I found an online petition requesting that Mazda update the head-unit software for the Mazda 6 & CX-5. Rather than restate the content of the article, please check it out. For what it's worth, I signed it. http://www.change.org/p/mazda-north...update-head-unit-software-for-the-2014-mazda6
Software Update For Head-Unit
- Thread starter Paul_T
- Start date
chriscabob
Member
- :
- 2016 Mazda CX-5 GS LUX AWD
thanks signed it 
It depends on the cause. It could be a software fix if the HU has any NVRAM or is provided a low power current to keep memory refreshed. Actually, we already know that the head unit has some mechanism for retaining settings over a normal car poweroff/on. Otherwise, all the bluetooth settings would be erased, radio station presets would be lost, and physical CD's wouldn't resume from where they left off. Of course, it could be a limitation on the amount of memory available...
However, there are many problems with the head unit, and not all of them would require retaining settings over a power cycle. (For example, the ipod issue demonstrated here: http://youtu.be/kDyDdyXfChA is a software issue, and not a hardware limitation.)
Oh, and being you tossed out "I'm a programmer", I'll do the same... Both PC systems (various OS's) and embedded systems. With about 25 years of professional experience, and another 5 or 6 before I started to get paid for it.
Consider the most common complaint (not resuming):
For ipods: The HU should monitor the last modified date of the ipod database. It also keeps track of the last playing location (playlist/track/location, or some other data.) If that data is stored in NVRAM, then each time the HU starts up, if the last modified hasn't changed, it can jump back to the same playlist/track/location previously stored. Or, even better... at least for iPod classics, it doesn't have to do anything whatsoever: The iPod itself will remember what it was last playing (even over the usb interface) and happily resume playing there as long as it's not told to change. (I'm not sure if the same is true for iOS based devices.)
For other USB devices: The HU should monitor the last modified of *whatever* is used as a control list (if one exists.) For example, a playlist file. The rest is the same. If there's no playlist (just playing a directory) then the directory is monitored. Can't figure out what to monitor? Fine, just retain whatever selection criteria was used and attempt to resume based on that. Only if an error occurs (such as a file missing, directory missing, etc) should the unit reset to the "first song on the device."
Perhaps not a *SIMPLE* software fix, but if the code was written and tested properly to begin with, that wouldn't be a question. I can only imagine the mess of code that created this head unit... (and imagine it well, being that I'm currently employed fixing a very similar disaster.)
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- 2014 & 2019 CX-5 Touring(s)
Unfortunately, that petition is asking for fixes on THREE different modules. Unlike the title of this thread implies - they are not all controlled by the head unit!
The Bluetooth and USB (iPod shuffle/track reset/reload time, etc) are issues in the Bluetooth module.
Pandora and others may be in the Bluetooth module or may be in the Head unit.
Navigation issues are in the Nav unit.
etc.
The Bluetooth and USB (iPod shuffle/track reset/reload time, etc) are issues in the Bluetooth module.
Pandora and others may be in the Bluetooth module or may be in the Head unit.
Navigation issues are in the Nav unit.
etc.
Excellent letter, IMO, that 24/7 member Ed Carroll shared on another post regarding many of the issues that were brought up on this thread. I thought that I'd share it here just in case some of you didn't see it.
Regarding whether or not the head unit controls some of the items in question, I think that it is a good idea to let Mazda US to know about the problems via the petition as, sometimes, squeaky wheels do get the grease. The petition allows you to insert your own comment(s) and especially for those of you who have a technical background please do put your input into your petition submission.
Letter to Robert T. Davis, North American VP, Mazda North American Operations
Edward R. Carroll
Mr. Robert T. Davis
Senior Vice President, US Operations
Mazda North American Operations
7755 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92623
September 29, 2014
Dear Mr. Davis,
After decades of purchasing vehicles bearing the Acura and Honda brands, I recently decided to purchase my first Mazda, as I was impressed by the styling and perceived value offered in your current lineup and, particularly, the company’s CX-5, compact utility vehicle. I’d like to share my impressions with you with regard to that purchase.
I took delivery of a 2015 model on August 10th. I opted for the Grand Touring, AWD with Technology Package. To my knowledge, I have purchased every available accessory.
