comm error

[killercommuter]

I have an 08 SE+ with the single disc cd player with the aux input and the factory ipod interface. Since I've owned the car, the iPod interface has worked (nearly) flawlessly with my iPod Touch. Today when I tried to switch to a podcast while listening to a music playlist, the stereo display said "Comm Error" and dropped back to FM.

Usually, when I get a comm error I have to unplug and replug the iPod for the car to see it. I've only gotten that message when leaving the iPod plugged in all day while I'm at work or overnight (long enough for it to turn itself all the way off).

It gets stranger.

I can play songs by playlist, artist, genre, etc, and I can play *some* podcasts without error (The first 5 podcasts in the podcast list play, but nothing below that). If I try to tune to a podcast by pulling up the "Podcast" genre, I get the "comm error" too.

I've disconnected the cable from the iPod and from the car's connector in the glove box. It looks fine. Since I've never unplugged the connector from the car, I presume the connection looks fine there... I didn't feel like getting upside down on the floorboard with a flashlight. The iPod connectors on the cable and on the iPod both look perfect. I synced my iPod just now, so it works with my computer.

Any ideas? For many users having a flaky podcast button wouldn't be an issue, but 90% of my listening is podcasts.

Apple released firmware version 1.1.3 today for the touch, so I'll update the firmware tonight. I doubt my charger got jealous during the night and decided to stop talking to my ipod, but who can tell what a charger is thinking nowadays?

Any help?

[killercommuter]

After updating the firmware, the problem persists. Here's what it looks like scrolling to a podcast and then when I try to play it. Do you think the dealership will even have a clue as to what I'm talking about when I say, "My iPod interface quit working for podcasts"? How should I present this to the service writer?

[killercommuter]

I took the car to Superior Dodge in Conway, AR today to get the Comm Error resolved. I showed them the symptoms and suggested they inspect the cable. Instead, they ordered a new radio. I hope that fixes it, but I am doubtful.

I asked if they could order the cable as well, but they told me they could only order one part at a time. I expect to find out next week that the radio is not at fault and that they will have to delay another week for the cable to arrive. The service writer and the tech both acted like they had never seen an iPod before :(

[killercommuter]

The monologue continues...

Surprisingly, the radio came in quickly and was installed today. To their confusion, that didn't fix the Comm Error. I maintain that it's the cable, but their tech says it is not (although they haven't tried switching it out with a known good cable). So, they sent me home and told me they'd call me back once they speak with Chrysler.

Are all Dodge dealers clueless about these kinds of things?

[striker071]

I think what you will find is that most of these things are a unknown issue to most dealerships. Unless you have a really proactive dealership with some curious and intuitive techs you are gonna get the "Deer in the headlights look". Also they should have tried a new cable.... why not... seems logical then they can say well we have changed the radio and the cable to no avail. Then the ball would definitely be in Chryslers court