Resuming Playback with 2014 CX-5 GT Tech Stereo and other issues

[Fleeecy]

Just got off the phone with my dealer. They are unaware of this issue with 2014 CX-5s, as they have not sold a lot of them yet (their words). They want me to come in for them to look at the problem.

A little weird if you ask me, as this is the biggest Mazda dealer in the world we're talking about. If they don't know about this problem, Mazda sure doesn't either.

 

[kinks45]

That's odd because on the CX-5 the 2013 with Tech package works beautifully. My iPod nano loads almost instantly and begins playback at the exact position in the song it last played.

Isn't that because you are using the Aux in connection? Try using ONLY USB flash drive connection, turn off ignition after playing the 3rd song, and when you restart the unit will begin at song 1 instead of 4 (or 3 if in the middle of third song). It works like it should when you ONLY power off the audio WITH the ignition still on.

 

[HandA]

Isn't that because you are using the Aux in connection? Try using ONLY USB flash drive connection, turn off ignition after playing the 3rd song, and when you restart the unit will begin at song 1 instead of 4 (or 3 if in the middle of third song). It works like it should when you ONLY power off the audio WITH the ignition still on.

From what I've seen the 2013's with Bose worked properly. They don't start over on the first song when you restart the car and they load the music much faster. For some reason when Mazda reworked the programming for the 2014 to add new features they messed up some of the basics.

I've only ever used a thumb drive in mine but it always starts from exactly where the song was when I turned the car off and only takes a couple of seconds to read (16 Gig) and start playing the music when I restart the car.

Trevor
HandA.com

 

[MikeM.]

Isn't that because you are using the Aux in connection? Try using ONLY USB flash drive connection, turn off ignition after playing the 3rd song, and when you restart the unit will begin at song 1 instead of 4 (or 3 if in the middle of third song). It works like it should when you ONLY power off the audio WITH the ignition still on.

I'm just using the USB cord that came with the iPod Nano. Never tried it with a flash drive but I believe it would work just as well based on other reports. No need to leave it powered up.

 

[cleverusername]

I'm just using the USB cord that came with the iPod Nano. Never tried it with a flash drive but I believe it would work just as well based on other reports. No need to leave it powered up.

Isn't that because you are using the Aux in connection? Try using ONLY USB flash drive connection, turn off ignition after playing the 3rd song, and when you restart the unit will begin at song 1 instead of 4 (or 3 if in the middle of third song). It works like it should when you ONLY power off the audio WITH the ignition still on.

To clarify for those just joining this discussion, the 2013 model year sold in the U.S. does NOT have the problem described here (not resuming playback on USB-connected devices), the 2014 model year CX-5s DO have this problem, and, yes, it's a PROBLEM (defect, design flaw, whatever, just fix it, please, Mazda).

 

[mgm1451]

To clarify for those just joining this discussion, the 2013 model year sold in the U.S. does NOT have the problem described here (not resuming playback on USB-connected devices), the 2014 model year CX-5s DO have this problem, and, yes, it's a PROBLEM (defect, design flaw, whatever, just fix it, please, Mazda).

I just bought a 2014 CX-5 GT With/Tech (Traded in 2013 CX-5 FWD!!!). Now, when I connec to iPod classic, all the Playlists are shown in the 5.8" LCD screen. But, no matter what song I select by going through my Playlist, the unit plays some other the song. And when I pick another song from the display, it plays a totally different one. Basically, the song shown on the display does not match with the song it plays. Anyone had this issue? Pls help

 

[MANICompression]

Question for those with the 2013 CX-5: Does the USB connected iPod correctly resume playback if you turn off the car, unplug the iPod and then turn the car back on and plug the iPod back in? I always take my iPod out of the car and was wondering if the resume function works only if the iPod remains connected. I know that the 2014 model's resume function doesn't work at all, just wondering about the 2013 model.

For the 2014 owners: If you cue up a specific track on your iPod first and then connect via USB, does that song play or does it start at the first track on your iPod as well? Just trying to find a work-around.

 

[ikerg]

I havent tried with an ipod, but i tried with a USB stick, by removing it and plug it again after switching off the engine, and it resumed perfectly.(2013 GT)
So the system keeps in memory the position. So i assumed that it will work for an ipod as well as the piece tha the radio should keep in memory is being given by the usb as well but codified under apple format. Let me check it with an ipod/iphone to confirm my assumptions

 

[MikeM.]

Question for those with the 2013 CX-5: Does the USB connected iPod correctly resume playback if you turn off the car, unplug the iPod and then turn the car back on and plug the iPod back in?

Yes.

 

[hulahoops]

I was told today that Mazda are working on a software fix. The fix could take "months" rather than days or weeks as it doesn't have a high priority. The problem was introduced in the latest version by adding in new voice activation features. Just to confirm, the issue occurs in the latest Mazda 6 and CX-5.

I recommend everyone with the problem bypasses their dealer and contact Mazda head office in their country and log a case. The more pressure the faster we will be able to get a fix and listen to our music.

 

[MANICompression]

So is there anyway at all to get around the resume playback issue using the USB connection? For instance: if you pause or power down the iPod before turning off the car, and then turn the car back on and power up the iPod, will it resume where it left off?

