New PDIM Hardware and Software Available!

[liquidsmoke]

Originally Posted by SDCamaro10

Dont have an answer for you on that, I was wondering that myself. There is probably newer hardware and software available, like for the indexing thing from 2500, up to 10000 songs.. im sure that was a software/hardware update.. BUT apparently, the hardware and software they are developing right now should be the fix to the current issues. No single update will resolve every single issue the very first time. They cant anticipate future issues like static, or software becoming corrupt. When something fails, they'll develope a fix. It sucks that this didnt come absolutely perfect from factory, and i hardly expect it to. Give it some time and i'll be willing to bet the Ford's version will have some issues here and there too.

Yea, everyone has there issues. It's how you handle them that matters.
Im not sure if 2011 models have fixed hardware or not, but if they do then why hasn't it been pushed to 2010. And if it's not fixed in the 2011 models yet what's taking so long.
Ford has had issues with there system as well, but I believe it was fixed in under a month. I think it gets updated from a user downloadable update you put on a USB stick. I could be wrong though, I don't own a mustang so I don't really care about there issues and what not.
We have a guy right here on this site that says he's the one who actually wrote the code that's giving everyone problems, but so far hasn't been much help in informing us on a fix. Not to bash Him or anything, just saying.
I've worked in software development for over 10 years and I'm willing to bet GM knew of these issues before the first camaro rolled off the line. But some minor issues with bluetooth connections, and USB input isn't big enough to hold up ship dates. I understand that. What irks me is the car is in it's second production year and shit is still broken.

I have a camaro and a 2010 Malibu and the electronics in both cars so far is a joke. But that's another topic for another day, I'm starting to rant a little. So Ill just end with I hope chevy can get this stuff fixed soon.

[Vancelot]

Originally Posted by Darkone

Dude just get an iPod classic. It works great with CC/CE, great sound quality and it gets charged while plugged in (only when the car is running), so you can leave it in the box forever, like I do. I have 55 GB of music in it and no problems indexing and no delay etc etc. It should also be much cheaper than buying/upgrading to a new PDIM.

[SDCamaro10]

Originally Posted by Darkone

Dude just get an iPod classic. It works great with CC/CE, great sound quality and it gets charged while plugged in (only when the car is running), so you can leave it in the box forever, like I do. I have 55 GB of music in it and no problems indexing and no delay etc etc. It should also be much cheaper than buying/upgrading to a new PDIM.

The new hardware and software will be covered under warranty. Had mine replaced already under warranty. If your dealer charges you for a new one, when it has obvious problems...time to find a new dealer.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by Darkone

Dude just get an iPod classic. It works great with CC/CE, great sound quality and it gets charged while plugged in (only when the car is running), so you can leave it in the box forever, like I do. I have 55 GB of music in it and no problems indexing and no delay etc etc. It should also be much cheaper than buying/upgrading to a new PDIM.

Originally Posted by SDCamaro10

The new hardware and software will be covered under warranty. Had mine replaced already under warranty. If your dealer charges you for a new one, when it has obvious problems...time to find a new dealer.

yes, it's a warranty issue.

i talked to a supposed GM Software Tech on the phone while i was at the dealer one day. i told him all the problems i was having, and he told me to get an IPOD. i told him that if all the marketing information and owner's manual had said that it was an IPOD-friendly system ONLY, then i may have bought an IPOD. BUT it says clearly that it plays mp3's off USB flash drives... i already have USB flash drives, so i wont have to spend any more money to listen to my mp3's. this was a MAJOR selling point, especially since we didn't even have the option of an in-dash 6 CD changer where i could have at least burned 4.5GB worth of mp3's to 6 discs and had everything play properly.

i told them to SUCK IT. i want my USB interface to work the way it is described in the owner's manual, with similarities to mp3's being read off burned CD's and similarities to aftermarket stereo units with USB ports.

you can buy an aftermarket car stereo head for less than $200 and it plays mp3's off a USB flash drive with no problems AT ALL.

