Several users have reported an issue in which iOS devices (including the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad) are rendered incompatible or exhibit issues with various USB-based car stereo integration kits after the update to iOS 4.0.
Users have reported this issue with the following head unit and car brands:
- Kenwood
- Pioneer
- Alpine
- JVC
- Clarion
- Sony
- Lexus
- Toyota
- Infiniti
- Kia
- BMW
There are several potential fixes for this issue, including:
Hard reset. Some users have been able to restore connectivity and eliminate issues by resetting their devices. Hold down the sleep/wake and home buttons simultaneously for roughly 15-20 seconds, until the screen powers off then an Apple logo appears, which signifies a reboot. Some problems may require (oddly) that this procedure is performed twice. Failing this, try the rest of the 4 Rs, listed in our iPhone troubleshooting guide.
Reset head unit or system. If you are connecting your iOS device you a head unit, try removing the face plate and pressing the small reset button with a paper clip. Alpine, for instance, offers these instructions:
“To reset the Alpine head unit there is a small indented button usually located on or behind the face of the head unit. This can typically be pressed with a pen or paper clip. Press and hold this button until the head unit powers down.”
Try such a reset in conjunction with the aforementioned iOS device reset.
Connect iOS device while it is off. Some users have reported success with connecting their iOS devices while off, then starting their cars, then powering on the iOS device.
July 16, 2010 at 3:06 PM
I’m one of these users. I have a Kia Forte Koup and now, after installing iOS 4 (and 4.0.1 makes no difference), it takes absurdly long to scroll through my music. It didn’t stop working altogether, but it’s really slow going through library items.
I’ve tried the hard reset solution with no success and I’m not sure thee is a way to reset the head unit. I’ll look in the manual. I called Kia already. The woman said they are unaware of the issue, and that there’s not much they can do. Thanks Kia!
July 20, 2010 at 8:09 AM
I have a Kenwood KDC-MP445U in my car that wouldn’t work with my iPod Touch 3gen after upgrading it to iOS 4 yesterday. Just tried the hard reset (did it twice, just in case), and it works fine now. Hopefully the fix will last.
Thanks!!! Thought my 2 month old car audio purchase was for nought.
August 6, 2010 at 12:17 AM
I have the same probs with my kenwood car radio, But I’ll try a reset. Now it just says “No Audio found” stupid 4.0 !
August 15, 2010 at 8:39 AM
has anyone have any success with the new ipod touch with ios 4.01 and the kenwood kdc mp345u?
August 17, 2010 at 10:11 AM
I have a JVC AVX830 and when i had 3.1.2 it worked great! with my Iphone 3GS but eversince 4.0 I have connection problems!! Sometime it connects plays song for 2secs and then it stop and radio will not reconnect to Iphone! I called JVC they said it was a apple software issue and it will be fixed in a firmware update in the future. But here is my beef!! I have an unlocked iphone running in tmobile!! I cant just update anytime! This SUCKS!!!! Gonna buy Droid!! LOL
November 9, 2010 at 5:15 AM
I have an old school Nano I leave and used to play in my car just fine. I connected my daughter’s Touch (with latest upgrade) one day and the connectivity hasn’t worked since. Not even with my Nano any more. I have tried resetting both head unit and ipods, changing out leads without success. Not only does this suck it’s getting expensive. Anyone out there got any suggestions?
February 29, 2012 at 5:35 PM
just installed a new kenwood double din 4028 no sound produced when connect to iPod nano or iPhone 4 via USB port can anybody advice
June 6, 2012 at 7:20 AM
My 4th gen itouh won’t connect to my smart car usb port either. I have OS 5.1.1. It connected the one time but unable to skip to next song or go to playlist. Now it won’t sync at all. It just said device connected.