Interesting problem

[benhar]

Interesting (and now annoying!) problem

I have a 2004 4Runner Sport with a Roady2 intalled via a PIE adapter. This morning on my way to work I turned on my parking lights, and about 2 seconds later my radio switched from Auxiliary (my Roady) to an FM station. Out of curiosity I turned the radio back to my Roady (which was still powered on), turned off my parking lights and tried it again, and again it switched away from the Aux.

My first thought was that this has something to do with the fact that the dash lights dim when the headlights are turned on, but I tapped my 12V outlet for power, and I would think that that would be unaffected by the dash lights dimming.

Has anyone had a similiar problem, or have any ideas of what might be happening? This problem doesn't cause me much trouble (since I can go right back to the Roady), I'm just wondering if it's something I should be worried about.

Thanks

 

[ZonaT4R]

Huh...

I wouldn't think the lights would affect the 12V that much.
One other thing.. I would think that the PIE would allow you to switch to AUX even if your Roady was turned off. I think this is how it works with my Sirius box. I will give it a shot later today.

Does it allow you to go back to AUX without keying off the vehicle? What HU do you have?

 

[benhar]

Yeah, I can go right back to the Aux with no problem. I have the JBL Synthesis with the in-dash 6 disk changer. You made a good point about the Aux; now that you mention it I think I've had it in Aux with the Roady turned off before.

 

[benhar]

Well I guess I jinxed myself. This evening, two times my HU wouldn't recognize my Roady; I had to turn off the ignition like you said. And I'm still having the headlight issue as well. So apparently I paid $60 for an adapter that only works when it feels like it.

I've read about other people having similiar problems with their PIE adapters. Has anyone contacted PIE about this?

 

[ZonaT4R]

My first PIE wouldn't even recognize the Sirius after the first try (after the dash was back together) so I ripped it out and sent it back. I did talk to PIE at that time. They recommended disconnecting the car battery, then reconnecting and trying again. I wasn't about to pull my dash for that expirement so I exchanged it for a new one (bought at LogJam - good people).

I've never tried the battery trick since the new one was installed.

Can't really think that it would matter... would it?

 

[benhar]

I can't see why that would matter either...

Assuming that the battery thing isn't a cookbook answer, my only guess is that maybe it resets some sort of configuration or settings. But even then, I would think that the experiment would just require disconnecting the battery, and not going into the dash and reinstalling the PIE .

By the way, have you had any problems since installing the new PIE?

 

[ZonaT4R]

But even then, I would think that the experiment would just require disconnecting the battery, and not going into the dash and reinstalling the PIE .

I had already pulled the PIE out at that point so thats why I didn't really want to rip the dash apart to test the theory.

I have the problem now where it sometimes switches off. At that point, I just go over to my 88.7 frequency to listen until the next 'key-on'. The sound quality is better and the output is higher obviously thru the PIE. I can live with it but shouldn't have to. Sometimes it happens as soon as 5 minutes down the road, other times it doesn't happen at all.

Re: Battery.. maybe there is some sort of config or something. I don't know. I'll try the disconnect tonight.. just need to reprogram the radio stations & clock, no biggie.... can't hurt.

 

[benhar]

I might be disconnecting my battery too, depending on what I hear from PIE (I emailed them last night). If you don't feel like re-programming all your presets you can wait and see what I find. I don't think it will fix anything, but I'll be happy to be proven wrong

I know what you mean about pulling the dash apart. I scuffed my dash on a small spot, and I'm still crying over it. It's not really noticable, but I know it's there. But I don't want to go back into that dash unless I absolutely have to. Fortunately, I stuck my PIE on top of the bundled wires behind the temperature controls display, so if I have to get to the adapter only, I won't have to take the whole dash out.

 

[benhar]

ZonaT4R,

Don't disconnect your battery. I just heard back from PIE, and they are aware of the problem with the adapter. They said they have redesigned it, and the new version should be available late November/early December.

 

[GYoter]

Thats good to hear. Did they say if they are going to make good and replace the adapters for those who have a problem with this?

 

[benhar]

I replied with that question, and I'm still waiting on the response. I'll keep you informed.

 

[ZonaT4R]

Benhar,

Thanks for the research on that. I assume there is some sort of warranty in place. I don't have the box or paperwork here with me though...

 

[benhar]

PIE sent me another email, saying I will have to do the exchange with the seller. As far as the warranty, I still have mine handy since I just installed the PIE a few days ago:

"For a period of 90 days from the Date of Sale, PIE will, at its discretion, repair or replace any product found to be defective under normal use."

I think I'm going to go through the dealer to try to get mine replaced. I'm hoping I can just buy another PIE, and then send the original back for a refund. That way I'll only have to go back into my dash once more.

 

[ZonaT4R]

Thats what I did with mine.. LOGJAM.COM sent me a new one, while I still held the old one. Hopefully your seller will do the same.

I purchased mine in mid-September so hopefully they will get the new version out by early December.