2010 USB/iPhone problem

[robsieb]

Sorry if it's taboo to post on a GMC in a Chevrolet forum but I thought maybe someone here might have some insight or reap some benefit from my posting.

Recently purchased a 2010 Sierra Crew Cab SLT 4x4 and have been very happy with the exception of one small problem I seem to be having (and am currently working on with GM). The 2010's come with a standard USB port for connecting iPods, iPhones or any other USB device in order for you to be able to play and control MP3's through the factory radio (which in my case it the AM/FM/CD/DVD with rear seat entertainment but not NAV).

Apparently this particular radio has some issues with the iPhone in that when first connected, it sometimes will and sometimes will not connect. Once it does connect it may or may not charge and may or may not throw a message on the iPhone screen that says this device not supported, do you want to switch to airplane mode (phone, bluetooth and wireless cards are disabled in this mode).

The second issue is that once connected and you start playback (control of the device works fine through the radio and/or steering wheel buttons) after approx. 5 minutes the audio starts popping through the speakers. The popping sounds is light and appears to not be radio interference such as spark plug wires, etc. If you disconnect the device then reconnect it you get another 5 or so minutes of clean music playback.

So far, I've been back to the dealer twice with the problem. The first time was to convince them of the problem where it was agreed between the dealer and GM that the head unit of the radio would be replaced. This was agreed to for two reasons. One, we tried the iPhone in another 2010 Sierra and all appeared to work properly. (difference being the test unit did not have DVD). So we then took the head out of that vehicle and put it in my Sierra and all worked perfectly. GM then agreed to swap out the heads. Trip two was to do the actual swap as they did not have an exact unit at the dealer.

When we connceted the new head, the problem persisted causing GM to Ok the replacement of the USB cable that runs from the console to the back of the radio head. (personally I don't think this will work since the other head unit worked fine in my truck but I suppose if I want it resolved I need to let GM jump through whatever hoops it feels it should). The next trip there will be to replace the cable but as I said I don't believe it will work.

There appears to also be a problem with the iPhone and the NAV units that GM is aware of and supposedly is working to resolve, most likely a firmware update. Personally, I feel this is what it will take to resolve my issue but we'll have to wait and see.

A final FYI is that I tried various iPhones and iPod Touch's and had the same problem. When I connected and iPod Nano it worked perfectly therefore reafferming my belief that it's a problem between the iPhone/Touch and the radios firmware. I'll post more as it becomes available.

[j cAT]

you posting is quite detailed very good..

I agree this is a firmware issue...the replacement failed the exact same way....

the other unit that is different did work so its not any hardware issues...

If you get GM to fix this I will be very surprised !

see if the dealer will give you the unit that does work ...offer some cash .

[robsieb]

Unfortunately, the unit that does work does not have DVD which would render the rear entertainment unit useless. The only way I can see fixing it is a firmware update or replacement with a Nav unit that I also hear they're having problems with but are working to resolve. Taking it one step at at time but I'm not going to lett the issue die.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by robsieb

Unfortunately, the unit that does work does not have DVD which would render the rear entertainment unit useless. The only way I can see fixing it is a firmware update or replacement with a Nav unit that I also hear they're having problems with but are working to resolve. Taking it one step at at time but I'm not going to lett the issue die.

the problem you have will not be resolved , I believe...if it is a firmware issue...this is something the dealer cannot do...they can't even repair a dash unit..the people that work at the dealership are nothing but part changers..they do not know how electronic devices work with these vehicles..the major reason is simply GM keeps all this top secret...GM with these electronic parts/componets has better security that the goverment.

your unit will require to be sent to some GM top secret repair center , and with the proper details of how it malfunctions. it is still very unlikely you will be with a working unit.

perhaps in a year or so this can be corrected...probably by some person looking for a challange[hacks]....