Within the first few weeks of driving the vehicle, I began to notice strange activity from the infotainment system. The TomTom Navigation screen would quit, indicating that it was seeking a valid GPS signal. But that message seemed to remain on the screen, indefinitely. I found the only way to reconnect to a satellite was to pull over, shut the car down and wait ten seconds before restarting. On a recent trip to Newport, RI, I experienced moving maps, spinning vehicle icons, and on several occasions was directed to make a turn onto a road on which I was already traveling. After some research, I was able to locate a software update, which seems to have addressed many of these issues, though not the glacial pace at which this system continues to operate.
Having since reviewed various, online CX-5 owners’ forums, I’ve learned that the problems I’ve just described are neither unique, nor particularly new. One wonders why the vehicle was delivered without these updates. An ongoing problem is the safety lock feature, which prevents a passenger from entering data into the system, while the vehicle is in motion. Because the voice recognition in this system is far from accurate, I’m forced to scramble at stop lights to input address information. It’s extremely frustrating. The numerous steps involved render this almost impossible.
I’ve discovered, as have many others, that iPod functionality is all but nonexistent with this system. Incredibly, each time I switch to iPod mode though the USB interface, the head unit must read its entire contents, as though it’s seeing it for the first time. I can travel nearly a mile before this process is complete. Additionally, playback always begins on the first song. Also, all too frequently, the song displayed is not the song that’s actually playing. The system also fails to recognize playlists. If you’d like to see examples of these problems, you need only visit YouTube. IPods have been on the market for over 13 years. The other major auto manufacturers seem to have no problem integrating this technology into their vehicles, particularly when their customers are paying a premium for it. Why can’t Mazda? My current workaround is to use the iPod in aux mode, which is cumbersome and, frankly, not the functionality for which I paid.
The Bluetooth phone capabilities are also inadequate, though this is less of an issue for me. Address book entries fail to download and I have yet to see a single text message appear, much less have one read to me.
In the last week, I visited a well-respected, aftermarket audio shop in my area to address the muddy sound emanating from the Bose speaker system. Despite the Bose name, the stereo experience is very basic. Live signals sound particularly bad, whether it’s from HD FM or Sirius. Also, the vast majority of sound comes from the dash speakers with only muffled sound coming from the doors. The gentleman from Parkway Audio in Everett, MA informed me that in addition to offering a head unit with weak reception, Bose and Mazda went cheap by failing to include a stand-alone subwoofer with this “premium” package. Instead, the door speakers must provide the base. I’m surprised that Bose put their name on this. I’ve also noticed, brief audio dropouts, occurring for no apparent reason. I’m not sure what to make of this.
The purchase of this vehicle versus an Acura RDX was part of a two-pronged strategy. I’ve been enthusiastically awaiting the rollout of the fourth generation Miata. Having seen the preproduction vehicle introduced in California, I thought it would make a perfect second vehicle. But, I have to tell you that my current experience with the CX-5 is forcing me to rethink this. I’m also uncomfortable recommending your brand to others, at this time.
I traded a 2007 Honda Civic Si with Navigation for this vehicle. Aside from the occasional, recommended DVD map update purchase, that system required virtually no maintenance or debugging, providing excellent stereo sound, useful and intuitive iPod handling features, and a speedier navigation interface from delivery to trade-in, using technology that was rolled out nearly a decade ago. There is absolutely no excuse for Mazda to be offering such an inferior system in a 2015 vehicle.
I have signed the Change.org petition, which outlines the problems I’ve described above. I’ve noticed that it contains more than 3,000 signatures. Additionally, Edmunds.com, Autoweek, CNET, Cars.com and others have documented this system’s glaring design flaws.
I’d like to know how and when Mazda plans to make this right.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Edward R. Carroll
Regarding whether or not the head unit controls some of the items in question, I think that it is a good idea to let Mazda US to know about the problems via the petition as, sometimes, squeaky wheels do get the grease. The petition allows you to insert your own comment(s) and especially for those of you who have a technical background please do put your input into your petition submission.
