Bluetooth Package a Piece of Garbage?

[ohaire]

I recently traded my 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 for a 2014 Mazda CX5 Sport with Bluetooth package.

I love the vehicle so far, however I'm about to put my fist through the head unit.

It recognizes no names in my phone book when I try to call someone. The bluetooth audio also somehow overrides the shuffle on my iPhone. Instead of shuffling, it will push it to just a random letter and then the songs will play alphabetically by song title. It's really f'n annoying that I paid for this package and it doesn't work right. No play back on the iPod function whenever you get in the vehicle is weak too.

I know this is probably minor s*** to b**** about, but I want to enjoy my ride while I'm in it.

Any else have similar issues with the shuffle and voice commands? Any ideas on a fix?

 

[Snacks]

My 2013 recognizes song info but will not shuffle, it does exactly as you described yours doing. I just use the iPhone USB to play songs whenever I choose to

 

[Applauso]

The phone book has to be on the phone itself and not on the SIM for it to work.

 

[Nodnerb]

I had the phone book problem with my htc phone but not with a different android or iphone. Bluetooth works fine for me, but I have a 2013. Apparently a lot of head unit problems came up in the 2014s.

 

[xtrailman]

I had connect issues with a Galaxy Y, only worked 9 from 10 attempts, yes its on the compatibility list, once connected the phone book worked.

Eventually I had to ditch the phone for a HTC wildfire, this connects and works every time, it also downloads emails but not text messages, which seems a bit odd, but the compatibility list confirms this.

Wife uses a old Nokia that also works, but no messages.

Apparently these issues aren't specific to Mazda, other makes suffer different problems.

Its a 2014 car.

 

[craigo]

Not sure about the sport's bluetooth option system, but I find the touring system works reasonably well.

Bluetooth problems are complicated. Here's why:

The phone:
- Has bluetooth hardware and firmware. There are different bluetooth standards, older devices may not support newer standards. Firmware may have bugs.
- Operating system: Apps talk to the firmware and hardware through the OS. OS updates may change the behavior (for example, the head unit's shuffle apparently worked on ios5 and earlier, but not 6 and 7)
- Apps: Your device may have buggy apps.

The head unit:
- Also supports particular versions of bluetooth standards with its own hardware and firmware.
- Has its own OS and programming that may, or may not, have bugs.

Some phones are able to communicate their phone book and messages with the head unit. Others are not. 'Standards' for these communications do exist, although many devices don't necessarily adhere to them.

 

[aelaan]

When one does his/her research and finds the phone in the compatibility list of the manufacturer and the p.o.s. head unit does not work and just covers the backup camera when a message arrives and I have to stop the car backing up as I am maneuvering in a tight spot into my garage, that in my opinion is not only a serious flaw it is simply unacceptable. However the dealer does not know what to do to fix it, Mazda has turned a deaf ear to my complaints (phone, email, snail mail and is now also blocking my tweets). Nice to have a company that supports people who purchase a $30,000 car. I have asked them to advise me on an aftermarket unit that works and keeps everything working - it is not available. So the aggravation keeps going and more and more consumers are falling into the "upgrade" trap of a 700 dollar "NAV" system that has so many flaws. HD Radio, Pandora and all other crap built in that does never ever work in Canada but us sold as if it was the best ever. Mazda, your customer service simply sucks and I will remain very vocal about it. I asked the dealer to remove the NAV system and credit my account so I can attempt to find a unit that has all of this working properly - but once you purchase it... you are stuck with it...

 

[ohaire]

After bitching about it, the shuffle oddly started working correctly. I will definitely be replacing the head unit however whenever I have the extra money.

 

[CarLadyLisa]

Hey everyone, My name is Lisa. I work for a dealer in Milton. I'd like to contribute a few things that may help.

Bluetooth Phonebook: One of my clients experienced an issue with the system on a 2014 CX-5 GS model. It wasn't downloading the phonebook. He was able to fix it with the following app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android_rsap.irmc
The reason this was happening is because of the differences in firmware on the devices. The advancements on smartphones are happening so rapidly the system couldn't read his contacts. The app simplifies the information. TIP: Make contact names shorter on your phone so voice tags are easier.

Bluetooth Audio: In regards to bluetooth audio, often times it is the device itself. For example, my blackberry worked good but when I switched to a Samsung Note whenever I connect the volume is muted. Annoying to say the least and I am searching for a solution to that one. I set up a playlist strictly for the car. When I check off the shuffle on the phone, it works fine.

The back up camera & messages: Have you tried checking off the 'do not disturb' function in the Bluetooth menu? I would presume it should stop and alerts from popping up while you reverse.

HD Radio & Pandora: Yes. I specifically tell clients that Pandora is not yet available in Canada. I suppose they leave the tab there just in case we get lucky. You need to have a US IP address in order to sign up. Now the HD Radio function is good. One day...one day we will be blessed with layers of High Definition radio, but until that day just know that it does help with the quality of regular radio too.

Well I hope this information helps with the issues. If you need anything else, I can do my best to help you with a solution. I am by no means a tech genius, but I do have resources.

Cheers

 

[aelaan]

Hi Lisa - The do not disturb function also makes the phone stop taking calls - this is not an option. As Mazda states on their website the BB Z10 is compatible but not with the MAP (Message access Protocol) then it should simply not offer to download messages.

Pandora will never be available in Canada - CRIA was pretty clear about this.

The only thing that works is putting a CD in the CD player - it will remember what position it was.

I understand your position - I know this is not really a dealer defect, it is a factory defect that Mazda hopefully can work on. Until then I will keep asking Mazda Canada to resolve this.