A real head-scratcher.

[willwren]

And you know if I'm posting a problem here, it's a doozy:


Lisa's JVC HU in the LeSabre has USB inputs, and she's using one of my custom-machined iPod docks.



The problem? The HU loses communication with Lisa's iPod anywhere between 5 and 45 minutes of play time (driving), and randomly (but nearly every time she uses it in the Buick).
Tyler's iPod and my iPod work fine in the LeSabre, as well as the SLEeper and ZiLLA.
Lisa's iPod works fine in the two Bonnevilles.
The difference between the setups is that my Bonnevilles have iPod adapter modules (JVC) that comm through the multi-function connector on the back of my JVC HU's.
Lisa's USB cable has been swapped with a spare, and tried with and without my machined dock, but still has the problem ONLY in the LeSabre, and not in the Bonnevilles.
Tyler's iPod and mine both still work with any combination in the LeSabre.


Thoughts? I have my suspicions, but I'm open to input.

[John Deere Boy]

Does Lisa's Ipod have the same software version as the other two? This topic (ipod disconnection after a period of time) is hotly discussed on Camaro5 forums where the Camaro's crappy device interface manager only works with certain combinations of hardware and software.

[00Beast]

I know our Suburban is weird when I try to use my iPod. Sometimes have to unplug it and plug it back in multiple times before it actually works.

[jonnevilleSSEi]

Computer tech is unlike anything else in terms of behavior and yes, could be software, drivers or iPod hardware. This is consistent using different iPods? Once many many many many years ago I had an Apple Newton (anyone else remember these) and I couldn't use Duracell batteries in it. Any other AA alkaline was no problem but Duracell's? Heavens no! (what??)

Is her iPod model same generation? If it is, you may want to use iTunes to reset the software on the iPod. If not, then a call to JVC is in order (it won't help, but at least then you'll know they couldn't help either)

[swampthing]

do the other cars have the same deck?

[willwren]

No, the Bonnevilles have JVC head units (identical) that use the iPod interface module to the multi-pin connector.
Lisa's LeSabre has a different JVC with a plain-jane USB connection.

But my iPod and Tyler's both work in her car and Both my Bonnevilles. Hers works fine in the Bonnevilles.
Only hers locks up in the LeSabre.

[PossessedPower]

don't use i pod, find a cheap one and use it and see if it just i i pod itself.

[John Deere Boy]

He already said that other ipods work on Lisa's radio, and that Lisa's ipod works on other radios. It's the particular ipod-radio combination that doesn't work.

[00Beast]

He already said that other ipods work on Lisa's radio, and that Lisa's ipod works on other radios. It's the particular ipod-radio combination that sometimes doesn't work.

Fixed it for ya.

Just to be sure, have you made sure her iPod is up to date? What is her iPod vs. yours? Are they all 30 GB Videos, or is hers a different model?

[willwren]

Mine is a G5.5 iPod Video Classic 80GB (sort of an older model). Lisa's and Tylers are more modern, both less than 2 years old (Tyler's less than a year).

All 3 iPods are up to date.

[Shae]

What is the model number of the JVC deck in the lesabre, and has this always been a problem or did it just start? What kind of iPod is it, touch? classic? video?

[00Beast]

Sounds like they're all Videos, with Tyler and Lisa's being the newer versions w/ the aluminum face.

[Bugsi]

That is weird. I don't have any good advice. My Pioneer head unit with the Pioneer CD-IB100 ipod adapter works perfectly with my Gen 3 iPod Nano, but my 180 GB iPod Classic is wonky with it. Some stuff works, but playlists don't. Both work fine with our 2003 Honda Odyssey with an iPac-OEM adapter on the factory radio. Other than firmware update to the latest version, I'm at a loss, and you said you're at the latest firmware.

Long shot: An iPod can be formatted for Mac or for Windows. While I suspect it is unlikely that Lisa's iPod is formatted for Mac, I'll just throw out there: "Make sure it is formatted for Windows." (Personal complaint to Apple about iPods: If you format an iPod for Windows, it will work with both Macs and Windows PC's. If you format it for Mac, it will only work with Macs. —That is stupid.)

Just wanted to give you some "me too" solidarity with iPod vehicle sensitivity.

[bmsgaffer86]

One other thing to check is the connection on the bottom of her iPod.

