There hasn't been a point yet when I really couldn't see the radio display. During the summer it is probably worse, and I agree that it could be better, but it is working ok for me. I'm probably going to change the radio anyway. The thing that bothers me was the lack of a navigation option. The Crossfire is the ONLY car in Chrysler's line-up that you can't get navigation in now.

 

Ok - you do not think a radio / CD gdisplayh should be gviewedh - interesting, your opinion, my opinion is that it is a gnonconformityh.

Why was it was even included by Infinity, if as per Chryslerfs Stacie Perry, Senior Staff Representative, DamlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center gThe situation written about is a function of your vehicle's design and is not a defect in materials, workmanship, manufacturing or factory preparation. These are the only types of defects covered under the new vehicle limited warranties.h

But my good friend, unlike you, I expect a product or appliance to perform to a normal standard - not substandard.

I will contact good old Charlie Crist - Florida Attorney General and at least try to put some pressure on DamlerChrysler to fix this gpruneh, too dark to be a lemon, before someone is injured trying to drive and read this non-display.

How The Florida Lemon Law Works

The Lemon Law covers defects or conditions that substantially impair the use, value or safety of the new or demonstrator vehicle (these are called "nonconformities"). These defects must be first reported to the manufacturer or it authorized service agent (usually, this is the dealer) during the "Lemon Law Rights Period," which is the first 24 months after the date of delivery of the motor vehicle to the consumer.

 

Great idea. Please keep us posted.

 

This legal action thing seems a little extreme. However, it does seem that certain details lack attention but others are very thoughtful. All the LCD displays in general (even the exterior lamp ****) are hard to read, which IS a safety issue during the daytime. BTW, another advantage of replacing the radio is the ability to play MP3 discs and connect an auxiliary player.

I would think that a car of this caliber would have more advanced electronic controls such as integrated navigation, telephone, climate control, etc., that truly let you keep your attention on the road. No problem finding that hazard button, though!

But on the positive side, I enjoy driving this car more everyday. From the satisfying exhaust sound and the transmission that seems to respond to driving style to, of course, the head-turning reactions...

 

I don't think it is available yet, but at some point the Chrysler hands-free telephone system called UConnect will be available for the Crossfire as a dealer installed option. It is currently available for the Pacifica. This is how it works (you have to have a Bluetooth compatible phone):

"Simply bring any Bluetoothž compatible phone into the Pacifica interior and the UConnectž system automatically lowers the volume on the audio system and broadcasts the incoming call. A microphone in the rearview mirror takes your voice commands - while you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road."

Basically, once you get a phone call, it will automatically answer it if you want it to, route the sound through the cars speakers while it mutes the stereo. There is a microphone in the rear-view mirror which you talk into. Then, if you get out of the car, it will automatically switch back to the cellphone so you can continue the call. It will also allow you to dial a number with just your voice, without touching the phone. A very nice feature to have. Once I can switch to a new carrier without losing my phone number (late November) I will get a bluetooth cellphone so I can use it with this once it comes out.

On another note, there is a Mopar Crossfire luggage rack that will be available soon (confirmed), and I will be selling car stereos for very low prices on crossfireshop.com starting sometime in the coming weeks, if anyone is interested. (I'll give members here even better discounts, since I know the problems with the Crossfire stereo ). :wink:

 

Today I thought I had it made with the stereo. Started the car at work and the stereo would just read "Chrysler" . It never switched to FM and the insertion of a CD would not get it to work either. I even tried turning off the car at a stoplight and restarting the car. :?

When I got home I called the Chrysler dealer for an appointment since I am driving down to the OBX (Outer Banks for you non-East Coast people)tomorrow evening. They told me to bring it on in this evening and they would look at it in the morning.
Well I got in and started the car the frickin stereo started working! :shock: Don't know what would cause it to show "Chrysler" but not go to FM or CD? Well with the luck that I have been having lately, the stereo will go out on me 30 minutes into the 4 hour drive down to the beach!

Later guys!

