Mitsubishi Outlander Navigation and Electronics

tidester

We're consolidating related discussions into a single topic including, e.g. radios, stereos, navigation, communication and so on. Enjoy!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

metuchenscale

My salesman said it could be done so I could play my I-Pod directly into the radio. I pre-paid the addition, but the parts people are unsure which part will work. Does anyone have any experience with this mod, or know the correct part #?

rjxg

I use a Sansa mp3 player, which uses a 3.5mm jack. I have the Navi and Rockford Fosgate stereo. The dealer may have another/better solution but here is what worked for me.

I purchased a special retractable cable (3.5mm to 2 RCA jacks). If you put the Navi unit on AUX, it will take the infeed from the RCA jacks located behind the middle arm rest (in the rear passenger foot area). just use your mp3 player as normal.-it will not display any info on the head unit. The name of the jack is th Zip-Linq compact audio 3.5 mm M-RCA, I got it at cables4computer.com. Its not a perfect solution, but works for now. I am in awe at why a 3.5mm jack wasn't built into the system?

spyderone

I may be wrong on this, but in another forum there is a picture when the navi screen is open to access the cd player. On the bottom of the screen is a jack. Looks like a jack to plug in an ipod or mp3 player. I don't have an Outlander so I can't check and I am just going off a picture.

rcpax

if ghettofabulous still visits this forum, i know he/she has some info about the ipod jack.

rjxg

I tried that with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack while the unit was down in the load cd position and in AUX and it didn't work. I had to leave the head of the unit down to fit the jack in. The clearance won't allow for the jack to be in place when the unit is in normal position. Maybe there is a flat adapter, but looking at the clearance it would have to be very thin.

mucool

I have an iriver clix mp3 player and I have tried both things , the jack at the bottom of the nav screen and the RCA video input below the middle arm rest, couldn't get it to work either ways . I am wondering if its mp3 player dependent (if Sansa worked). Was confused with the "Full Test" review on edmunds "Jack for portable MP3 playback is hidden behind head unit. Dealer can hook it up for a fee or, if you're handy, you can figure it out yourself".

ginobili_fan

You can't use a component hookup to get your IRiver to work? I bought a component adapter (one of those with the red, white, and blue ends) to hook up into the backside of the middle arm-rest section. This hooks right up to my IPod and plays through the stero. Hopefully that made sense?

mucool

Nope. Doesn't seem to work for me. I am using the following audio cable (Featured Accessories).Should've been straightforward! Need to spend some more time figuring this out :confuse:

ghettofabulous

The jack on the bottom of the open navi screen does not work. This is not the place to plug in for the ipod. The aux jacks are located at the bottom of the center console in the back seat. I used cables from Best Buy. See link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4117672&st=audio+cable&lp=15&type=- product&cp=1&id=1051384698297
Ipod also sells Ipod AV cables which are "compatible with all ipod models with color display." We plugged an "old skool" mini ipod in with these cables and it also worked. After you plug in the cables and connect to the earphone jack in your ipod, be sure to touch "aux" on the navi screen. You will not see the music on the screen. You have to control music selection through the ipod.

I hope this helps.

mucool

Seems like the link does not work in my last post(if it does not work this time too, my apologies):

Nope. Doesn't seem to work for me. I am using the following audio cable.Should've been straightforward! Need to spend some more time figuring this out

ginobili_fan

The link still didn't work. Try what Ghetto suggested above. That is how I play my MP3 Player in my Outlander and it works fine. I'm guessing it should work the same with an iRiver player.

mucool

I borrowed a friend's mini IPOD and that worked just fine with the setup outlined by ghettofab (including my audio cables). I had to turn up the volume a bit on the audio system. I wonder if my Iriver not working was just a volume mismatch!! I will check that again. But it works~~ maybe just time to change my mp3 player ! Thanks for the help here folks!

blackb13

As an audiophile and former MECP installer (6yrs), this problem has been driving me up the wall lately. The radio will decrease the higher frequency (treble) and then fade back into being crystal clear. The SUV doesn't even have to be moving for it to do it.