Apple stuff uses very specific resistances in the electronics to make sure whatever you are plugging into is apple certified. If the connector on the bottom of her iPod is dirty it might throw the resistance off enough to where the iPod rejects that cable. If its a momentary thing, the other two decks may be able to recover and reconnect but the LeSabre deck just locks it up. Or the pins on the other connectors are stronger and therefor force themselves to get a better connection.

Its a little tricky to clean them, but it might be worth a shot. Toothpick and microfiber with some contact cleaner.

[willwren]

Brandon, her iPod had this problem new, out of the box. It's spotless. Connections are one of the first things I went after when this started. The iPod works fine otherwise (home entertainment center dock too), so it isn't eligible for a warranty repair/return.

[jonnevilleSSEi]

The issue sounds specific from her JVC HU to her iPod. Actually one huge advantage Apple has is by releasing a few new units a year, it's much easier for accessory mfg's to claim compatibility but unless they test every function with every model and software variation. "ya neva know". Still that's going to be easier to manage than connections to android machines which will either have thousands of variants or disappear entirely.

That said it appears you've tested everything else. Have you made the tech support call to JVC? Odds are they won't have a more conclusive answer than "sorry". The only way to be relatively certain it's the combination of HU model and iPod model would be to have another identical iPod, same OS # to test. My guess is you'd find the same symptoms. Consider that since you've noted it occurs between 5 ~ 45 minutes it is likely triggered by "something occurring" on that model. A phone ring, incoming text or some background function, even possibly an MP3 file with something weird in it. (Yes, Digital Tech is as weird as cars, even weirder sometimes). You may be able to learn something by investigating something consistent about when the behavior happens. It could be a function that isn't available on the other iPods or functions differently. Does it happen between songs or any time? Does the song immediately turn off (from full volume to 0 connection in a split second or a fade or scratchy?).

If you can determine a specific behavior that triggers the connection loss perhaps it's avoidable. A JVC tech may even be able to advise you to turn something off on the iPod and voila. If it's a new car-stereo with a face mounted factory USB connector claiming iPod compatibility, odds are fairly good that JVC will know it has an issue with a new iPod and may at least be able to confirm what it is. I doubt your next iOS update would fix it but as a developer JVC could submit a patch to apple. At least knowing what it is let's you stop wondering. Good luck, eager to know if you figure it out. Maybe... A JVC Customer Service representative will help you. Call our Customer Care Center at (800) 252-5722

[lowrider0308]

I think it might have something to do with the iPod version/firmware and pin-outs. I had a Sony HU with a built in iPod cable. I purchased my HU right before I got a new (next gen) iPod nano. The HU wasn't compatible with the switch to 5V charging, different pin-outs, and new firmware. My Ipod would talk to the headunit for a few songs (and display text, shuffle, playlists, ect). However, after a few minutes the sound would freeze, the text would stop, and I would get a "Comm Error". You may have the same "firmware version", but I think it has more to do with different protocols between the different iPod generations and HU software. What is the model year of Lisa's headunit and iPod?

[willwren]

Head unit and iPod were both new within the last year, year and a half tops.

BTW, I've used a genuine apple cable and an aftermarket too.

[willwren]

Got some confirmation from the Audio shop ( www.audiofilesinc.com ), I host their website for them, and all 3 HU's came from there. It's not common, but is known that due to Apples crappy releases, some HU's aren't 100% compatible with all iPods.

Short-term fix was just to go to Aux In on the HU from the headphone jack and move the dock to a more convenient location for her.
Long-term fix may be to move this HU to the T-Bird, and get her one that we'll test for compatibility in the store first.

[BonneMe]

It may be the difference between dock generations. My 5g 30gig original video iPod will charge on my factory VW adapter, but 3GS iPhone and a 5th gen Nano both do not. Apple changed a few pins (power notably) but both generations can play thru and be controlled by the cable.

On the old 5g 30gig iPod I have had issues in large playlists, or my library (3,500 songs) on shuffle. Once I was into the list say 150-230 songs the iPod would freeze up and need a reboot. It won't do this on headphones or an Apple brand dock, so I assume it's some glitch that pops up between the head unit controller and the iPod. My guess is in the attempt to make the unit compatible with multiple generations of iDevices, instead of being smart and sending only the signals the connected device accepts, it's easier to send all signals for all generations.