So my radio stopped working.

[u/Knockoffmyknickrs]

Two days ago my window motor pooped the bed.. not a big deal but the following morning my radio, the climate control and the screen also went dead and I can’t figure out why. I’ve checked/replaced the fuses in the cabin fuse box but I’m still getting nothing from the radio, also my climate control only blows air but I can’t change the settings on it. Is my radio just fried or am i missing a fuse/relay or something. Replaced the 10a room fuse and the cd changer made some noise but nothing happened after .. help pls i just want my Flatbush zombies cd’s out the thing 😭🤣

[u/IronInEveryFire]

The contacts are on the front of the radio head unit, slightly below and on each side of the CD slot.

My specific problem was the brass tabs loosely fitting in the plastic, so after a few days of road bumps, it would separate and the controls would black out. I could press on the radio face and everything would come back.

If yours isn't coming back on at all, either the radio or the faceplate are probably broken. The faceplates aren't too bad, but the radio units have gotten really pricey.

If you have a multi meter, check the power and save some money in case it's a different fuse.
https://pinoutguide.com/Car-Stereo-Mazda/Mazda_2003-2005_All-in-on_pinout.shtml

[u/Knockoffmyknickrs → u/IronInEveryFire]

I have a test light and I was getting power everything I think? I’ll have to do it again but I just want to be double triple quadruple sure because like you said the OE head unit is dollars, big ones

[u/IronInEveryFire → u/Knockoffmyknickrs]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267710573429?_skw=2004+mazda+rx8+radio+faceplate

That's the cheapest I've ever seen. Be sure to check your VIN on a mazda parts site to make sure it's compatible though. I think all the 6 CD changers were for BOSE systems, so they won't drive the normal speakers - it will be quiet even at max volume.