 

We wrote to Chrysler Customer Service (before we knew about this website) and this is the answer we received:

Thank you for contacting DaimlerChrysler regarding your Chrysler
> Crossfire.
>
> The problem you described could be a result of how low the Crossfire is
> sloped (angled front to rear) and the width of the rear window slope.
> The only suggestion I have is maybe a self-laminated sun blocker could
> be put over the rear glass? Your local dealership may be able to offer
> another suggestion if they have not already. I am sorry I cannot give
> you a more favorable reply.
>
> One way we have of being able to gauge what kind of problems our
> customers are having is through correspondence from customers such as yourself. We're pleased you have taken both the time and effort to
> express your concern to us.
>
> Your comments will be forwarded to both our Customer Advocate Group and
> Product Planning for internal review. Thanks again for your email.

Our windows were already tinted as dark as legally allowed, so that does not work. Don't you love the way they give a different excuse to each one of us and act like this is the first time they have heard of this problem?

As for the argument that "you don't need to see your radio display, just hit the button" - well, if you drive to a different area, you do not know what is playing on what station. If you "seek" or "scan" and get a commercial, it sure would be nice to be able to read your display to see what type of station you got instead of waiting to hear a song or going to the next station when that one would have been perfect ... if only you could have seen your display.

I love our car - and I guess if this is the only shortcoming - we can sure live with it like everyone else can, but it is frustrating that Chrysler seems to care less about their customers. ops:

 

Since starting this page, I have done all possible to get this problem addressed and corrected. This company does not seem to be customer friendly nor do they wish to have many of us as repeat customers. What a pity that Lexus and BMW go out of their way for their devoted users. I think that this is a stunning car. I enjoy every second I spend in it. Being unable to use the radio effectively and being unable to be comfortable on the highway with scanning is a dangerous flaw. So much for integrity!

 

If enough of us go on record as not being happy with the display I think we will get action. But it won't happen overnight. We just need to keep at them and encourage our brother and sister owners to be relentless. I truly think we can win. I've gone on record at my dealer (got it written on a repair order) and I've written to Chrysler. My next step is Infinity!

 

Don't know if it will help but the UK Cars as reported in other threads have now got a different display on the same head unit. [ black on Green LCD ]

Why would they have changed it if nothing was wrong with it!.

I guess we are lucky and that because of the feedback the UK/Euro cars have had it sorted.

May add weight to your argument.

 

I'm sure in the long run DC will do something about the problem. I just think they need to get off their rear ends and do it before there are many more out there to be fixed.

 

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
https://www.cpsc.gov/incident.html

This is my message to the CPSC
(':twisted:')
I understand that Automobiles are not protected under the CPS rules, but this nonconformity is not about the automobile but the stereo within. Radios are specifically omitted of protection by the NHTSA rules.

The problem: I recently purchased a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire. On the first day of ownership I discovered there is a very serious problem with the radio display. It is very difficult to impossible to view the LED during daylight hours. I and many other owners of the new vehicle have written to Chrysler, with out any sign of admission that this is a serious safety issue.

The machined response from DaimlerChrysler has been, g I was sorry to learn of your dissatisfaction with your Chrysler Crossfire and understand how this might cause you inconvenience or concern. The situation written about is a function of your vehicle's design and is not a defect in materials, workmanship, manufacturing or factory preparation. These are the only types of defects covered under the new vehicle limited warranties.h

The absence of a viewable display in daylight hours can not be a design feature, it is a serious design flaw. The difficulty in reading the display is a serious distraction to the operation of the motor vehicle and is a dangerous nonconformity that will most certainly result in accidents. The seriousness of the problem is expressed many times on the CrossfireForum.org website https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...r=asc&start=90. Please help before a fatality is reported

 

There is a TSB on the radio. Your dealership should replace the radio for no cost. The new display is great.

 

The TSB: 08-036-03 RADIO DISPLAY HARD TO READ IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT 2003-12-12
See post here for ALL TSB's as of 6/24/2005

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ead.php?t=8146

 

I let my dealer know about the above TSB. He checked my radio to make sure it had the dark background, then ordered a replacement radio. Should be here in a week or so.

 

Could someone post a pic of the new display? We just purchased an '05 Limited Coupe a week ago, and I can't tell which I have.


...sT

 

only the early 04's had this problem. all 05's would have the new/improved radio.

 

The old (defective) display had a dark background with light lettering--called a negative display in the TSB. The newer, good, radios have a light background with dark lettering.

 

Ahhhh! Thanks!


...sT