Problem with Icelink and XM Direct
 

Let me start by saying what a fabulous resource this site is. I have only had my X5 for just over 2 weeks, and this site has been invaluable!

Now for my problem. I received and installed the XM Direct Kit and Icelink a couple days ago (thanks for the great service Tom!). When I plug everything in - all is fine. However, after I have been listening to either the ipod or the satellite for a while, the other no longer appears as an option when I cycle Mode on the radio. Once I was able to get them back by shutting off the engine and restarting, but the other two times I had to physically disconnect the devices and plug them back in.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I have a 2003 X5 3.0, no NAV, no DSP.

Thanks in advance for any help with this.

Mike

Interesting - it seems the radio isn't discovering the XM Direct (first piece in the link). Were the battery cables removed before the initial installation?

The radio does discover both at first, and I am able to switch back and forth between ipod and satellite. It is only after I have listened to one or the other for a "while" (don't know how long it takes, exactly) then the radio seems to forget the other (i.e. if I've been to Sat, I can no longer switch to ipod. The opposite is also true).

I did not remove the battery cables prior to install. I had seen some directions online that said to do this and others that did not mention this step. I followed the ones that did not mention it, and all seemed to work when everything was plugged it (at least initially).

Mike

It seems that it was not initialized properly, I would start by removing the cables and reinstaling. Touching the cables for a few seconds (while disconnected from the battery) ensures that all power is drained from the system.

Ok, I'll give that a try. Should I disconnect everything before disconnecting / reconnecting the battery - or doesn't it matter?

Mike

Leave the devices connected during the battery reset.

Still not working....
 

Tom, thanks so much for your quick replies.

Ok, I finally tried disconnecting the battery last night. Bigger job than I expected, as I didn't realize I'd have to remove the spare tire bracket (whatever it's called) also in order to reach the battery.

After disconnecting the battery I touched the cables together for a few seconds, then re-assembled. The clock and trip counter all reset (as expected) but I was surprised that I didn't lose my radio presets or garage door opener (was the power not completely drained, or are these stored differently?).

I checked that both the Ipod and XM were recognized and went to bed. This morning before I started my commute, I again checked to ensure both were recognized. I then listened to my Ipod for my 1 hour drive to work. When I got to the office, I checked before turning off the engine and XM was gone again :confused: !!!

Is it possible I didn't drain the battery enough???

Mike

The issue can be with one of the units, I would try running with one of the devices (XM or ice>Link, but not both) to isolate which is causing the specific problem.

I thought of that too....

But in order to replicate the problem I need them both running. Each one, ipod and xm, works fine independently - the problem is that I eventually lose the one I'm not listening to. I would never see this problem if I didn't try to switch to the other to see if it were still there.

Or am I misinterpreting your suggestion?

That is odd, there are many people running both devices with no problems. If you would like, we can test your setup on our test bench as well as one of our vehicles to see if we get the same results.