Issue with XM receiver on Pioneer Z120 - Audio cuts out sometimes

[WeatherB]

Thought I would make a post about this and see if anyone else has experienced this issue after upgrading to the Z120 software.

I want to make one thing clear, this never happened when I had the Z110 and only started happening when I upgraded the software to the Z120.

This also happens very rarely, probably less than 4 times in the last few months but it's very annoying.

What ends up happening is that out of no where when you change XM stations, the audio starts to cut in and out. I've tried changing stations when this happens and even cycling through the sources and coming back to XM, but nothing fixes it. Then after a little while, probably 20 - 30 seconds, the audio completely cuts out. Everything looks fine with the song title refreshing, etc... But there is no audio. At this point I can change to any other source and there IS audio but no audio from the XM source.

The only way to fix this is to cycle the power of the head unit, which involves turning the car off and on. This is the annoying part especially when you are on the highway.

Anyone else have this issue? What's the best way to bring this to Pioneer's attention? I know the unit isn't defective and want to make sure they don't automatically assume it's the unit or the install.

Also, is there a way to force the unit to restart without turning the car off?

[TheMaterial]

check out avic411.com if this is an issue with the update they will have the answer.

[WeatherB]

check out avic411.com if this is an issue with the update they will have the answer.

Thanks, already checked and no one else mentioned this problem. I noticed that there is a 2.003 software update for the unit, I'll give that a try.

[eguiyab]

I have had a similar issue with pioneer, however not the exact same hardware.
I have a AVH p4100DVD using an the external XM Pioneer GEX-P910XM.

On occasion the audio signal gets choppy then goes totally blank. The remedy also for myself was to turn the car off... force of habit when the radio is ALWAYS on.
BUT, I had stupidly forgot that all i needed to do was cut power to the external unit... so i just turned my deck off. No need to stop to actually restart the car... I know it sounds obvious... but when the stereo is ALWAYS on... you forget the deck has an off button.

[WeatherB]

I have had a similar issue with pioneer, however not the exact same hardware.
I have a AVH p4100DVD using an the external XM Pioneer GEX-P910XM.

On occasion the audio signal gets choppy then goes totally blank. The remedy also for myself was to turn the car off... force of habit when the radio is ALWAYS on.
BUT, I had stupidly forgot that all i needed to do was cut power to the external unit... so i just turned my deck off. No need to stop to actually restart the car... I know it sounds obvious... but when the stereo is ALWAYS on... you forget the deck has an off button.

This is exactly the issue! Glad I'm not the only one.

Are you saying that there is an off button on the Z110? I don't recall seeing one, I'll take a look though.

[eguiyab]

My appologies, it does seem there is an actual off button on the z110. I just checked the user manual. I don't believe is an issue with the z110 but rather the GEX-P910XM.
But since the XM unit is connected via IP Bus the is no real power line.

[WeatherB]

My appologies, it does seem there is an actual off button on the z110. I just checked the user manual. I don't believe is an issue with the z110 but rather the GEX-P910XM.
But since the XM unit is connected via IP Bus the is no real power line.

I'm not convinced that it's an issue with the GEX-P910XM, otherwise restarting the head unit wouldn't fix it. At least that's my feeling, I have no clue.

[eguiyab]

I'm not convinced that it's an issue with the GEX-P910XM, otherwise restarting the head unit wouldn't fix it. At least that's my feeling, I have no clue.

I would have to assume it is. Its the only common denominator with our systems. Also, I am able to fix the issue by turning off my head unit, which in turn turns off the XM module, however the actual head unit continue to receive constant power as the visuals remain on and the vehicle is still running. The XM unit is what actually processes the sound and receives the signal. Our headunits are strictly for visual display and control, otherwise we should be able to just stick an antenna to the headunit and run direct.

