I have a 4th gen iPod with a brand new battery. I also have the USB/aux iPod y-cable. The MINI does not seem to be able to keep the iPod charged. If the battery was not brand-new, I'd point to that being the problem, so that's not it.


According to the MINI flyer that discusses the iPod interface, it is SUPPOSED to charge the iPod (the 4th Gen/software 1.2.1 is fully supported). It will POWER the iPod but it doesn't seem to have enough juice to keep it fully charged. So when I come back to the car and start it, the iPod has fully discharged, and just starts playing the first song on my playlist, instead of resuming where it had left off. Or sometimes, it's SO dead that it takes a few minutes for it to get enough juice to even power up.

I did several searches and found others with the same problem. Assuming I'm not the only one, has MINI ever addressed the fact that their hardawre does not do what it was advertised as doing?

 

I also have the iPod/Bluetooth and it won't charge my iPod Touch 2G. Also, when I open the door, I always see that my iPod is on. Is my iPod actually draining my car battery while not in use?

Should I unplug my iPod whenever I leave the car?

 

See this thread for some explanations especially post #3

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=155162

 

my ipod does the same. It is frustrating and a pain in the ****. I've started unplugging it when i turn off the car because despite what i have read here on other threads it absolutely does NOT charge. Why else would the screen say "low battery" on the ipod when i come in the next morning or whatever and the ipod won't connect immediately. It has to charge for "awhile" before it connects and allows me to use it. The question is...why doesn't the ipod turn off when the car goes off?

 

My ipod video works perfectly in my '09 - it always charged and always resumes playing the last song in my playlist when I return to the car. Never had an issue with it!

Just a thought - is your USB half of the Y cable fully plugged in? This may be where its getting the charging power.

 

Thought the same thing. But it has always been plugged in. Didn't change if i unplugged and plugged back in. Was never loose or partially in. I'm wondering if its the cable or a problem with the usb port. I know the battery is good in the ipod because it lasts 3 days of normal use when i'm not using it in the car. I'm taking ziggy in over the holidays to get the hood scoop replaced...i might ask them to take a look at it. I am certain the ipod is not charging when the car is off yet the ipod stays on because it has a connection in its main port...

 

I am a HUGE fan of both my MINI and Apple products, but if I had to blame anything I would blame the iPod. The MINI to iPod USB cable is not designed to charge the iPod touch or the iPhone and they advertise this fact. As for the earlier iPods that are having this problem, I would look to the iPod and/or the iPod battery. I know you got your battery new. From whom? From Apple? Did Apple install the new battery or did you? If you want to be sure that it is the car or the car's cable and not the iPod, try borrowing a friend's iPod that you know holds a charge and see if the problem persists.

As for MINI's hardware doing what they advertise, it does...unless it is broken...which happens...in which case you have them fix it.

Good luck and please let us know what you find out.