For example:

I'm listening to a rock song. The song is crystal clear with the "highs" sounding crisp and clean. Then all of a sudden, the "highs" will decrease and the sound is now dulled and crappy sounding. The volume remains the same, but the clarity is gone. It sounds like the radio is automatically turing the treble all the way to the negative, and then back up...every 20-30 seconds!!!

I've tried every setting in the book, remained parked, moving, etc... It doesn't matter which stations, FM/AM, etc...

This only occurs while listening to the radio (am/fm) and does NOT occur while listening to the HDD or CD system.

Please listen to your radio and tell me you're experiencing the same thing!!! This problem needs to be fixed! Do I HAVE to go back to the dealer?

Concerned in Chicago,

Steve

rcpax

On my side, I don't have that problem. I am 100% totally satisfied with the sound system. Can you reproduce the problem with Sirius?

marrigo13

Yup, I have the exact same problem on my LS. It's driving me crazy. Just like you, I only have the issue with the radio, not the CD. Sounds like someone hits a muffle button or something. It does this both when the radio's speed volume control is on or off. I was afriad mine was an isolated incident. At least now it seems like it may be a production problem with some of the radios so maybe Mitsubishi will get a service bulletin out on it.

I did bring mine to the dealer. They tested the speakers and found them to be in working order. I took it for a test drive with them and was able to reproduce the problem. They suggested waiting to see if a service bulletin came out before they started pulling the sound system apart tying to locate the problem.

I'm going to write Mitsubishi informing them of the problem.

rcpax

From both of your complaints I figured this might be an issue with the radio head unit. Mine came with the Navi, so this might a different model. The good thing about writing direct to Mitsu is that they can call your dealership and give them technical info on how to go about diagnosing your car. So that's way faster than waiting for a service bulletin.

mitsudriver

I have the base radio system with the six disk cd deck.
I use an Ipod. I bought an Monster IcarPlay FM Transmitter/charger. I plug it into the power outlet upfront, under the dash. It works great! The sound quality is very close to using a cd. I can't tell the difference myself but I'm not a audiophile. I like the fact that it charges my Ipod as well as letting me listen. Monster makes differt models for your type of Ipod. It interfaces thru the USB port on my Ipod, I dont have to connect anything to the audio jack. I got mine for $17.00 on Amazon.com plus shipping.
http://www.monstercable.com/mp3/

ctgrady

I have the same problem. I have taken to the dealer three times already. They have only replaced the antenna on the back of the vehicle and this has done nothing. They have admitted that other dealerships have seen the problem and they don't have a fix. Ah, sounds like they need to upgrade me to the nav system . I will be calling them again tomorrow.

random42

I am having the same problem as well.
I thought it was just a reception problem but I guess it is more.

I haven't spoken to the dealer about it yet.

Has anyone noticed any problems with Satellite?

mitsudriver

One more sidebar, I see that some of the other manufactures are making FM transmitters with RDS that will allow you to see the track and artist info on the radio or nav screen. I can't vouch for this one but here is a link.
http://us.kensington.com/html/11206.html
If anyone is using one with RDS please post, I'm wondering if it will work as good as the Monster brand did in my Outlander!

marrigo13

Sent a letter one week ago regarding the radio problem. So far no response. Anyone have an idea how long it typically takes for Mitsubishi to get back to customers who write in with an issue?

djlono

I am having the same problem. For me it is a reception issue. I haven't spoken to the dealer yet. Any answer from Mitsubishi?

marrigo13

Nope, I called Mitsu last Friday asking why I had not heard from them. They informed me that they would contact me when the received the letter. Still no contact. I'm giving them until tomorrow, which will be two weeks, then they are getting another call.

ws01

Guys, I don't have Outlander but I have been browsing this forum for some reviews and opinions.
In one of my cars I have Blupunkt receiver that has a feature that is described per manual:
"The HiCut function has the effect of reducing interference noise during poor radio reception. If interference occurs,
the system automatically reduces the treble thus reducing the interference level"
In this particular unit you can turn it on and off or even set sensitivity.
I thought, I would share...
Listen to the radio again and see if that "HICUT" appears when reception is a bit worse than normal.

