Bose Sound System In 1999 Pathfinder

[Radiohobbyist]

Hello, everyone; new member, learning my way around the forum.

But alas, I have a problem. My 1999 Pathfinder (February 1999 build) has the optional Bose sound system. The trouble is that both front speakers have gone inoperative. Based on research, I understand that each speaker has its own final amplifier, and DC power to these amps is switched by a relay commanded by the radio. Where is this relay located? Thanks!

[Towncivilian]

Page EL-145 of the factory service manual and forward show a wiring schematic and diagram for the Bose system. EL-314 shows the location of the audio amp relay.

[Radiohobbyist]

Page EL-145 of the factory service manual and forward show a wiring schematic and diagram for the Bose system. EL-314 shows the location of the audio amp relay.

Thank you! I've found the relay; unfortunately neither battery power nor command are reaching it, so further testing is necessary. At least I have a path to follow, now.

[NismoPick]

I've got the same issue... both front door speakers and a-pillar tweets went silent about 2 weeks after buying my 97 QX4. Also, about 80% of the time when listening to FM radio, there is A LOT of static. The other 20% of the time it's crystal clear. It usually changes when I switch from CD to FM or Tape to FM. I haven't done any tests yet, but I'm pretty sure the head unit is dying.

I look forward to your results / diagnoses.

[Radiohobbyist]

So as to not leave the thread hanging...

The first time around, I violated one cardinal rule of electrical/electronic servicing: Don't test while ill or fatigued! Retesting the harness at the relay reveals that all circuits to it are intact; the relay is bad.

There are two other identical relays (all made by Omron) mounted adjacent, for rear-seat power port and rearview-mirror heat. Substituting each of these brought no joy; they're all malfunctioning, it appears. I've done some cursory checking online, and can't find this exact relay (the connector pattern does not match what appears online or in the service manual referenced above), so I wonder if this is a mid-year change. In any event, I've seen prices of up to $25.00 for it. Does anyone know of a supplier with a cheaper price? Substituting an aftermarket relay (with the same current capacity, of course) wouldn't be too much trouble, the vehicle is 14 years old, after all.

NismoPick, your system's front-amp relay may have gone bad as well, it's worth a test. As for your reception problem, initially I'm suspecting a bad connection at either end of the antenna lead-in, or perhaps damage to the cable. How is its AM reception?

[Musty77]

Hi there. I have a 2001 Pathfinder SE. I have removed the rear kick panel and cannot track down the audio amp relay. The ones for the rear defogger and rear power socket are there, but there is not one for the audio amp relay that I can see. Has anybody else encountered this? Is there possibly an alternative location?

Any assistance would be much appreciated

[Towncivilian]

I also have a 2001 and couldn't find the audio amp relay in the quarter panel. It must be a typo in the FSM. I don't recall seeing an audio amp relay anywhere else. Maybe I'll have to take a second look.

What are you planning to use the audio amp relay for?

Welcome to NICO.

[Musty77]

Thanks for replying Towncivilian!

I am having the well documented issue of the front Bose speakers working intermittently. I am hoping to resolve it by replacing the relay as many have said that has resolved their issues in the past. Unfortunatley, in my vehicle, it does not seem to be where others have found it in the past.

[Towncivilian]

I'm afraid even if you found the audio amp relay, it will not solve your problems. The audio amp relay is only for the rear amp. Your front speaker amps are likely on their way out.

[Musty77]

I am afraid you're right. The 2001 FSM shows 3 relays in the rear driver side kicker panel. The audio amp relay is there, as well as the one for the heated mirrors, but not the one for the rear power socket as the FSM suggests. I believe my apms are fine, as the speakers work when it rains. Just have to find out where the water is completing the circuit!