[Robby]

So I know there are a multiple posts about problems with the radio and it cutting in and out, blinking on and off, etc., but most of those that I've read also include problems with dash lights, power steering, stabilitrak, etc. On my '12 ECO 6M it is Just the radio, and fairly infrequent, once or twice every 3-4 days. When it happens, it blinks on and off rapidly and tries to reset, acting like it's a loose power cable or ground. Has anyone had this problem where it's just the radio? Could this be the negative battery cable? I'm inclined to say not since it's not affecting anything else. I have a dealer appt next week for oil change, but they want $120 just as a minimum charge to start looking for the problem. And they're telling me there are no TSBs that apply. I'm hoping there is just a ground wire that can be tightened or cleaned up - any thoughts??

The dealer (a dickhead IMO) is correct in stating there is no TSB.

However, if he looks up the car/customer complaint he is directed to Special Coverage #14311, which is the specific procedure to be followed PRIOR to any further diagnostics IF the cable has not yet been changed.
You can read the body of the recommended repair (and print it if you wish) by entering Special Coverage #14311.
As you read it, you can see that depending on how great the resistance is, it can affect only the radio (#1 complaint) and as resistance is higher, depending on the crimp condition, other, more major higher draw components may be affected.

In summation, the dealer is directed to replace the cable, if not already performed, prior to further diagnostics and at no charge to the customer.

Don't get pushed......you want this performed first, with no charges for diagnosis.
If you get too much pushback, find another dealer.

Rob

 

[Robby]

Thanks for the followup daveo12.

The odds are in your favor that this will resolve your concern.
In the early years of this forum (and the U.S. Cruze) this radio (only) turning off/going blank was a frequently reported problem.
As the (turns out) internal resistance that occurs over time progressed the problem morphed into various warning lamps/check engine lights/momentary steering warnings and so on.

Most likely, your Cruze would have experienced the same progression as time went on.

Regards, and again, thanks for your follow up,

Rob