[robsieb]

I understand that the dealers are just pawns in the game and really am not looking for them to do anything other than assist me in dealing with GM. This one is totally mother GM's baby. Given the potential number of GM vehicles that use this unit (Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Yukon & XL and maybe more) combined with the number of iPhones and iPod Touch units out there (45 million as of August 09) I'm willing to bet there will be more than just a few people with this problem. One would hope that GM doesn't want any bad press right now given their current state and I don't believe the iPhone/Touch users of the world are the type to stand by idol if they've spent their hard earned money on a vehicle that in effect renders their device unusable in it. Only time will tell.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by robsieb

I understand that the dealers are just pawns in the game and really am not looking for them to do anything other than assist me in dealing with GM. This one is totally mother GM's baby. Given the potential number of GM vehicles that use this unit (Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Yukon & XL and maybe more) combined with the number of iPhones and iPod Touch units out there (45 million as of August 09) I'm willing to bet there will be more than just a few people with this problem. One would hope that GM doesn't want any bad press right now given their current state and I don't believe the iPhone/Touch users of the world are the type to stand by idol if they've spent their hard earned money on a vehicle that in effect renders their device unusable in it. Only time will tell.

with the changes in the tech world most good dvd players have the firmware update capability...with out this ability the units would be obsolete before they are in the market place..this even includes the tv sets that are now available..this unit that gm put in this 2010 vehicle was made/designed 2 years ago...

the problem is GM is not good when these things occur...it could take years...

I would contact the equiptment manufacturers of the equiptment that has issues with your GM device..this will put greater pressure on GM to resolve this..

[robsieb]

Great idea. I took a pic of the label on the top of the unit that shows the model and serial numbers the last time I had it out. Model Number 20785735. It's built by Panasonic. Apparently the Panasonic number is CQ-ZG0964XC but does not show up on any internet searches. I'll start looking for some contact info on them but with it being OEM I'll bet it will be hard to figure out just who to talk to.

[robsieb]

Boy, finding contact info on Panasonic's OEM division is virtually impossible. So far I've come up with nothing.

[MikeD266]

http://www.panasonic.com/ELS_Surround/

No idea if this will get you anywhere near where you need to be, Rob, but it may be a back door to get into at least the right neighborhood... If nothing else it may inspire new searches for you...

Good luck....

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by robsieb

Boy, finding contact info on Panasonic's OEM division is virtually impossible. So far I've come up with nothing.

For general product support, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/support/ or call us at 800-211-PANA (7262). Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. EST Open on Holidays except Christmas day.

say this the car audio tech support....also recheck that model number should be CQ-[V,S] NOT Z...

LET MEKNOW HOW IT GOES..

[robsieb]

Thanks everyone. I'll give these a try. Here is a photo of the top of the unit showing model info:

[j cAT]

I called panasonic and gave them that model number and they said it did not exist...cq-Z------.should be v not Z ...clearly your picture shows what it is...


post what happens...

[robsieb]

Originally Posted by j cAT

I called panasonic and gave them that model number and they said it did not exist...cq-Z------.should be v not Z ...clearly your picture shows what it is...


post what happens...

Pretty sad when they don't have a record of a model number. I'm wondering if the fact it was manufactured in Mexico would make any difference and if the division I should be talking to is them? In any case Ive sent an email and hopefully will receive a response. In the mean time, I'm still waiting on the dealer to get the USB cable so we can jump through that hoop and see what GM has up their sleeve next.

Thanks for everyone's help.

[robsieb]

Received the following back from Panasonic:

Thank you for contacting Panasonic.

Based on the information that you have provided, we cannot guarantee that your iPhone device will work with your unit. The feature is not available on your unit.

We hope this information is useful to you.


Figured as much.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by robsieb

Received the following back from Panasonic:

Thank you for contacting Panasonic.

Based on the information that you have provided, we cannot guarantee that your iPhone device will work with your unit. The feature is not available on your unit.

We hope this information is useful to you.


Figured as much.

so this is how GM works ! I'M NOT SURPRISED. GM did not give you the answer because they knew you would be very disapointed with the false advertising of this vehicles entertainment system..

I would ask for a cash settlement from GM ...then get a unit that will work for you...