I had this back-seat media controller replaced when I bought the car about 6 years ago. It has never been used since and I can't get it to turn on. I opened the back and there is no battery that can be replaced. Do any of you know if there is an internal battery that needs to be replaced? If so, how does it open. Please let me know if you have any ideas.

 

Hi, not sure if thre are user changeable battery inside, but i am pretty sure it have some sort of battery inside, bacause it works wirelesly. (seen one in action on exhibition)
The unit should wake up when it is on its socket in rear midle armrest. It will get power/charge from golden fingers visible on backside. If it dosen´t, measure if you have voltage on the armrest? (Blown fuse?)
Note: If the control device have, been without power for 6 years, the internal battery cell are most likely dead by undervoltage. It might be soldered battery and most cases standart flat cell type available from electronics shops.

Hmm... I re-read your post and noted that your control device was replaced. Was it brand new controller? Did you saw any lose cables inside when you opened it? -> Most cases inbuild batterys are protected for self-life by remowing the battery wire from its connector. Maybe its just that the battery wire are not connected when they replaced your controller?

 

It was a brand new replacement. Everything worked perfectly when I tested it after they fixed it. I hadn't used it since. You are right in that it has to have some kind of battery inside. Any idea on how to open it. It did not turn on while set in its cradle indicating a larger issue.

 

Has the charger circuit been checked to see if it is getting power?

 

Hi,

Ok.
I spot from youtube XJ demonstration video that the Home button (picture of House) are an Power On button. Try that.
As XJss write too, the armrest charger point are worth to measure for power feed.