chinna_n

It seems more people has issue than not.

If you are not going to install it, I would suggest stay away from this unit. As other poster mentioned, even after sending the unit for repair, it is doing the same thing, that is freezing.

I called Pioneer several times, asking them about just sending Screen for updates. They insist they do not do updates like that, and we need to send whole unit every time.

Also, the so called repair unit has the same firmware I have, so there seems to be no update available.

The customer service rep insist that it is a hardware issue, not software issue, and insist only iPhone 3GS has issues with bluetooth.

The way I see it is, it is not issue with Hardware as OS is still working fine(so processor is not freezing or anything like that), GPS chip is updating the poistions. It is the application over the OS that is freezing, both bluetooth as well as Navigation software.

Also, as mentioned by several people, required POI are explicitly removed(add $100 to get it), and Navigation TTS is useless and you will hate it if you have ever used any other GPS before.

But, if you want to try your luck, hope and pray they will release usable Firmware soon then go ahead, but be prepared to install,uninstall the unit several times if you need to send it to repair.

I would not have bought this if I know about so many problems about this unit. I also bought because it is cheapest Major brand Nav unit. If you do not need major brand, you can buy one with bigger screen, DVD, Bluetooth, Nav unit under $300 on ebay and many other places on web.

I believed Major brand would not have issues like this, and we know how long it took for them to release 2.0 firmware for F series to fix lof of issue, so I am not holding my breath.

But you need to sync whole phone book manually with U310BT, and it goes as contact in phone.

It is definitely better idea to have the unit repaired. Which means preinstalled. I think they will release firmware update soon. I'm still trying to get into test mode with no success.

You meant to say that I should not return it and wait for updates? I already installed and I am using for couple for weeks now. Even to send it for repair I need to rip it out of my dash.

If I have to send it to repair, I would rather return it as I have to remove it and live with hole in dash for couple of weeks anyways.

Guys,

We all know the issues we are having with AVIC-U310BT, after contacting and talking to seller and explaining issues, he agreed to accept the return.

Now, what should I do? Do you guys think we will get firmware updates anytime soon? I so I can hold off sending it back. I hate to send it back and leave a hole in my dash until I get a new unit and install that unit.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

I had 2 more episodes of Nav unit flying me thru unknown place again. But this time, I just stopped at a shop for few minutes, then I selected "Go Home". Until this time, it was showing correct place I stopped. But after that it suddenly started showing unknown roads to me for directions, but I took usual highway. Initially thought may be it is not seeing Ramp. Nope, it kept showing I am flying somewhere else even after few miles on highway, and switched to another highway. GPS shows full signal with 9 satellites locked-in with full signal.

Since, last time reset did not help, this time I turned off the unit(while driving) and then un-docked the screen, and docked it again. After this, I got the Nav screen, and highway I was traveling was identified correctly.

Again, this morning, I took my daughter to class, and while coming back, I saw it is showing some unknown roads for a mile, later I went to GPS signal screen and saw more satellites lock in. After that it started showing correct location again.

I do not know what to think about these Pioneer guys, and saying they do not have any problems reported.

ok so the morning after installing the unit after it was repaired or updated at pioneer i snapped in screen and turned on the car and it was frozen and its been doing it all week i'm going to call pioneer tomorrow.

 

Demetrius

Can you check the version of software you have and let is know if infact they have upgraded anything?

Thanks

 

It may be worth a try to turn off BT in Settings before removing the face and then back on when you reattach. Could this solve the problem until there's a software update?

 

BTW, I haven't had any bluetooth hangs either. I have a 2G iPhone.

I am not sure why we would be removing screen at all, atleast I am not removing. I only removed to resets when it hung which is pretty every day.

Now, today I have something special, navigation showing that I was driving somewhere about 2-3 miles away. It is very clear day, full 10 satellites, and full signal strength as per Nav it self(in settings-->connections). It is not just not during initialization, but total 2.5 miles drive it is showing I am driving in correct direction but about 2.5 miles away over the road and cutting thru fields. So, I thought now I need to reset, used Eject SD card option and rebooted system. Nope, nothing changed, it still showing I am driving( not frozen) away. I took some snaps after stopping at our parking lot.

Finally, after few more resets, and by evening it picked up correct position!!?

Oh, I can not even believe, how did they even released such a half baked product, and how come I bought it.

I had the same issue with my Nokia N97, had to do a re-boot or re-set to get the Bluetooth to work.

 

I also had an issue that the audio for the phone would not start until the person on the other end answered, no ringing at all, just a sudden "hello?", really annoying.

 

My guess is that the issues have to do with the parrot hardware and firmware. My FH-P800BT i bought 1.5 years ago (which did not use parrot for the H/F) did not have any of these issues and even worked properly with my brand new N97 which was only released in June or this year.

Ok, now you also have problems, did you call Pioneer?

I found Nav data base is very much out of date and lot of incorrect data in TeleNav database. The Nav screen does not show much information about the roads you are crossing. This would be really useful in cities where you have lot of oneways, parallel roads etc. You can see which is which, where you are and can be prepared/decide.

