Car Stereos: Bose system acting up, station numbers, intermittent problem

Question
I have an optional high end Bose system in my Miata.  From time to time the dash board controls become useless-none of them work.  At the same time all the controls on the steering wheel work ok.  Also, whenever this happens the light on the Bose that lights up the station numbers, etc. starts blinking.  If it is not blinking everything is working ok.  An intermittent problem.  Turning the ignition on and off has no effect either way.

Do most car stereo places work on a Bose system or must I go to the car dealer?

Answer
Hi Ron,

It sounds like the unit itself is in need of replacement.

Not even the dealer will be able to fix it; they'll just order a replacement too.

This might be your chance to replace it with something better (and cheaper!)

Before you get to that point, though, remove the deck and check the wire harness going into it -- you might find a loose or corroded wire.  Once you've verified your wiring is OK, then worry about replacement.

Also check eBay, factory decks show up there pretty frequently.

Justin