MuahMan

FYI. By suggestion of this forum all I did was switch the RCA's on my amp and it hasn't happened again. Totally weird and doesn't make sense. 2 second fix after 1.5 years of fiddling with shit.

Let me know how it works out.. Apologies for my rather, uhm.. "abrasive" earlier response..

 

Did you switch it out for another of the same units, or did you replace with another model/brand?

Well, with the HU I switched out the F900BT for the 4200DVD. So I lost Navigation but the radio and touchscreen is so much better I don't mind the switch. Not to mention the bigger screen. For the Alpine amp PDX 5 I left it under the front seat where it was and just switched around the RCAs left to right and right to left. Of course it didn't happen while driving around today. So intermittent is what makes it so annoying.

Thanks. I switched the left and right channels on the amp and will see where it happens this time. Thanks for the help. As you can tell, I don't do this often and am no expert. FYI changing the amp channels was so much easier than checking all the speaker wires.

Ugh! FAAAAK! Even a new HU didn't correct the problem. Only thing I can think to do is 1. Try a new amp. 2. Rip everything out and check all the speaker wiring. I can't take it anymore. One second everything is fine, the next second crackling, popping, cutting in and out on the right channel. Son of a.

Would love any ideas on how to track down this issue. Somewhere I read to swith the RCA cables and see if the problem switches sides. With a new head unit i'm not sure what else to try. Already replaced the speakers. Have NOT replaced the CDiU20 Pioneer iPod cable (could that cause a problem with other sources?) and have not replaced the amp which is an Alpine PDX 5 (4x 75 + 1 x300). Could the amp be overheating? I don't run it loud or super bassy. It's running a set of decent components in the front and some 6x9's in the back with a two 10's in a box under the seat (2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab)

Hard as hell to troubleshoot because it only happens about 50% of the time and I can't even figure out what causes it to start happening.

Yes. You need to buy the AV Cable to get sound. Most people would recommend the Apple one rather than the cheap Pioneer one that can cause problems.

Been reading and reading about the right channel issues. Seems like most people only have the issue with the right channel when trying to use their iPod. Well mine started out that way but now it doesn't matter the source. I'm sick of this problem and this head unit. Ordered a new HU from Crutchfield. A Cheaper Double Din 4200DVD (no navi). I'm assuming if I smash this P.O.S. on the curb and put a new god damn head unit in it will solve the problem? I was hoping to just do a straight swap. I'm thinking it has to be the HU since it's on all the source? Would appreciatte the input if I put in a new HU and it still happens I'm going to lose my mind. I've been trying to fix this problem for 2 yearrs.

The Z110BT is worlds away from the F series. The 9140 has numerous issues so you will be trading one problem with another there. The Z, I don't think will disappoint you.

Definitely leaning that way. Especially since I have the XM, mic, gps antenna and everything already Pioneer. I loved this F90 for the few moments it works, but i'm sick of reloading the software and pulling this in and out. How's the touchscreen on the Z110?

Arrrrgh. This F90BT is begging for me to smash it. I've got the dreaded right channel cutting out problem with the iPod. This product could have been the best ever but Pioneer really screwed the pooch. I'm not pulling it out again, i'm trashing it. Problem is the competitors aren't offering much better. I'm looking at the Alpine IVA-W505, the Pioneer 1100, and the Kendwood 9140. Skeptical about going for another Pioneer after the problems with this one, but Pioneer gives you the most for the money.

What is this Apple cable everyone is talking about? Got a link? My rate channel messes up when I put the iPod on. Was driving the installer guy nuts.

GCL915,

 

Thank you so much for the well explained instructions which also work for the F700BT! I had the exact same problem and was able to resuscitate my F700BT.

 

PS: After formatting the flash disk, I was not able to get into testmode at first. I followed the instruction but it still wouldn't let me in. It would get stuck on the Pioneer screen then would reboot.

Make sure you are using test mode V2.3, that fixed it. I had to do it a few times but it eventually worked.

I had the same issue with testmode. My problem was that I copied the files directly to the top level of the the formatted SD card (that's how you have to do the firmware updates). For testmode to work you have to drop the "testmode" directory at the top level of the formatted SD card.

I registered for these forums simply for this thread. I don't know how you figured this out but it was the only thing that fixed my F90BT after upgrading to the latest firmware from Pioneer. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! You saved me from smashing my HU with a 80 lb. sledgehammer. Awesome work. Awesome forums.

Of course now I'm petrified to upgrade to 3.0 when it comes out.