3D is pretty much worthless. I only using 2D now. And you forgot you mention the POIs stuff, no Gas stations and Restaurants, but have Cemetary? What the hell they were thinking.

BTW, did you call Pioneer about your problems? They claim they have not received any complaints about the unit!!?

Everyone please call, even if you encountered error once, and do not own POS now.

ok so the morning after installing the unit after it was repaired or updated at pioneer i snapped in screen and turned on the car and it was frozen and its been doing it all week i'm going to call pioneer tomorrow.

 

Demetrius

That is bad. I guess they did not even bother to test it. Just wondering if you got a chance to see what version of software you have on this unit.

Thanks

 

I noticed the same thing, when the unit comes out of "hibernation" it wakes up where it left off when you turned off the key THEN notices the phone is disconnected and shows the message, then it starts to search for nearby paired phones and connects.

 

If I still had the unit I would certainly call and complain but I imagine they won't talk to me without providing a serial number or something, I upgraded after a few days and am glad I did. I do my own installs so that wasn't an issue. I went through 4 NAV units before deciding on the Z110BT

You do not need to have unit serial number, I called couple of times, but they never asked me to provide serial number. They simply gave me address where to send it.

Even if you install it yourself, like me, you will end up breaking something, loosing some clips, scratching the dash somewhere if you install and uninstall several times.

Also, they claim it is only iPhone 3GS having issues? Is it true? Mine is iPhone 2G and having issues, as well as Motorola KRZR k1. Both had same issues.

Can you guys confirm each one which phone you have and what exact problem you are having? It is unbelievable that Pioneer says they are not hearing any complaints.

Appreciate all the help in solving this issue, Please call Pioneer and report the problem. You do not need to give serial numbers, you may not even own the unit as of today(because you already fed up with it and returned) , still call and report problems, so that it would be helpful for the people with unit.

Thanks

Is there a model that may cost more that will NOT have these issues? I don't want to spend $2000 !

Yes, just buy Kenwood 6140. You will spared of all these install/unstall expenses and agony of going thru all this BS. That has all features this has, plus DVD playback, bigger screen and excellent Garmin navigation(no POS like this) and useful POIs like Restaurants, and Gas stations, not just Cemetary.

I have same issue with BT not initializing some times(some times fine). When I do eject SD, it reboots and works fine.

And Pioneer Claims there are no reported issues. How ridiculous?, I told then forum has many complaints, but they say, they do not go and look into forum, and they are not getting any calls about the issue, so they are not working on it.

Just to clarify, The system (the front screen) has WinCE 5.0 software, and when you turn off the ignition in the car, the standby mode is triggered, it uses the internal rechargable battery to remain in standby mode( S3 suspend to RAM mode). It is just like portable GPS units with standby. (If you keep the button pressed for few seconds it reboots, otherwise it simply wakes it from standby, unless battery is completely dead.). When use Eject SD, it reboots system, so you see that initial screen.

The main reason I bought this unit over F series is that, it does not need to reboot everytime. Now it seems we are screwed anyway.

When you turn on the key, it sends pulse equivalent to quick button press, waking the device. But it seems they are not initializing the BT stack properly when coming out of standby(hello do some testing before you release product).

You might have also observed, unit claims phone is disconnected immediately when you turn on the key?? Later 15-20 seconds later, it comes back and says phone is connected(Hello, don't have basic logic that when unit is turned off phone will be disconnected?, and should not show that message when it is turned on?). There is complete disconnect between the BT module and unit itself.

And another ridiculous thing is, these guys want whole unit ripped out and send it to them for Screen issue? They says they will not reapir if we just send screen. This is Pioneers fault they release a unit without testing, and customers pay for multiple installs? and live with a big hole in the dash for weeks, things dangling around?

These guys are really pissing me off.

I would appreciate if everyone call and complain about the problem, instead of simply ignoring the issue. May then these guys open their eyes.

Thanks

ok just installed my unit after gettting it back from pioneer. so far no freezing.

 

 

Demetrius

Hi Demetrius,

I am observing same issues with my Nav also. I see today Nav also froze, not just bluetooth.

Can you check and let us know what version of software you have for Nav and Bluetooth.

Menu--> settings--> Service Info

Currently I have 1.0001.

Can you also check for bluetooth and let us know?

Thanks

Here http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/support/support/upgrade/AVIC_F900BT_F700BT.html you can find firmware update for F310. It is the same unit, I think. There aren't hardware differences in between U310 and F310 I guess. If you decide to try this EU FW write it on new SD card in order to save old one in case of something goes wrong.

I checked the versions, it seems all unit that has been sold since July are having the same version.(Mine has same version at least). So there is nothing to update, unless you have a version older than 1.0001 as mentioned.

You can upgrade using SD card, but all the data including WinCE 5.0 OS is on the flash memory on the unit, not on the SD card. So, you would not be saving anything from old software/firmware.