[SDCamaro10]

Originally Posted by KeepItGreasey

yes, it's a warranty issue.

i talked to a supposed GM Software Tech on the phone while i was at the dealer one day. i told him all the problems i was having, and he told me to get an IPOD. i told him that if all the marketing information and owner's manual had said that it was an IPOD-friendly system ONLY, then i may have bought an IPOD. BUT it says clearly that it plays mp3's off USB flash drives... i already have USB flash drives, so i wont have to spend any more money to listen to my mp3's. this was a MAJOR selling point, especially since we didn't even have the option of an in-dash 6 CD changer where i could have at least burned 4.5GB worth of mp3's to 6 discs and had everything play properly.

i told them to SUCK IT. i want my USB interface to work the way it is described in the owner's manual, with similarities to mp3's being read off burned CD's and similarities to aftermarket stereo units with USB ports.

you can buy an aftermarket car stereo head for less than $200 and it plays mp3's off a USB flash drive with no problems AT ALL.

Right. Whats funny, is that a lot of people are having these issues even with an iPod. I used my iPhone, iTouch, iPod Nano, iPod classic, and iPod Shuffle.. same issue with every single one of them so I hardly believe that technician, not even a bit.

Although it was not a selling point for me, but I did special order my car and paid extra for the connection package so it is quite frustrating to pay that much money for something that has issues like it does. Atleast well be seeing a service bulletin soon, and GM is aware of the problem and is trying to fix it.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by SDCamaro10

Right. Whats funny, is that a lot of people are having these issues even with an iPod. I used my iPhone, iTouch, iPod Nano, iPod classic, and iPod Shuffle.. same issue with every single one of them so I hardly believe that technician, not even a bit.

Although it was not a selling point for me, but I did special order my car and paid extra for the connection package so it is quite frustrating to pay that much money for something that has issues like it does. Atleast well be seeing a service bulletin soon, and GM is aware of the problem and is trying to fix it.

thanks for your help dude!

there is a bulletin out (don't know if i still have it or not)... but it describes all the compatible devices... which ipods work well, which don't... which Zunes you can use... etc

but when it comes to the USB flash drive section of the bulletin it says "Not all USB flash drives are supported." so i sat there with the service manager, called that GM tech and asked him Which USB flash drives are supported?

there was no further information on it.

and again... through good old fashioned troubleshooting and the sharing of information of what we know... C5 prevails by apparently knowing more than GM does on this subject

when i started talking about NTFS and FAT32 drive formats and file formats and IDtag info, the service manager was totally lost. i hate having to teach these people how things work so i can then show them how my device is malfunctioning.

[SDCamaro10]

Originally Posted by KeepItGreasey

thanks for your help dude!

there is a bulletin out (don't know if i still have it or not)... but it describes all the compatible devices... which ipods work well, which don't... which Zunes you can use... etc

but when it comes to the USB flash drive section of the bulletin it says "Not all USB flash drives are supported." so i sat there with the service manager, called that GM tech and asked him Which USB flash drives are supported?

there was no further information on it.

and again... through good old fashioned troubleshooting and the sharing of information of what we know... C5 prevails by apparently knowing more than GM does on this subject

when i started talking about NTFS and FAT32 drive formats and file formats and IDtag info, the service manager was totally lost. i hate having to teach these people how things work so i can then show them how my device is malfunctioning.

Hmm i'll have to do some googling and see if i can find that bulletin.

I totally agree! You would figure that working at a dealership, especially in the service department, the MANAGERS would know a little something. When I went to the dealership, I got pretty much the same thing, except he went on to tell me that I knew more then even the technicians.

C5 is almost an infinite wealth of knowledge. With the different types of people from all backgrounds and the amount of knowledge and know how, and the sharing of that knowledge, is just incredible. I know that if i didnt read these threads, I would have had no idea about any of these problems, im sure.

You guys rock!

[KeepItGreasey]

[Dax1592]

Had my car for a year.....usb has never worked correctly and is getting worse. Waiting for the "cure all" update too.

[Candie]

I got frustrated with my service tech yesterday. The techs couldn't get it to duplicate the issue so they couldn't fix it. GRRR

[CAMAR0]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Unless something has changed, the Camaro doesn't put out enough power though the USB port to power it. It was tried last year before it was realized that the song limit was actually 2,500 songs.

Anyone consider an externally powered usb hub and adapt it to 12v? It should still connect the same.

[dagolfguy]

I've called the dealer and asked them to see if they can locate the TSB. They have not called back, which means to me that they can't. If anyone can put their fingers on this TSB and post up the info it would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks!!!!!

-Dave

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by dagolfguy

I've called the dealer and asked them to see if they can locate the TSB. They have not called back, which means to me that they can't. If anyone can put their fingers on this TSB and post up the info it would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks!!!!!

