Bose stereo insists on blasting me @ max vol

[RastB]

Just got this 02 QX4, has the high idle issue (1200rpm) tried the various relearn sequences nothing worked so it's down at a local shop for that. This radio tho, the stock Bose system won't stay at a constant volume, it insists on cranking up to the max within a few seconds of being turned on... very annoying to say the least. Anyone have any secrets to share about how this might be fixed without a new head-unit? Thank you

[VStar650CL]

On Nissan/Bose systems the Bose is a "dumb" amplifier, the output level depends on the input from the head unit. The most common cause of volume "jumping around" is a dirty encoder behind the volume knob. The head units use digital Gray encoders and not potentiometers, and encoder signals are always susceptible to moving by themselves from vibration once the wheel gets dirty or the bushing wears out. If that's your issue, try flushing out the encoder with WD40 (and compressed air if available), then rig up something to spin the shaft (or knob if it isn't detachable) at high speed with a drill (a piece of rubber hose locked up in the chuck often does the trick). That will clear the problem about 95% of the time.

[VStar650CL]

PS - If the knob adjustment isn't jumping but it goes to high volume at 2 or 3 bars, it's also possible the head unit has lost its configuration data. They all need to be configured for Bose or non-Bose, and the non-Bose setup ramps up the volume because the head unit thinks it's driving the speakers directly and not through an amp. That causes it to blast at very low volume settings if the config is wrong. If that's the problem, refreshing the config will usually fix it, but unfortunately that means a trip to the dealer.

[RastB]

VStar650CL, perfect- Thank You tons/heaps!

[VStar650CL]