Hi everyone!

So, last Spring I installed the aux input into my MCS. Worked like a charm! The stereo instantly recognized the aux input and I was able to connect my iPod. Happy motoring! Last month I started up my MINI and noticed that the aux mode was not available! D'oh! Please note, this was after not driving for around a month in the early part of Winter, so the battery discharged quite a bit (yeah, yeah... I'm using a battery conditioner now ). I've done everything I can think of to try to remedy this. I've unplugged and replugged it. I've disconnected and connected my battery. Also, I've confirmed that the wiring harness is fine. I installed it on another MINI and it works perfectly. Does anyone have any idea why this happened and how I might go about resolving it?

BTW, I simply popped the knee bolster beneath the steering wheel and reached behind the stereo to insert the wiring harness into the back of the stereo. Yeah, there's no need to remove down tubes and pull out the stereo. Why spend $200 or more at your dealership to have them drill holes in your glove box? Click here for the instructions I used, care of Sean Bartnik. Thanks Sean!

All the best!

 

Do a search for ground loop. I think you'll find what you're looking for, its a simple mod, costs $15 and takes only a few min., which is exactly why I've been putting it off. lol. My issue is intermittent, you might want to see if the aux. will work w/ a different device before doing a GFI

 

Hey Motor On! I appreciate your advice, but I can't see how that's the problem. Regardless of whether or not I plug my iPod in on the other end of the line, the aux mode is just not showing up. Also, how is it the aux mode is working just fine in my friend's MINI? I'm so confused! It just seems like the stereo needs to be reset, or something.

BTW, I came across a cool, and small, Ground Loop Isolator. Click here to check it out. I'll give this a try and see what happens.

Thank you!

 

Car was parked for about 3-4 weeks to avoid horrible salt and cindered roads, now the aux function is very finicky. Would love to hear a simple solution! I use the aux for my Sirius radio since I do not get the greatest FM reception from the HK radio???

 

Aux mode only shows up when the head unit detects a signal. If nothing is connected on aux input, the mode will never show up. A ground loop problem can fool the head unit into thinking that nothing is there. The ground loop isolator is first thing to try.

 

not true. my aux input shows up on my HU even when nothing
is plugged into the input.

 

Same here, since the day I installed the kit I have been able to get to Aux mode regardless of having any device, or even a bare wire plugged in. In fact I have to keep reminding myself to pull the patch cord out of the input when my Ipod isnt in the car cause it keeps hitting the screws in my cupholder and making a horrific noise come through my speakers

 

You're right, I was thinking of something else. I would try unplugging and replugging the connector at the back of the head unit, and also the ground loop isolator.

 

/agree

AUX shows on mine whether or not something is plugged in.

However... The AUX does go out from time to time. I thought the plug came lose and would just unplug/replug.. Fine. It did it again though and the replugging didn't help... Several replugs later it worked.

Happened again at the Grove and I just knew that it couldn't be from it coming lose back there. So I just unplugged it from my Ipod and it showed back up. For some reason when I plug the AUX directly into my Ipod with it charging it'll go out at times. If I connect it using the Auto Kit or not having my Ipod charing it seems to do just fine.

 

I've experienced a problem using an iPod connected to a ten technologies flex dock. for no apparent reason, the aux just shut down and disappeared from the HU. after several disconnects/reconnects it was back. this went on several times, all in one day, and not since. dealer says that it might be that when the iPod is fully charged the continuing charge from the flexdock could somehow back into the HU and shut down the aux. I've used the same setup for sometime before and since with a fuuly charged iPod without any problem except for that one day. i dunno.

 

It's weird...

Cause it happens off and on. For me.

When I first connected it all and was using the charger and connecting the Ipod directly to the AUX using the headphone jack it all worked. It wasn't until at least a full day later when it happened... At first I thought the plug got loose from a bump on the road as I drive my car hard, as some would say.

At one time I unplugged/replugged and it worked but then shut off once I closed the thing under the steering wheel which led me farther to believe it was from bumps that the AUX would disconnect. But seeing how it never was loose I found it hard to believe.

And it would disconnect when driving, I would undo the panel and disconnect/reconnect while driving.. Sure it might be dangerous but more so it gave me a headache. So I thought: Maybe if I just disconnect the Ipod it might work? And it did.

I don't know why it does, especially why it doesn't happen consistently. But knowing the problem and how to fix it easily is all I need to know so.. =D

 

The wiring may have frayed somewhere, thus causing a short. For those having intermittent failures, check the wiring along the whole length of the Aux Cable.

retroom

 

I have a brand new Aux cable and am having this same problem. It seemed fine until I hit a bump in the road and ever since it goes in and out. Its frustrating. Sometimes unplugging and replugging helps, sometimes not. Any solutions?

 

Man, I really should listen to you guys. I bought the $16 ground loop isolater at Radio Shack last night, plugged it in and everything magically worked. Who would have figured? Thanks again NAM. They really should include the isolater with the aux chord if it is a common problem.

 

Do you still have the Radio Shack part number?

 

I never had it, I just walked in and asked for a ground loop isolator. I think that you can go to their website and search for it as well.