-Dave

we are all waiting on the TSB... don't think it has been released yet

Originally Posted by Candie

I got frustrated with my service tech yesterday. The techs couldn't get it to duplicate the issue so they couldn't fix it. GRRR

what problems are you having? i may be able to help you duplicate them...

[SDCamaro10]

Originally Posted by Candie

I got frustrated with my service tech yesterday. The techs couldn't get it to duplicate the issue so they couldn't fix it. GRRR

I had to show them myself. Dont count on them to find it for you. When you have the problem, take it in and show them, or put them in the car and do whatever it is you do before the problem starts.

Originally Posted by dagolfguy

I've called the dealer and asked them to see if they can locate the TSB. They have not called back, which means to me that they can't. If anyone can put their fingers on this TSB and post up the info it would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks!!!!!

-Dave

Working on it, will be contacting someone for an update after SEMA.

Originally Posted by KeepItGreasey

we are all waiting on the TSB... don't think it has been released yet

what problems are you having? i may be able to help you duplicate them...

Yup. Will let everyone know once i hear back. Tons of people have experienced multiple problems so let us know(Candie) and maybe we can help.

[greenrail]

Good Lord. I thought I was the only one with an issue with the PDIM.

Mine cuts out after an hour of playing my Zune. Says doesn't recognize device and have to disconnect and reconnect the device to restart it. And it still won't list all the songs on my device which are less than 5000.

Always have to index the device over and over, and doesn't allow Playlists. Sorry IPOD folks, but there are other folks inthis world who haven't imbibed the KoolAid for Ipods.

I like my Zune just fine thank you. If you don't like... Oh Well!

This has been a long time frustration with my car. Just never paid much attention to it and I should know better.

[Cmicasa the Great XvX]

Originally Posted by greenrail

Good Lord. I thought I was the only one with an issue with the PDIM.

Mine cuts out after an hour of playing my Zune. Says doesn't recognize device and have to disconnect and reconnect the device to restart it. And it still won't list all the songs on my device which are less than 5000.

Always have to index the device over and over, and doesn't allow Playlists. Sorry IPOD folks, but there are other folks inthis world who haven't imbibed the KoolAid for Ipods.

I like my Zune just fine thank you. If you don't like... Oh Well!

This has been a long time frustration with my car. Just never paid much attention to it and I should know better.

Have an 80GB Zune and ran into the same damn problem when plugged in to the USB port. Worked fine using the Aux port tho.

I had a 4GB Zune before the 80GB that had no issues, but dropped it. I sent it in under warranty and they gave me the 80 as a replacement. The 80GB would not work properly so I got a friend to lend me her 8 GB Zune and it worker perfectly... no problems. Playlists worked flawlessly. I ordered a refurbished 8GB off Ebay for $70 that has been working perfectly for the last 3 days that I have had it. Indexes once after a Sync. Took about 30 secs with over 2500 mp3s.

So now I have two Zunes. The 8GB will stay in the Camaro and I have upload my entire library on my 80GB for use in my Vette and Tahoe via AUX port or Zune Car adaptor. My Cadillac works perfectly with everything from Flashdrive to Zune, to it's own Hard Drive

[greenrail]

Originally Posted by Libertyforall1776

^ There's your problem right there, you bought a zune! That's kind of like buying the old Cologne-engine Mustangs...

Isn't that one of those Micro$oft devices that "Plays for sure!"?!

Yanno, You need to get some help in learning how to be nice to people.
Dare I say what I really think here.

I didn't ask for your snotty little remark Mr. Lbertyforall!.

All I expect is that my MP3 player work as described.

As such, sorry you can't accept or respect other folk and their choices for music players. I haven't by choice bought into the Apple monolith.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by Libertyforall1776

^ There's your problem right there, you bought a zune! That's kind of like buying the old Cologne-engine Mustangs...

Isn't that one of those Micro$oft devices that "Plays for sure!"?!

you mean his problem is that he's using a device that GM says will work properly in his Owner's Manual?

GM shot itself in the foot on this one.

[greenrail]

Originally Posted by KeepItGreasey

you mean his problem is that he's using a device that GM says will work properly in his Owner's Manual?

GM shot itself in the foot on this one.

Geez, I guess I shouldn't expect so much.