blackb13

Thanks for the suggestion! I think however that we have a different situation here. There is no "hicut" that appears on the screen. This problem is not affected by reception. It happens when I'm parked in my garage and doesn't matter which station I listen to.

txoutlander

I ordered and received a 2007 Outlander XLS with navigation system and accessory rear entertainment system (RES). The navigation package was installed at the port in L.A., and according to the dealer the RES "should have been installed there as well, but wasn't". So the dealer installed the RES system. This being the first 2007 Outlander that they had sold, they didn't seem to know a whole lot about the different options and configurations available. I suspect that I did not get the RES that Mitsubishi intended for the 07 Outlander and believe the dealer just sent it to a local car audio shop for whatever system they had. This is b/c the rear DVD player does NOT play audio through the main audio system of the car when I put the front navi unit in "Aux" mode. The RES DVD player will only play audio through the headphones or on an FM frequency. Worse still, when I set my stereo to either of the FM frequencies reserved by RES, the audio reception is poor and full of static.

I know there are some differences in options between the LS and XLS (no option for factory navi and factory RES on XLS) and (no center console 110V AC outlet on XLS).

So my questions are this: Anyone out there have an XLS with navi and RES? If so, what is the make/model of the RES DVD player? (mine is a Rosen A8). Does the RES audio play over the car stereo speakers when you put the front head unit in Aux mode? Did the dealer install the RES?

Possibly related, I do not have the RCA type auxillary input ports on the bottom of the arm-rest. If I take off the center console's back cover there are some open quick connector type wiring harnesses. Could this be something else that was missed at the dealer or port? Or the console aux ports this only something that comes with the Sun & Sound package? The RES DVD player has RCA aux ports, but then my MP3 patch cables are going to be hanging down from the ceiling all the time... ugh.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for your guidance.

txoutlander

Has anyone tried to pull the hard drive from the navigation unit (mitsubishi multi communication system) and look on it? I would love to hook it up as an external drive on my PC and see what format the music is stored in, how the phone numbers in the address book are stored, dates in the calendar, etc. It would be great to dump all my music files, phone numbers, and important date reminders onto here all at once instead of manually entering them while in the car.

I'm also curious how GPS data will be updated as maps change.

And of course - look at upgrading to a larger capacity hard drive...

Has anyone made an attempt at this?

rcpax

From what I understand, the files are in MP3 format but uses proprietary compression, and cannot be read back by standard MP3 players. Although yes, I too am curious about the data file structure.

GPS data is by Navteq, but browsing through the Navteq site, I can't find the 07 Outlander among their list of OEM vehicles. Maybe to be updated later. But with regards to maps, Navteq has a Map Reporter tool (or something like that), where you can actually send a request to Navteq to update a certain portion of the map. Like in my area, some of the new homes and newly created streets are not yet on the map, so I plan to send a request to Navteq to have this part of the map updated. And they're suppose to include the newly updated map as part of an annual update CD, which for some makes like GM, are being sold for $100+. I am not sure though how things are with Mitsu. But I am hoping map updates through the dealership during the 5 yr new vehicle warranty will be free.

Gracenote CDDB too has free updates, just in case you have a couple of new CDs not in the database. Haven't tried it yet, but I found out you can actually update it yourself using a self-created update CD.

Larger capacity drive? Sounds cool. :shades: Too bad my DIY skills are a little bit rusty. And maybe we can have RDS hacked too and have it enabled for Navi FM tuners. I have this feeling it's in there, waiting to be unlocked.

rcpax

From what I understand from your post, you ordered an XLS with no factory options, is this correct? And you just had the Navi and the RES installed on the vehicle. So I guess this would explain why you didn't have the RCA jacks. I am not too sure from what package is the RCA jacks included, but my XLS with Navi and S&S have those RCA jacks.