From what I do recall though is that the XM unit has a power line at the front of the IP Bus cable. I would have to assume that this power line for the XM is tied in with the power line of your headunit, and connected to a single power source. IE. Main power line of car to a Y split of power to head unit and power to XM module.
Try placing a switch inline with the power going to the XM unit ONLY ** before the fuse**. When you next have the issue, flip the switch and see what happens when you switch it back on. I would suggest changing sources first, then turn off xm via switch, turn back on, then switch source back to XM.

If it works then it is strictly a GEX-P910XM issue. *** I dont know what this will do to the memory of your XM unit *** you MAY lose your presets.... but see what happens.
another option is put a switch inline before both the Head unit and XM unit on the main power trunk line. Simply flip the switch... all audio (head unit and XM) lose power, same effect as turning off car and done.

I hope this can help a bit... Its a very annoying issue, especially if you cant stop the car... i know the feeling. I always had my iPod as back up for the longest time, but it wasn't the same.

[WeatherB]

I would have to assume it is. Its the only common denominator with our systems. Also, I am able to fix the issue by turning off my head unit, which in turn turns off the XM module, however the actual head unit continue to receive constant power as the visuals remain on and the vehicle is still running. The XM unit is what actually processes the sound and receives the signal. Our headunits are strictly for visual display and control, otherwise we should be able to just stick an antenna to the headunit and run direct.

From what I do recall though is that the XM unit has a power line at the front of the IP Bus cable. I would have to assume that this power line for the XM is tied in with the power line of your headunit, and connected to a single power source. IE. Main power line of car to a Y split of power to head unit and power to XM module.
Try placing a switch inline with the power going to the XM unit ONLY ** before the fuse**. When you next have the issue, flip the switch and see what happens when you switch it back on. I would suggest changing sources first, then turn off xm via switch, turn back on, then switch source back to XM.

If it works then it is strictly a GEX-P910XM issue. *** I dont know what this will do to the memory of your XM unit *** you MAY lose your presets.... but see what happens.
another option is put a switch inline before both the Head unit and XM unit on the main power trunk line. Simply flip the switch... all audio (head unit and XM) lose power, same effect as turning off car and done.

I hope this can help a bit... Its a very annoying issue, especially if you cant stop the car... i know the feeling. I always had my iPod as back up for the longest time, but it wasn't the same.

That's an interesting theory... I'd love to try it but I've got everything really wired in there so no way I'm taking it apart again.

[eguiyab]

That's an interesting theory... I'd love to try it but I've got everything really wired in there so no way I'm taking it apart again.

I know what you mean. Mines the same way.
actually, before i remembered the power at the beginning of the IP Bus line, I though of the ground at the rear. In my case its at the same location as my amps, and SO much easier to get to.
you can still put a switch in line with the ground of the XM unit, essentially will do the same. May have to run more line, but at least you dont have to go through a birds nest of wires like the front. Before you actually wire it in though, I'd suggest running the system and disconnecting the ground and see if the memory stays... if not, i dont know if its really worth putting an inline switch.

Good luck and if you pin point the issue i'd actually like to know what it might be....

[WeatherB]

I emailed Pioneer's tech support and am waiting for their reply...

I suspect that this only happens when you quickly change between stations so I've been spending at least 30 seconds on the current station before changing to another stations. Hopefully this works as a work around solution for the time being.

I have a hard time believing that something this major made it through Pioneer's QA.

[TheMaterial]

I keep meaning to ask my installer if he's heard of this problem. If it's happened to anyone in and around the 519 area he would have heard of it. I'll try and remember when I'm back at work in a few days.

[WeatherB]

I keep meaning to ask my installer if he's heard of this problem. If it's happened to anyone in and around the 519 area he would have heard of it. I'll try and remember when I'm back at work in a few days.

Thanks, appreciate it. My work around has been working so far but I'd love a permanent solution.

[eguiyab]

I suspect that this only happens when you quickly change between stations so I've been spending at least 30 seconds on the current station before changing to another stations. Hopefully this works as a work around solution for the time being.



I've noticed that too. It wont cut out if its already on a solid signal station. But it only does come into issue when the signal is constantly being changed quickly.
I dont think i've experienced poor signal... unless i go underground.