I have taken many of the early teething problems in stride. So when I have an issue of concern, it takes a lot for me to post something like this.

With a silly response like that, I once again realize why I keep quiet a lot of times.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by greenrail

Geez, I guess I shouldn't expect so much.

I have taken many of the early teething problems in stride. So when I have an issue of concern, it takes a lot for me to post something like this.

With a silly response like that, I once again realize why I keep quiet a lot of times.

You should expect your car to work the way www.chevrolet.com/Camaro , any GM published paperwork on your car describes, and the way your Owner's Manual says it's supposed to work.

You should go down to the dealer and DEMAND a fix for this Zune problem. I'm having USB Flash Drive problems. It takes me about 10 minutes to index less than 2,000 mp3's... when I select "Random/Shuffle" - it chooses several folders, and plays files in alphabetical order... and I have tons more issues with it. And the dealer doesn't get that if you can spot a pattern when it's supposed to be "Random", that it's not random at all. I selected "Random" right in front of the Service Manager, showed him how the songs were being played in alphabetical order, and his response was "Well I don't know how it's supposed to work."

Random = Random (not Alphabetical Order)

We're all having problems, and we're waiting on the fix.

They didn't put 6-CD changers in this car because they wanted to push the modern technology and USB interface... for more money.

But they just pushed this one straight out the front door without doing any significant testing. And for non-safety issues, they wont send out recalls to the customers. They sound out TSB's to dealers, so just in case someone comes in with a complaint - they know what to do to fix it. They send out TSB's to the dealers and they PRAY that nobody comes in with complaints... because nothing gets fixed unless you submit a complaint.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by Libertyforall1776

History shows Micro$oft is not exactly known for being an innovator or for ease of use.

talk about ease of use... that's why I was happy to see that I was supposed to be able to play music off a USB Flash Drive... but apparently they couldn't even get that right.

If they designed the PDIM hardware and software to work flawlessly with several models of IPODs, then they should have said so... and admitted that you can listen to music off several other devices, but they would ultimately have operation flaws with this system.

[KeepItGreasey]

Originally Posted by Libertyforall1776

You guys with the Zunes ought to first ensure you have the latest firmware updates for your devices as well...

You guys with GM vehicles oughta make sure you've got the latest hardware & software in your vehicles... to make it work right without having to tweak and play with it to get it to work the way it's supposed to work.

[Lazerbrainz2k3]

Originally Posted by greenrail

Sorry IPOD folks, but there are other folks inthis world who haven't imbibed the KoolAid for Ipods.

I like my Zune just fine thank you. If you don't like... Oh Well!

Originally Posted by Libertyforall1776

^ There's your problem right there, you bought a zune! That's kind of like buying the old Cologne-engine Mustangs...

Isn't that one of those Micro$oft devices that "Plays for sure!"?!

Originally Posted by greenrail

Yanno, You need to get some help in learning how to be nice to people.
Dare I say what I really think here.

I didn't ask for your snotty little remark Mr. Lbertyforall!.

All I expect is that my MP3 player work as described.

As such, sorry you can't accept or respect other folk and their choices for music players. I haven't by choice bought into the Apple monolith.

Is this a private p_ssing contest, or can anyone join in?

greenrail, you post a sneering comment about iPods, then suffer from hurt feelings and a sudden desire that everyone should be excellent to each other when someone badmouths your preferred device. Funny how that works.

You both have enlightened us with the snotty little remarks which incidentally no one asked for from either of you. Congratulations. Now if you don't mind zipping it back up, can we get back to the topic at hand, that NEITHER "monolith"'s device is working all that well?

Thanks.

It's been a whole 2-1/2 weeks since the last significant update on this. Being a child of the generation of instant gratification and an inability to even spell payshence, is there any news to report?

[greenrail]

What ever. We have the right to disagree.

Bottomline is that the PDIM doesn't work well with either device or even thumb drives for that matter.

And I Posted that original remark, exactly because I was expecting someone to Make a derogatory remark about my choice. Seen it on other boards and have been whacked by that garbage before.

Basically a preemptive comment on my part. Sorry it upset you so.

Sometimes it seems like the whole damn Apple vs Microsoft thing gets to be as inflammatory as Politics and Religion.

[KeepItGreasey]

Maybe the forum rules should be amended to include "No discussions of Apple vs Microsoft"

All the nerds will get upset