dying, possibly dead, stereo...help please!

[coccinelle]

i have a 2002 tdi with a factory stereo riddled with quirks and flaws and trying-to-die-ness. it is not fancy, tape deck with cd changer in back (never used.) when I bought lily, used, her sound was glitchy. coming out of one side only, but a quick turn-off-back-on would sort it out. or a bump in the road. this was manageable.

then i left my unroof open in a monsoon. flooded car. dead stereo. ...for a few weeks and the poof! sound returned. but with no display, none, zilch, blank. i used my iPod tape adapter exclusively so this was ignorable.

over the past few months, the one side sound thing has only worsened. and from time to time she will forget how to make noise again. sometimes for days or weeks at a time. like now. and i've had it.

i do not have the manual, so i do not have the code. can i still install an inexpensive aftermarket unit? will i need a new surround? any recommendations for a new unit? prefferably under $150? are my speakers possibly bleeped too? i'm at a loss.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

The head unit is toast. Has been for a long time. Doesn't sound like the first time it's been wet. Electronics and water don't mix. Surprised you're not having issues with your instrument cluster or other dash mounted and/or door mounted controls.

And yes, from what you have said, and the likelyhood that your speakers have also been wet, figure on $hit canning them too.

The code is needed for the factory head unit, not the installation of an aftermarket, if the coding was even applicable to your year.

Here's a used aftermarket with speakers from avery reputable guy here on the Org. He'll walk you through the install.
FS: Kenwood Bluetooth Radio with 4 Pionneer Speakers

MORAV