Also, as I mentioned in some other post, Bluetooth module software is just a release candidate(RC3) not a final version it seems. No wondering so many people are having issues.

On little bit investigation I see this unit uses WINCE 5.0 OS. The software I have is the Latest, and Bluetooth also seems to be Latest, but with RC3( Release Candidate), not a final build.

Now, we need to see how to go to WINCE desktop, or Explorer view, so that we can install all the stuff we want to install.

ok just installed my unit after gettting it back from pioneer. so far no freezing.

 

 

Demetrius

Did you send complete unit? or just the detachable screen?

Thanks

Our Pioneer distributer told us to follow these steps before they would accept any U310s back for exchange.

Oh, ok. That makes sense. They want to make sure it is not one time glitch.

If you do not mind asking, do you have the same unit? Do you have same problem?

Pioneer does know there is a problem with the U310BT. Specifically they know there is a problem with the units freezing. Here are the suggestions they give:

 

The U310BT has a on/off switch on top of the removable screen. It should always be in the Off Position(Unless out of the car) Off means it will turn on and off with the car.

 

1. Reset the unit with the small pin button on the right side of the face, then turn the key off for 20 seconds. .

 

If step 1 does not work...

 

2. Remove the face turn on and let the internal battery go dead. Turn the switch back to off and put the face back on the unit.

I guess you read thru complete thread.

Why would anyone keep the switch in on position on top the screen? Manual clearly says that if you do that screen would not turn-off. Yes, it is always off, unless we take it our for entering routing etc.( I do not take it out). Also, when you turn off the car, it would not turn off the OS(which in screen), it simply put it in standby mode(like many portable GPS systems). It only restarts when you do a hard reset or battery is dead completely and you give power again.

The solution 1, that is hard reset, yes that does solve the problem, but it comes back again next day, or next time you start the car. That is what we are talking about.

Not sure what solution 2 would achieve. Reset infact restarts whole OS, just as if battery is dead. Does it solve the problem completely or is it also for that freezing instance, like hard reset?

Also, appreciate if you can provide info on who provided these instruction.

Thanks

Same blue tooth issue here too. BUT, try hitting the SD Eject button. Splash screen will show-up and after a 10 seconds or so, it will find my Iphone3G---all is well after that.

Did you contact Pioneer at all? These guys claim they have not received any complaints?? I guess all the guys posting problems here never even called Pioneer.

I think Pioneer is liable here for releasing such a product without testing it, and now uninstall, and install, and shipping fee? who pays for these things?

I think we need to organize and contact Pioneer to send in the fix. I am going to take video of what is happening, post that on youtube as well as Amazon review.

Hi there! Any idea how to get that test mode on U310BT working? I've got this device and cannot figure out. The methods with testmode files on an SD-card do not seem to work. Anyone here to have succeded?

I think not many people bought, and few bought it had problems and returned it. I think this unit is entirely different from F/X series and I doubt if the same procedures work at all. Even the navigation software may not be same.

I will keep playing with it and see if I can figure out, but please do let us know if you got any new tricks..

Thanks

The only workaround is to edit the POI file into separate files of 100 locations before processing it with avicfeeds.

Hmm, that does not seem to be bad idea. We can write a small program and split into several items, like example Shell1, Shell2 etc.

Will it be able to display the all these different catergories with same icon etc?

Thanks

Called Pioneer. It is ridicuolus, after a long hold, and call with few people, they say I need to send whole unit back to Pioneer to get it fixed, not just the screen. The rep is useless guy, does not even bother to listen the whole issue. I was trying to tell him, total procedure how to get it working currently. He does not even let me talk past the bluetooth does not connect.

Finally, I asked him to wait until I am done talking and explained him whole thing. It seems he does not bother to understand the whole problem. Only solution, send the whole unit we will see. Since it is a random problem, what is the guarantee that they will see in few attempts and solve the issue.

For me this does not give that much confidence in Pioneer. Unfortunately, I can not return this unit. It's still beyond my belief how could they release such a half-baked product to public.

I had this unit for a few days and had the same issues. I found that it mostly happened if I removed the screen from the unit while the power was still on and the phone was connected, especially if the power switch to the screen was turned on. If I let the unit power down B4 removing the screen and the power switch on the screen was off the bluetooth would be fine.

 

The only solution I found to get bluetooth working again after it froze was to hit the "reset" button as well.

 

I returned this unit and bought the Z110BT instead, same NAV software, better POI, more features, less buggy, runs faster/more responsive, but of course about $800 more...

Hmm, in my case I am not taking out the display screen at all, not sure why you are removing either(safety?)?. If it hang when we remove screen while system is on, that is somewhat understandable. For me it is so random, and it happend just after restarting in few hours, and happend when I started the car couple days later. So, I did not see specific pattern yet.

If your using avicfeeds it only displays the first 100.

Is there anyway to load all POIs from AVIC feeds? If already loaded, can we display rest of those?

Thanks