Letter to Robert T. Davis, North American VP, Mazda North American Operations
Edward R. Carroll
Mr. Robert T. Davis
Senior Vice President, US Operations
Mazda North American Operations
7755 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92623
September 29, 2014
Dear Mr. Davis,
After decades of purchasing vehicles bearing the Acura and Honda brands, I recently decided to purchase my first Mazda, as I was impressed by the styling and perceived value offered in your current lineup and, particularly, the company’s CX-5, compact utility vehicle. I’d like to share my impressions with you with regard to that purchase.
I took delivery of a 2015 model on August 10th. I opted for the Grand Touring, AWD with Technology Package. To my knowledge, I have purchased every available accessory.
Within the first few weeks of driving the vehicle, I began to notice strange activity from the infotainment system. The TomTom Navigation screen would quit, indicating that it was seeking a valid GPS signal. But that message seemed to remain on the screen, indefinitely. I found the only way to reconnect to a satellite was to pull over, shut the car down and wait ten seconds before restarting. On a recent trip to Newport, RI, I experienced moving maps, spinning vehicle icons, and on several occasions was directed to make a turn onto a road on which I was already traveling. After some research, I was able to locate a software update, which seems to have addressed many of these issues, though not the glacial pace at which this system continues to operate.
Having since reviewed various, online CX-5 owners’ forums, I’ve learned that the problems I’ve just described are neither unique, nor particularly new. One wonders why the vehicle was delivered without these updates. An ongoing problem is the safety lock feature, which prevents a passenger from entering data into the system, while the vehicle is in motion. Because the voice recognition in this system is far from accurate, I’m forced to scramble at stop lights to input address information. It’s extremely frustrating. The numerous steps involved render this almost impossible.
I’ve discovered, as have many others, that iPod functionality is all but nonexistent with this system. Incredibly, each time I switch to iPod mode though the USB interface, the head unit must read its entire contents, as though it’s seeing it for the first time. I can travel nearly a mile before this process is complete. Additionally, playback always begins on the first song. Also, all too frequently, the song displayed is not the song that’s actually playing. The system also fails to recognize playlists. If you’d like to see examples of these problems, you need only visit YouTube. IPods have been on the market for over 13 years. The other major auto manufacturers seem to have no problem integrating this technology into their vehicles, particularly when their customers are paying a premium for it. Why can’t Mazda? My current workaround is to use the iPod in aux mode, which is cumbersome and, frankly, not the functionality for which I paid.
The Bluetooth phone capabilities are also inadequate, though this is less of an issue for me. Address book entries fail to download and I have yet to see a single text message appear, much less have one read to me.
In the last week, I visited a well-respected, aftermarket audio shop in my area to address the muddy sound emanating from the Bose speaker system. Despite the Bose name, the stereo experience is very basic. Live signals sound particularly bad, whether it’s from HD FM or Sirius. Also, the vast majority of sound comes from the dash speakers with only muffled sound coming from the doors. The gentleman from Parkway Audio in Everett, MA informed me that in addition to offering a head unit with weak reception, Bose and Mazda went cheap by failing to include a stand-alone subwoofer with this “premium” package. Instead, the door speakers must provide the base. I’m surprised that Bose put their name on this. I’ve also noticed, brief audio dropouts, occurring for no apparent reason. I’m not sure what to make of this.
The purchase of this vehicle versus an Acura RDX was part of a two-pronged strategy. I’ve been enthusiastically awaiting the rollout of the fourth generation Miata. Having seen the preproduction vehicle introduced in California, I thought it would make a perfect second vehicle. But, I have to tell you that my current experience with the CX-5 is forcing me to rethink this. I’m also uncomfortable recommending your brand to others, at this time.
I traded a 2007 Honda Civic Si with Navigation for this vehicle. Aside from the occasional, recommended DVD map update purchase, that system required virtually no maintenance or debugging, providing excellent stereo sound, useful and intuitive iPod handling features, and a speedier navigation interface from delivery to trade-in, using technology that was rolled out nearly a decade ago. There is absolutely no excuse for Mazda to be offering such an inferior system in a 2015 vehicle.
I have signed the Change.org petition, which outlines the problems I’ve described above. I’ve noticed that it contains more than 3,000 signatures. Additionally, Edmunds.com, Autoweek, CNET, Cars.com and others have documented this system’s glaring design flaws.
I’d like to know how and when Mazda plans to make this right.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Edward R. Carroll
