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Volvo S40 Audio/Entertainment Systems
I have a 2005 S40 with the optional factory 6-CD changer (12 spkrs, 325 watts total). The system sounds great, but there were intermittent times when the changer couldn't mechanically switch between cd's. You could hear it trying, then give up with an error code. Eventually, the unit would succeed - until now. My cd player now says "deck error" and it hasn't been able to mount a cd. I took it to the dealer and they're going to replace it (I'm 21.5 k into my warranty). Has anyone else had a similar issue? I'm hoping that maybe this was just an early generation problem and the replacement will have a longer life.
Thoughts?
Tom
Thoughts?
Tom
0
Comments
The replacement changer works better (apparently) than the original - quieter, smoother sounding mechanicals. I'm hopeful...
Congrats on the MPGs! I have a 5-speed 2.4i and on the highway I've been getting 34 and my suburban commute's been averaging 26-27! Amazing and unexpected, but welcome! Guess I'll hold off on selling this for the Prius ;->.
Except for the changer problem the car's been great. It's my first Volvo, but I've driven others and always felt comfortable in them.
Your experience?
A solution: put the phone on silent.
Another solution: accept that is the performance - they both ring. I think it's a phone issue - but you can probably argue it's the bluetooth unit. It's the old is the software or the os argument. Manage the phone and the issue resolves itself.
Of course I have resorted to muting the phone manually, but I typically have to hop in and out of the car a half dozen times a day, and having to remember to mute and unmute the handset each time is a nuisance.
Of course, Motorola says it is a carrier-related problem, and Verizon Wireless says it is a hardware problem. Both are at a loss to explain why it did work OK for several weeks. I guess my only option is to have the dealer replace the car kit, which should hopefully resolve the problem.
The only disappointment thus far is the new Dynaudio digital sound system, which is simply not only not as good as the Dynaudio in the C70, but also not as good as the Premium analog system in my 2007 V50. The high end response may be marginally cleaner than the latter, thanks to the Class D digital amplification (Dynaudio licenses the ICE power technology from a division of Bang & Olufsen), but the low end response is very weak compared to the 2007 V50 Premium system, even with the latter's subwoofer disabled.
I don't think that adding the dealer-installed subwoofer option to the 2008 S40 Dynaudio will help it appreciably, since it is largely ineffectual in the V50. The only upside to this problem is that the new Dynaudio system didn't cost any more than the old Premium system.
My best guess is that the Dynaudio system was designed with the supplementary integrated subwoofers of the C70 in mind and doesn't work well without them without further design tweaking. Unfortunately, the dealer-installed trunk subwoofer simply doesn't deliver the same performance as the C70 integrated in-cabin ones. My V50's Premium system doesn't sound appreciably different with or without the subwoofer.
In theory, it might be possible to improve the frequency response of the Dynaudio digital system with a firmware upgrade, but whether the unit is actually capable of accepting software upgrades is unknown to me. It is certainly something I will be looking into.
I am currently experimenting with tweaking the frequency response through the equalizer settings, but as any experienced audiophile knows, this is not wholly effective if the low frequency drivers' response is not very good to begin with. In any event, it is a minor complaint with an otherwise superb vehicle.
Being one of those intermittent things, the dealer couldn't duplicate it, but they did a software upgrade and said that should fix it. It didn't, and the next time I brought it in, they claimed to have changed the unit. That didn't fix it either. Has anyone experienced this, and have a solution for it?
thanks for your time,
Dave
Same CD when it happens? Burned CD-R or store bought? Perhaps something is overheating and it just turns off, which defaults it to AM/FM? Maybe it's one of the slots in the cd-changer?
-Brian
Another odd thing with the stereo is that whenever I select any radio preset, the sound level drops down slightly and the console display asks if I want to "exit". If I select exit, the message clears and the volume goes back to normal.
If I do nothing the console message eventually goes away and volume returns to normal. I have read the manual a few times, and can't find any info on this, or the point to this. I've never seen it on another car stereo.
FWIW, most CD players will occasionally have trouble with computer CDs, as they are slightly thinner without graphics printed on them. Avoid using press on labels, as they can jam inside the CD changer, and repair work is not covered under warranty.
Off topic: Is there a way to get an email notification that alert when there are new posts to this thread?
cheers,
Dave
Yes. Under the messages just above the post box are several links - one says either Watch This Discussion or, if you are already "watching" it, Change Watching. Click on that link (whichever it says) and you will see a check box to request email notifications of new posts.
Thanks
I have some copied *.CDA songs which the car likes just fine so apparently the player prefers Sony computer CDs over anything esle. I read somewhere in this site that the thickness of the CDs play a part.
Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Please let me know!
Thanks
Val
Verbatim CD-R media, if that matters.
-Brian
Thanks for raising my hopes!
I also found that CD text works when you make a regular audio (non-mp3/wma) CD in Nero. (I still need a few of those for DW's van.) The track name shows up on the S40's display, just like when you play an mp3/wma disc.
-Brian
I'm computer savvy, but apparently not Volvo savvy.
What speed should I try? 8x?
I know it will play copied CDs but I'm wondering if the manuals are stock and the player the car has is damaged. The other weird thing is that it doesn't update the FM song titles... at all.. If I unselect the text option, then the info in the big letters on top are current.
I prefer CD over FM any given day... provided I can make them work.
Not all FM stations do song titles. At least in my area.
My T5 also has the Sirius option, which I listen to 95% of the time.
-Brian
wonder if its improved in the past few years. also, historical brake issues with S40, i know- i had two in the last decade. any better on yours or later years?
Acting as if something isn't aligned.
Car is 2007 S40. Is it worth getting repaired? Something I could easily fix myself? Or getting a new audio system? If the latter, are there decent 3rd party systems that won't break the bank?
TIA,
Paul