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Topic: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo (Read 1138 times) previous topic - next topic

Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Our Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo is "dead".  Any thoughts about where I should start with troubleshooting ?  I lifted the dashboard cover but couldn't see any in-line fuses or loose wires.
1997 U295 36'

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #1 –
FWIW, and not a lot of help with your specific question, I took mine out and replaced with a JVC.  The reasoning behind that is I plan to run the new TV (not placed yet) speakers to the back of the new JVC stereo and then the sound from tv to the speakers (kinda of a cheap surround sound for the TV). The cost for the radio was about 80 and I had the store put it in for another 50 (I think).  It was done by local Best Buy. 
Best of Travels

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #2 –
With a test light, check for voltage in the radio supply wires. I think the yellow wire is 12v constant for the radio clock/station memory. Red for +12V. Check online using Google search for the wiring schematics with color codes for your Sony. Does the radio display come on or totally dead? Check Sony XA-300 input selector box for connections. It's also located under the flip up dash on ours.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #3 –
Has the radio ever work for you? My dash radio is an input to the Bose Surround Sound system so it must be on also.Gam
joseph gambaro
1999 U295 36'

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #4 –
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, the unit used to work perfectly. It is now completely "dead" - no lights, indications, hum, whatever. 

I'll use the 12V tester on the input wires, for sure.  I'll also try cleaning the contacts on the face-plate.  I'm told CB-43 & CB-54 on the entry door panel are applicable.  Does anyone know of any other in-line fuses or anything?

I'm not confident about replacing the unit with something different because it controls the remote Sony disc changer and is also somehow integrated with the Bose sound system. 

I've never liked the fact that the inverter has to be running to supply 120v just to use the dashboard radio when rolling down the road.  I assume that's because of the Bose system.  I'd rather have a more normal in-dash system.  There must be a way to have audio through the 12V system when required and through the 120V Bose system when we're parked and want full surround sound ???

Anyway, I'd love to get the radio working first.....

John & Diane Martin  1997 U-295
1997 U295 36'

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #5 –
Quote from: jamartin1943 –
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, the unit used to work perfectly. It is now completely "dead" - no lights, indications, hum, whatever. 

I'll use the 12V tester on the input wires, for sure.  I'll also try cleaning the contacts on the face-plate.  I'm told CB-43 & CB-54 on the entry door panel are applicable.  Does anyone know of any other in-line fuses or anything?

I'm not confident about replacing the unit with something different because it controls the remote Sony disc changer and is also somehow integrated with the Bose sound system. 

I've never liked the fact that the inverter has to be running to supply 120v just to use the dashboard radio when rolling down the road.  I assume that's because of the Bose system.  I'd rather have a more normal in-dash system.  There must be a way to have audio through the 12V system when required and through the 120V Bose system when we're parked and want full surround sound ???

Anyway, I'd love to get the radio working first.....

John & Diane Martin  1997 U-295


If you do have to replace the radio, Sony Xplod dash receivers should have the same multi-function plug that your original did. They will play CDs as well as connecting to your remote CD unit. They are excellent receivers/head units and reasonably priced online. Check specs before buying to make sure it does have the plug in the back. They all should be compatible with the aux input Sony XA-300.

With all Foretravel OEM receivers, you can plug iPod/iPads or any other USB device into the XA-300 and it will show up on the radio display.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #6 –
Should be 10 amp fuse on chassis of deck below wire harness, hard to see. Make sure face plate is on if remove able. Has reset button on face plate,  if drop down, behind face plate. Small pin or paper clip will do.

Mark

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #7 –
My reason for liking the JVC was that it has an additional rear input for auxillary sound.  I got the sound out cables for the tv to go from the tv down to the rear of the JVC.  The JVC then acts like a receiver at home and takes the sound input from the TV to go to the stereo speakers.  I don't have the bose system.  It also has on the front an Ipod/Iphone input as well as SD card input such that you could load many songs on a SD card.  I haven't used the SD card but it certainly does great with the iphone.  It also charges the iphone at the USB port on the front of the unit.  It doesn't hook up with the cd deck but I hadn't used the cd deck.  I changed my radio as the old sony had an intermittent short that would drive me nutso.  It would just go dead sometimes.    My new deck is the jvc kdr550.   
Best of Travels

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #8 –
I'm a big Pioneer fan but like the Sony receivers that Foretravel installed. Don't know if all GVs come with Sony XA-300 but you should be able to spot it if you open the flip-up dash. The XA-300 allows you to connect any computer, i device, amplifier, etc to the dash receiver and have it display exactly what is connected. Rather than go into detail, here is a site showing what Sony receivers are compatible with it. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XA300/Sony-XA-300.html?tp=1672  Check under your dash top to see if one was factory installed.

Using a computer USB connection, a laptop can process any audio file for professional sound studio sound and then send it to the dash receiver. Naturally, a CD, Apple Lossless or FLAC files will produce the best results.

Having to run the inverter to power 120V audio equipment while underway is counterproductive. 12V can supply audiophile quality amplifiers, etc and allow great sound without ever having to switch on the inverter.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Sony XR-C720 Dashboard Stereo

Reply #9 –
Pierce, I don't think I have the sony xa-300.  Seems that would solve connectivity issues.  My u295, is pretty much stock with few mods.  I agree that the sound seems fine to me on 12v system. 
Best of Travels