 

[ranman]

I have a 2014 GT AWD w/ Tech. I discovered that if I turn the car off while playing via USB and then hit the Start engine button to turn on accessory mode, that the last song playing picks up where it left off. I'm guessing the USB port remains powered for a few seconds when turning the engine off?

I also noticed that if I play the radio for a few minutes after starting the car BEFORE switching to USB, that the time needed to read my 32GB flash drive with about 4000 songs is usually only a few seconds instead of a couple of minutes. Then it starts playing the first song, of course.

 

[brainbasher]

I have a 2014 GT AWD w/ Tech. I discovered that if I turn the car off while playing via USB and then hit the Start engine button to turn on accessory mode, that the last song playing picks up where it left off. I'm guessing the USB port remains powered for a few seconds when turning the engine off?

Correct sir

 

[TreyP]

I actually measured the voltage at the USB port at different phases the other night.
With USB mode selected: 5v
FM or any other mode: 5v
Head Unit off: 5v
Power off: 5v for around 10 seconds, then 0v

Once it hits zero volts, the playlist starts back at track 1...as expected. This reinforces my earlier hypothesis that if I could tap into a full time 5v source, the USB stick would resume where it left off, which is the only fail point of using a stick as opposed to the iPod, which is basically a total fail as we all know.

 

[RedBaron]

I complained about this issue via the Mazda website. Took them several days to respond, but I am cautiously optimistic given their reply:

Dear "RedBaron",

Thank you for contacting Mazda.

In regards to your email, I apologize for the USB/IPod concerns you are experiencing. We are aware of the song reset with the IPods and looking into the concern. Currently at this moment there is no estimated time arrival or status, but please not we are working on the concern.

The details that you described have been documented for our corporate and will be reviewed internally. We continuously evaluate these records as part of our ongoing commitment to provide only the highest quality products and services. The file number that references your email is 148022000.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number below.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda.

Best Regards,

Morgan
Representative, Customer Assistance
Mazda North American Operations
(800) 222-5500 Ext. 1143

 

[ta240]

Once it hits zero volts, the playlist starts back at track 1...as expected. This reinforces my earlier hypothesis that if I could tap into a full time 5v source, the USB stick would resume where it left off, which is the only fail point of using a stick as opposed to the iPod, which is basically a total fail as we all know.

Can you try a powered USB hub plugged in there? Would that keep power to the memory stick? Granted the power for it would need to be plugged into an outlet but at least it would be a way to test it.... maybe...

 

[gezundheit]

Can you try a powered USB hub plugged in there? Would that keep power to the memory stick? Granted the power for it would need to be plugged into an outlet but at least it would be a way to test it.... maybe...

On my Civic's OEM headunit I can unplug any thumb drive, plug it into my computer, actually copy files to/from the drive & when I plug it back into the USB port in my car it will resume where it last left off (assuming the file it was last playing was not removed). The duration of time the thumb drive is left unplugged from the car is not a determinant on how my car will resume playback. My brother has an aftermarket JVC unit (some ~$150 unit installed in 10 minutes by Best Buy) that also functions similarly on his older model Accord. Mazda clearly an issue w/their headunit in the 2014 CX-5 Touring & up...

 

[TreyP]

On my Civic's OEM headunit I can unplug any thumb drive, plug it into my computer, actually copy files to/from the drive & when I plug it back into the USB port in my car it will resume where it last left off (assuming the file it was last playing was not removed). The duration of time the thumb drive is left unplugged from the car is not a determinant on how my car will resume playback. My brother has an aftermarket JVC unit (some ~$150 unit installed in 10 minutes by Best Buy) that also functions similarly on his older model Accord. Mazda clearly an issue w/their headunit in the 2014 CX-5 Touring & up...

Yes, we know that the CX-5 unit is faulty, the question is, what can we do as a workaround until Mazda fixes it, if ever that is.

ta240, that is a good idea, I'll look into it.

 

[RedBaron]

I'm 99.9% certain that keeping power to the USB will NOT solve the problem. It's a head unit issue. The head unit's the thing that must keep the folder/track memory. There's no way for a USB drive to do that, they don't work that way.

 

[Senor Valasco]

Yeah I agree with RedBaron...keeping the USB powered won't do anything. This is evidenced by plugging in an iPod to the USB port, which stays powered on when turning off the car and removing the key. Then start it back up and it goes back to the beginning. The problem is that scan that it does when it first turns on - that scan (I believe) is what's resetting it.

That head unit is a mess. Not sure if it's all on Johnson Controls, but it seems to be. I've noticed some other quirky issues with it as well now that I've had my '13 CX-9 for 4 months. In addition to the resume playback problem, I've had the following things happen when listening to audio:

- In satellite mode, sometimes it just randomly changes channels. This doesn't happen often, but I'd say it's happened 5 times in 4 months.
- The other day in USB mode it was playing songs as if it were in shuffle mode, but it wasn't in shuffle mode.
- At least two times when I went to change the song (after getting song #1 YET AGAIN), the info display never changed from the first song, even though I completely changed artists/album/song.

Mazda needs to fix this.