This is b/c the rear DVD player does NOT play audio through the main audio system of the car when I put the front navi unit in "Aux" mode.

I was told by the dealer, and have read in one of Mitsu's press releases that in factory installed RES, you can actually watch the DVD playback in the Navi screen from the RES. What's not clear to me though is if it's at all possible to do this trick with a dealer installed RES. But my feeling is that because they made that statement, that it's not at all possible to watch the RES video in the Navi screen on a dealer installed RES. I guess this has something to do with the wiring.

I suspect that I did not get the RES that Mitsubishi intended for the 07 Outlander and believe the dealer just sent it to a local car audio shop for whatever system they had.

This is what the genuine OEM RES system should look like. Is this similar to what's installed in your Outlander?



Also, I would have liked the 110v outlet on my XLS, although for now I don't really see a real need for it other than using my home outlet cellphone charger, and not buying an extra 12v charger just for car use. But I guess rather than being charged extra, buying a good inverter would be a better, and cheaper.

rcpax

Quick search revealed this:


Rosen A8

So I bet you don't have the genuine OEM RES. Too bad, we could have confirmed if RES playback was indeed possible on a dealer installed genuine OEM RES. Did you signed for a genuine Mitsubishi RES? Because if it was me, I'd take it back to the dealer and have it replaced with 100% original Mitsu parts.

blackb13

Informed MMNA corporate and the dealer of the problem. The dealer "couldn't replicate the problem," but he did believe me when I was describing the issue. Apparently, MMNA is thinking that it might be a problem with the am/fm reception that is causing the issue. Because I called corporate ahead of time, the dealer was fully aware of the problem and told me that MMNA might be looking at a different radio/software that might fix the problem.

Once again, if you're noticing this problem, then I suggest calling your dealer and MMNA so they can find a solution.

madisonmini

Had the same problem with my XLS not having the rear DVD installed at the port. However, my local dealer did not trust their own guys to install it and sent my car to Milwaukee to have a national group install the DVD. It's apparently better than the original a Rosen T10. I'm expecting it later today, and I'll let you know.

dodo2

I have seen the XLS with factory installed RES. In Canada the NAVI and RES are bundled together in a package, available only on the XLS ($4,000 CAD). One thing I noticed is that the headliner is different than the one in the models without the RES. I suspect that if they install it properly, they would have to replace the headliner too.

metuchenscale

I wrote 1st post. I had dealer write 'i-Pod promise' in contract. Dealer had a 'detailer' install an i-Pod adapter that also powers the 1-Pod. It disables the i-Pod volume control (use radio volume control), and plays thru an unused FM button directly into the radio (not thru the antenna). I have the lighter free to power my cell phone. I have the special 'base' model outlander, but I tinted the windows, and now w/ the i-Pod, I am more pleased w/ the car (3,000 miles).

marrigo13

Update. I talked with MMNA on Friday. According to the customer service rep I talked with, they are aware of the issue and trying to track down the cause. They indicated it would be taken care of with a service bulletin, and that the bulletin would likely be out within the next two to three months.

mitsudriver

I have the base radio with the six cd changer.
I live in Pittsburgh and we have alot of local FM stations.
I'm not happy with the radio reception.
I have owned many cars and have never had this problem.
The radio fades in and out with the highs cutting out just as others have posted. Also many station don't even play in stereo. I will be watching this post, please let me know want Mitsu says about this problem.

blackb13

Make sure you call MMNA to report your problem. They need to fix this sooner rather then later. The more people that have an issue, the quicker things get resolved.

rcpax

And since you guys brought up this issue, I'm starting to notice it in my Navi unit radio. When the car gets moving it'll get a little muffled, which I would describe as a loss of volume (a little bit, about 1-2 level lower) and a loss of treble. I wouldn't notice it if I was concentrating on the road but since I am aware of this issue, I took particular notice and indeed there'd be times it would act up.

