iPod not recognized by car stereo after a couple of days - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sixto · #1 11-19-2007, 04:09 PM

I have a Sony car stereo with iPod controls. If I don't use the car over the weekend, on Monday the stereo doesn't recognize the iPod. I have to remove and reattach the iPod to get the stereo to realize that it's there.

I read this is a common occurence with direct iPod controllers of all types. I haven't found a solution by way of iPod software or firmware upgrades. I doubt there's a practical way to flash the Sony stereo. Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

pawoSD · #2 11-19-2007, 05:45 PM

Not use an iPod?

Thats probably not helpful.

Hmm...this happens to my Kenwood radio as well, it won't recognize the Satellite radio tuner most of the time if that is the option selected when I turn the car off. I have to flip through the "inputs" back to satellite then it comes right back up. No idea why. I think its because of the quirky on/off/on cycle when you glow/start the car, because it comes on when I am glowing, but doesn't return after the breif blip for cranking. Oh well.

I am guessing your headunit is just "not seeing it" and forgetting its there till you re-link the two.

PaulC · #3 11-19-2007, 06:12 PM

It occurs only after the weekend? What about just overnight? I wonder if a slightly weak car battery is losing just enough voltage over the weekend to play havoc with the stereos recognition of the iPod.

sixto · #4 11-19-2007, 07:20 PM

Doesn't happen overnight. I thought possibly the iPod doesn't turn off with the stereo and it takes more than 15 hours to run down and that's what breaks the link. I checked the iPod and the screen goes from X-plod (what a stupid logo!) to blank when I pull the key so I'm pretty sure it turns off when the stereo turns off.

I don't think it's the battery because I 'overglow' before starting in the morning and it starts just fine.

Sixto
87 300D