Audio Systems: Odd behaviour - Chrysler 300M Infinity Stereo, volt regulator, car stereos

Question
I just purchased a 2001 Chrysler 300M with a factory Infinity stereo and 4 disk in-dash changer.  Everything seems to work, but there is a delayed reaction to any button I push.  For example, when I turn it on, everything lights up, but there is no sound for 10-15 seconds, then it comes on.  Same with the volume knob -- I'll turn it, but there's no change in volume for several seconds, then it "kicks in".  Sometimes, when I push the volume button to turn off the stereo, there's no response for 5-10 seconds, then it finally turns off.  All of the buttons/knobs on the stereo exhibit this delayed reaction, but it's not consistent. Occasionally, there will be an immediate reaction when I push a button, and it will work fine for a little while, then go back to delayed reaction.  Any ideas?  Thank you!

Answer
Hello Tom,
I have seen this before on a couple of car stereos. I found several causes, first one or more of the switches may have corrosion on them that can cause a delay in how fast the processor will see that a button was pushed. On one stereo that I repaired a coulpe of months ago I found that the clocking crystals( oscillators) were slightly off frequency and this caused a delay in the switches. Lastly I found in one stereo the 5 volt regulator circuit that supplies power to the processors was defective and it was only putting out about 3.5 to 3.8 volts which was barely enough to make the  processors function. It seems like a possible defective connection that will work OK sometimes and then go back to causing delayed switching. If possible give me all the numbers off the stereo so I can look at my service data for any notes on this problem for your model.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net