Troubleshooting

No sound after wiring work or headunit swap

Quick answer

No sound after a headunit change is often a missing remote turn-on, a loose integration harness, or a mute wire grounded by mistake. Re-seat every plug and confirm amp wake-up per your build sheet.

Problem

  • No audio after wiring work or a headunit swap (general audio, not MK4-only).

Symptoms

  • Dead on all channels and sources.
  • Or only amplified channels missing while dash speaker works.
  • Began immediately after trim went back together.

Cause

  • Mute or “maximum startup volume” set to zero.
  • Speaker plugs reversed on an adapter harness.
  • Factory amp not waking (remote/LO mismatch).
  • Pinch or screw damage in door boot.

Fix Step-by-step

  1. Prove headunit outputs with a safe known-good speaker channel only where a technician approves - otherwise stop at visual inspection.
  2. Re-seat harnesses; confirm amp remote turn-on if applicable.
  3. Check integration sheet for steering-wheel mute harnesses accidentally grounded.

Notes

MK4: No sound from speakers (MK4) · MK4 harness basics.

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