replace the fuses even if they look good.
 
Sorry... I thought the profile used to tell the rig. It is a 2015 Thor Axis 24.1... and I don't know what radio it has - the rig is in storage some distance from where I am currently.
Yes the profile used to show our RV models but that changed with the site upgrade. I added my RV info to my signature.

My 2023 Thor Axis 24.1 has an Axxera Radio. Like another poster said there is a small pin hole for resetting the radio. That might help. Axxera tech support will also answer questions. I have attached the Axxera radio manual for the one in my coach.

 

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  • AVM2210H.pdf
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Did you check the radio fuse? There should be a 15A fuse in the back of the Axxera radio right below the main plug into the radio. I had the same problem with my radio and it ended up being that fuse was blown. Pulled the radio out, replaced the fuse and it worked fine.
 
Did you check the radio fuse? There should be a 15A fuse in the back of the Axxera radio right below the main plug into the radio. I had the same problem with my radio and it ended up being that fuse was blown. Pulled the radio out, replaced the fuse and it worked fine.
Thanks... I had a mobile RV mechanic work on it and he said there was power to the radio at the proper connections so he believed it was the unit itself. It would be great if it was just a fuse... I'll sure hope I can find a service person who will be honest in diagnosing this...
 
There is no stupid question so don't think that way :)

What RV is the radio in and what is the radio model. My RV is a 2023 Thor Axis and has an Axxera radio which was recently replaced by my dealer because it was erratic. This was a warranty replacement. But a lot depends on your RV and radio model. Any pictures?
My rig is in storage some distance from my home. I'll have to drive out and get the files (stored in the rig) and identify the model and take pictures. Thanks for your reply!
 
Replacing the radio with a new one of the same make & model would not be difficult. The electrical connections would likely be the same - so out with the old & in with the new. But if that radio is no longer available or you wish to upgrade to something better then the electrical connections would almost certainly need to be adapted. Not hard but it requires some basic wiring skill.

Did your RV mechanic remove the radio? There is often a fuse in the back of the radio itself. Perhaps that's all it needs?

A shop that installs custom automobile sound systems would have no trouble replacing/upgrading your radio. But they probably wouldn't be cheap. (and I admit to being cheap...)
Yeah... I think I need a place that does custom installations - and that will work on a rig that won't fit into a normal bay. Thanks for your reply!
 
Usually the fuse is right in the back of the radio, near the harness connector. Look closely at this picture - right under the black receptacle for the wire harness is a blue (15A) fuse.

Axxera av615bhm problem report

538997-7b49067a3cba27a32e7ddbf33eaa7db4.jpg


To remove the radio for access to the fuse you need a simple tool to unlatch it from the cage. Any auto parts store or radio retailer would have these.

514608-3bf75136b0ee40cc67e91c44340183a5.jpg


Remove the trim frame around the radio, slip the tool in to release the catch and pull the radio out.
 
Usually the fuse is right in the back of the radio, near the harness connector. Look closely at this picture - right under the black receptacle for the wire harness is a blue (15A) fuse.

Axxera av615bhm problem report

538997-7b49067a3cba27a32e7ddbf33eaa7db4.jpg


To remove the radio for access to the fuse you need a simple tool to unlatch it from the cage. Any auto parts store or radio retailer would have these.

514608-3bf75136b0ee40cc67e91c44340183a5.jpg


Remove the trim frame around the radio, slip the tool in to release the catch and pull the radio out.
If I remember in our class C... the Axxera unit was secured with screws. The bezel just popped off to reveal the screws. But the Axis is a different animal with custom dash. I second (third?) the suggestion of going to a stereo shop. Unless the weather doesn't permit, you don't need a bay. They typically just do it outside, the way some tire shops do.
 
I had the same issue with my windsport. Dealer replaced Axes radio and few years later it died as well.(cheap) I went to a car audio dealer and they had a replacement which would cost about $1200 to buy and install, I did my research and bought a less expensive but reliable radio. It had video capabilities but no sirius or gps. I now run gps through my phone and run sirius via my phone also through the system for less than $500 . You just have to do the research.
 
I replaced my failed Axerra (in a 2017 Axis) with an Alpine iLX-W650. Since it comes with Android Auto and Apple Car play it was a definite upgrade. Couple of things I wish I had done was chose a unit with movable tilt screen and wireless Android Auto. The OEM angle and position of the screen is terrible. Also recommend having separate power switch wired to avoid parasitic draws on the battery.
 
My 2023 Thor Axis 24.1 has an Axxera Radio. Like another poster said there is a small pin hole for resetting the radio. That might help. Axxera tech support will also answer questions.
My 2017 Thor Freedom Elite has an Axxera radio. Had the same problem. Very small reset button on the front.
 
I agree with all of the above. First try the reset button, and then pull the radio and check the fuse built into the radio. Your mobile repair person may not have done that. Also double check to be sure 12V is getting to the radio. If you stay with your current brand, you or your repair person are going to have an easier replacement because the wiring harness will be compatible or at least they will send an adapter for the new model. And as noted above anyone who does car sound systems will be able to do your RV.
 
My radio has gone out, which also leaves me without my backup and mirror cameras. I had a mobile mechanic come to work on the rig and he spent a lot of time dinging around on it and his assessment was that the unit was getting power, but would not operate, so I need a new radio - but he doesn't do them. My regular mechanics who do the oil, transmission, tires, and so on won't touch it.

So what kind of specialist am I looking for? Do I keep trying RV places, or is this something done by people specializing in electronics? And if I am replacing the radio/screen... has anybody found a good replacement unit for an older Thor Axis 24.1?

Please forgive me if this sounds really stupid... I am just not that familiar with RV repairs beyond basic mechanical maintenance.
I changed out our radio last year. I had technician/installer install a new sound system. I live in Dunstable, MA. The technician’s business is in Dunstable. Wonderful job. Big improvement. Best, Peter
 
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