I have not tried turning off the speed compensated volume control. I still have to see if this could be the culprit. It is set to "ON" by default.

mitsu2005

About three months after I purchased my 2005 Outlander, my radio reception dropped out. I could still get some FM stations okay, but I lost all AM reception. After taking in to the dealer, they found the "AM amplifier" defective and replaced it. The radio then worked fine for the last 16 months until last night when I lost my AM reception again. The AM amplifier is located under the base of the antenna inside the vehicle.

Does anyone think there could be an electrical problem or a problem with the cable running to the radio that is subject to electrical interference or surges of some sort? I am going to get this repaired again, but it is getting a bit annoying...

ctgrady

I am still having problem. I have bombarded the dealer, and they kept my car for a whole day while also fixing my hub bearing issue. If you have a clunk while backing up or taking sharp turns take it in. The Radio issue is a known issue. i have been told that Mitsubishi will be sending a letter to everyone that owns a outlanded to tell them they need to replace the actual radio. This supposedly affects all radio units (Nav, and Rockford fosgate). I have contacted Mitsubishi by phone and they are supposed to call me back in a day. Please contact your dealer or call to raise a stink.

marrigo13

Update, my dealer called me saying the Mitsubishi has called them asking them to ask me a few questions regarding the issue with the radio (what it sounds like, when it does it etc...). The dealer informed me that Mitsubishi is working with the manufacturer of the radio to find a fix and that they will likely have to either replace the tuner or the entire radio. No time frame was given.

ctgrady

I have received call back from corporate mitsubishi and they say same thing about it being a known issue. Bla, Bla, Bla. If you have the problem, forget messing with your dealer and call 1-888-MITSU2006. We all need to put some pressure on Mitsubishi. This was first posted on Jan 19, so they obviously aren't moving that fast. Do we have to wait another 5 months? I am trying to at least have them put in an auxiallary jack for the inconvience. I will see if that goes anywhere. I don't know how bad everyone else has it, but my radio changes volume at least 2 or 3 times a minute. This is driving me Crazy!!!!!

solowalker

I don't have this issue in my XLS with the standard 6 CD radio....Do you have the Navi and Sun and Sound option?

ctgrady

No I have the LS with the standard radio. The dealer and corporate Mitsubishi are telling me its happening to all radio models. I am now waiting on the district manager from Corporate to reply to my request. It only happens on am and fm radio. Maybe its not every radio, but I am over it.

mitsudriver

I called corporate regarding the radio reception.
I got the run-around for the most part.
They don't have anything listed on the radio issue.
They want me to go to the dealer.
I'm sure that will be a total waste of my time.
I guess I will call my service manager and let him know that I'm having a problem.

blackb13

MMNA now thinks that it might be the actual radio going in and out of stereo/mono and that's causing the problem. I'm currently on a waiting list to try the newest radio when they come out with a replacement.

ctgrady

let us know if you get the radio. I am supposed to have some resolution this week on what they will do for my inconvience. I will let you all know. I am now working on my third problem with this car. the radio, the hub bearings and now I hear the noise coming from the drivers side door. Should have bought the Honda CRV. It would have been cheaper and probably less hassle.

blackb13

Nah, I'm very happy with my Outlander. The problems we're running into are actually pretty minor (aside from bearings) and don't affect safety.

This is what happens when you buy a first year product. I'm sure the 2008 Outlanders will have all the bugs worked out and I'll bet they get better sunvisors...bastards!

dodo2

This is what happens when you buy a first year product. I'm sure the 2008 Outlanders will have all the bugs worked out and I'll bet they get better sunvisors...bastards!

If the sunvisors will be better in 2008 model, you could buy them as parts and replace them. They shouldn't cost you a fortune. I don't think Mitsu will change the bracket so they will still fit. They are not too bad either IMO. As far as I'm concerned, there are other things, more serious IMO, to be fixed with the interior fit and finish, which I don't think I will be able to replace even if they improve in the coming model years.

bearishly4u

I'm more interested in an aftermarket dash install kit for an aftermarket receiver...never listen to the am/fm anyway.