Hi there dboy,
As a rule, Pioneer stereos are aftermarket installs. Any other equipment installed with it?
For example, do you have amplifiers in the trunk powering your system? If so, a malfunction there would explain things.
If not, we start with the easiest first.
- Press the A button (Audio Adjust). This cycles through the various adjustments you can perform.
- Make sure Balance and Fader are centered.
- Volume is up above 10 or so.
- And of course, Mute is off.
- Press the F button to cycle through functions again. Any difference?
If there is an ATT (Attenuator) on your model press it. This is another form of mute (why don't they just call it Mute?).
If there is no change, make note of any digits, characters or symbols appearing on the face. I don't need the obvious items like station or CD Track. It's the non intuitive items. (what's that squiggle there mean?)
I know you've done this already, but ask the prime suspect again if he did anything, however innocent, just prior to the meltdown.
I'm pretty sure this is an Auto Equalize option on your model, I just can't swear to it though.
Ask if the term 'Auto Equalize' rings any bells. If he shows any recognition, come right back with, 'Did you do it without the microphone'? If he cracks under the pressure, let me know. The EQ settings may be way high (off the wall high) and the system is protecting itself by not making any noise.
Comment me back with your findings and a bit more about the configuration. We may need to go a few rounds before we end the sounds of silence
Mike.