Head unit issues?

Is anyone having issues with the head unit audio shutting down when the truck is turned off and staying off when restarted? I had the dealer install an update the first week I owned the truck. And I downloaded another update version # 1790 last week, and it still turns off. Could it be related to the USB flash drive? Toyota apparently doesn't have a fix. I'm hesitant to take it back as I don't want the dealer to screw up my tune.

 

Mine definitely does not have this issue. What do you mean USB flash drive? Do you have one plugged in to play music off of?

Yeah really wish Apple Car Play had a box for XM/Radio like what pops up for Spotify/Podcast apps, but it makes sense since its not actually playing thru carplay, its two different software's. As for changing XM/radio when carplay is displayed, it does show a banner at the top middle with what station you turned too, its very brief but it there (sometimes).

 

I haven't gotten the truck yet but an issue with the USB port sounds VERY plausible and you should report it to Toyota directly. Why don't you do a little additional testing. Remove the stick and see if the HU continues the shutdown behavior. That will tell you if your HU is defective, or there is a problem others may also experience. Another test would be using the stick in the USB port in the arm rest rather than the one on the dash.
Help Toyota help you and other owners.

Perhaps someone else might try this to see if the behavior is specific to your head unit or if they can replicate it. After you download the most recent update, did you reset your head unit? After it powered down, you reset it by pulling the appropriate fuse to force a reboot right?

Would you tell us if your HU is the 8 inch model?

Oh boy what fun awaits me when my wife and I get the truck... I am a heavy Android Auto user. Probably won't be leaving a USB stick installed but interested in all HU-related issues. Hope you can get help resolving the issue!

Good luck.

 

I have never have heard of this issue before, that is very strange

 

Yeah, I leave a micro flash drive plugged in constantly and like for it to start with the song that was last playing. I leave it on random play. It is great when I don't have issues with shutting down.

 

Yes it is the 8 inch head unit. It is a known issue with Toyota as the two updates issued so far are attempting to address the problem. I told the service department that I thought it was related to the USB drive as I do like to leave it installed and playing on random play. It isn't a problem with the USB stick as it works fine in my Highlander. The service department did not want to replace my head unit. Good luck to you as well.

 

I used to leave my Wireless Android Auto dongle installed and never had this issue.

 

Its gotta be an issue with the flash drive you leave plugged in. Does the issue not happen when its disconnected?

 

Well, that's the thing. With software, there are often numerous variables people don't think about.
It could be as simple as the size of the USB memory stick. You might want to try some drastically different sized sticks.
It could be the NUMBER of song files on the stick. You might want to experiment with fewer files.
It could be the filesystem format on the stick.
It could be the name brand of the stick.

 

My flash drive has been inserted since January and working fine. And last week it started shutting off. Really strange. Nothing has been changed on the flash drive.

 

That is really strange. With the stick removed, is the HU shutting off? It's possible you have a loose fuse, or a loose connector, an electrical short, or just a failing HU. There are so many things it could be. And you say your dealership will not replace the unit? I would contact Toyota and ask what they can do. You say it is a known problem. Can you provide a hyperlink to some documented issue or where others are reporting it?

 

The software updates # 1785 and # 1790 both reference this issue. Before the first update, it would shut off and try to restart while the truck was running. If it is only happening with a flash drive, they said they would not order a replacement unit. I will continue to follow up with them before my warranty expires. But it should not be happening. If I learn any more, I will update later.

 

Just to follow up, the problem is still occurring. It is intermittent. I do think it is caused by leaving a flash drive with music installed continually. As long as it does not occur with the flash drive removed, I don't think Toyota will replace the head unit. So, I will live with it for now, but if others have the same problem, this is probably the issue.