Porsche Service can't activate CDR-24 Bose radio. Replacement?
 

Hello. I've had my 2005 Boxster S with the CDR-24 Bose radio w/o PCM.
Since I day I purchased it use, it's said "Porsche" "Protect".

I've removed the fuse for the radio for a few minutes to even hours.
I've tried holding down "TP" for a few seconds. I can't get a prompt for a code because I believe I've read that there's no code for the CDR-24.

One day it randomly worked for about 20 seconds, then it went back into safe mode.

Then I brought it to my local Porsche dealer to have them activate my radio that is in "Protected" mode. After about an hour of waiting, the mechanic tells me that he's tried everything and the radio will not respond so I need a new radio unit.
I paid $75 in labor and I was at least hoping it'd work.

1. Should I just get the normal OEM replacement? I don't want to spend too much.

2. How much would it be to replace?

3. I have an aftermarket warranty and I hope the radio applies. If not, what's a better inexpensive option? Will a CDR-30 work for example?

4. How did it possibly not work?! Should I try another shop?

Thank you!

IIRC from when I had a CDR-24, there is indeed no code and needs to be "activated" by the PIWIS. It seems unlikely that it wouldn't work, pulling a fuse should obviously not break anything. I would see if you could find out what he tried and call another shop and get their opinion on the situation. You can usually find the units online for sale after people have upgraded to aftermarket HUs.

Yea. I find it really odd. He said he's been doing it for years but he could not get the radio to respond. I did see that he had a laptop connected to my car so he was def trying to reprogram it.
If my aftermarket warranty covers it, would I be able to keep my old radio?