It seems as if the navigation voice doesn't work anymore in my 2004 MDX. Instead it just makes a crackling noise every time it should be saying a command.

I've just noticed this over the weekend. I did hear a little crackling behind the voice a couple of weeks ago when I used it but now it is just crackling and no voice.

All interior speakers play Cd/Radio/Music just fine.

Any idea of what this could be?

Thanks in advance guys.

The nav unit sends the audio signal to the headunit along with a mute signal.

This total 3 wires.

If these 3 wires are in tact and are not loose anywhere then it could be a problem with either the nave unit or radio.

I'd be leaning more towards wiring problem or maybe nav unit though.


No other crackling noises coming from stereo correct?



If you have uninstalled or messed with any wiring in either the trunk near the nav unit or the headunit you might have slightly pulled one of the audio cables from either.

Anything like that recently before it started the crackling or around the same time?

Well I do have a system in the back but it is tapping the factory sub and nothing was touched behind the headunit or nav unit (which is located under the front passenger seat).

I've had the system for over a year and this just happened recently. Stereo sounds fine. I did notice a slight crackle in the navigation voice a few weeks ago and from there it gradually got worse and now is completely out, just crackles.

Think that could be the wire becoming loose due to the bass of the system?

check the plugs at the nav unit under the seat to make sure they are all in correctly and the wiring is not pulled out of the plugs.

maybe someone kicked something or shoved tsomething under the seat



crackling that progressively got worse definitely sounds like a wiring problem though.

it means she wants to break up with you so she doesnt want to say anything to lead you on

Good idea, i'll check that out.

Shameless bump, still have yet to tackle this issue and have no idea where to start.

A guy in the 1st gen RL section had the dame problem and it wound up being a faulty bab unit. Might want to read that thread or reach out to him.

There ate diagnostic menus u can access as well by holding down 3 of the 4 buttons. Google that for your car on how to do it. I forgot the procedure. Sorry

Well finally sent the drive to Alpine yesterday, hoping for the best!