KaotikPlaya

So this is my 4th install of these between Acura and Hondas. However, on my TL when I hook up my USA SPEC, whenever I hit XM to bring it up, it does absolutely nothing. I plug stock xm wire back in and works perfect. The iPod is showing connected and charging, but then the radio doesn't show it at all. Has anybody had this problem, or know what could be causing it? Any ideas would be appreciated.

KaotikPlaya

Has anybody heard of this happening? It's the second one to do this

erdoc48

I'd assume a faulty USA Spec unit- can you return it for a replacement? Just one question...is it a PA15 HON3 unit (the most current one)?

BukvaMan

did you set the switches correctly ??

erdoc48

Excellent point (forgot about this).

Folder mode + Direct Mode:
1 for Aux (on or off depending on preference if using Aux)
2 Off
3 On
4 Off

Playlist + Direct Mode:
1 for Aux as above
2 Off
3 On
4 On

Good luck!

KaotikPlaya

Yes it is the HON3 version, and this is my 4th install of these. Dip switches are correct, and my ipod says its connected and charging, but the stereo does nothing when I hit XM to switch to it. This is the second one I've tried. Ive already replaced it once. So I haven't a clue what could be causing it

JDMLOVE

I just installed one of these this past weekend and had an issue and first but realized the SPEC harness wasn't plugged in all the way. It took quite a bit force but it finally "clicked" and now it works flawless. Maybe you have a faulty harness or its not plugged in all the way. Get a meter and check your pins end to end. GL

fleetwolf90

iTrader: (1)

I'm having the same exact issue with my PA15-HON3. It worked for over a year correctly in any mode (Aux, Playlist, Folder) and then just quit responding at all. Dip switches are set correctly. When dip switches are set to either playlist mode (1-Off, 2-Off, 3-On, 4-On) the radio locks up entirely and the FM/AM and XM buttons freeze. I also noticed that when the ignition is off my IPhone alternates back and forth from charge mode to non-charge mode every 2 seconds.

I called USA-SPEC and talked through the issue and they diagnosed it as a bad cable from the unit to the IPhone. I received the replacement cable and still have the same issues.

I just got off the phone with tech support at USA-SPEC again and they were baffled as well. They now want me to send the entire system to them for evaluation. We all know that requires removing trim and a signficant amount of work. I don't want to pursue that option if the root cause is something totally unrelated.

Hopefully someone can chime in with a similar experience and solution.

erdoc48

It is entirely possible the main unit of the USA Spec is bad. In my wife's prior car (a Cadillac CTS), the right channel kept cutting out when playing from the USA Spec. It was a faulty unit that was replaced under warranty. As much of a pain as it is, it'll likely be easier to return the unit and have it repaired or replaced then to try to continually troubleshoot why it's not working. What I would also recomend is running the cables such that the main unit resides in the lower center console, so if it again needs servicing, it's easy to get to. I did a recent relocation of mine along with a Bluetooth adapter, so it wasn't all that much work (maybe an hour or so):

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/my-bluetooth-audio-streaming-installation-885653/

fleetwolf90

iTrader: (1)

After troubleshooting with USA-Spec tech over the phone multiple times and replacing the cables to and from the module, I discovered that the problem lies with my IPhone4. I plugged my son's Nano in and it works flawlessly which points me to the IPhone4. This explains why the system worked for over a year and then instantly quit working. It acts like a software update made the phone incompatible. I did upgrade to IOS 6.1.3 but can't remember if that's exactly when the system stopped working.

I searched Acurazine and other sites for anyone who has experienced similar issues and can't find any chatter on this subject.

Does anyone have any ideas or input?

erdoc48

In this case, I'd just get a Bluetooth module, connect it to the AUX port on the USA Spec (generally, the BT adapters come with an adaptor cable that connects 2 RCA plugs to a 3.5 mm jack, use a female to female coupler, and you're all done) , and bluetooth stream the music from iPhone to your system (it's a cheap, easy way to have BT streaming in the car, and you'll be very happy you did it). I did this several months ago and really don't use the iPod at all (use Pandora predominantly).

Spene

Different problem, but mine crapped out a few months ago to where it sounds like the 3.5 mm jack is only plugged in half way- super low volume and crappy sound. I assume it's the USA spec, what is the warranty on these things?

erdoc48

I believe the warranty is one year