iPod connection problems

I just got my Prius V + Nav last week. I have a 30gb video iPod that I'm trying to connect through the USB port. It connects successfully sometimes, but very often the USB tab will be active and it says "iPod", but it doesn't show any of the files and does not play anything. Sometimes it will give me an iPod connection error.

Not sure what causes these connections issues...it seems pretty random. I've tried unplugging and replugging the usb connection and it does not work.

I've seen that other people have had issues with their iPods...not sure they're exactly the same that I'm having. Anybody have any suggestions?

DrJason, I have the same problem on my 2010 V with my Iphone and Ipod. I read that the New Apple software is the one to blame on this one, but never confirm this information.
If anyone knows about this and a solution it will be much appreciate it.
Thanks for bringing it up DrJason
W3Bconsultor

Let's try and get this resolved with Toyota on a corporate level. They need to know that the problem exists across all units. My dealer is absolutely clueless with the same issue on my 2010 V. Any ideas?

I have had problems with our 5G iPod and the USB connection. Not recognizing it at times. Kicking us off at random times while driving. Locking the iPod up on other occasions. It also seems to turn the "repeat" function on every time on the iPod as well. Frustrating enough that we are considering just switching to the Aux plug.

I really wouldn't expect much satisfaction from the dealer as it is seemingly random problems and they are hard to recreate on command...

I've also experienced this problem a couple times on my brand new old Prius IV with my 1st gen iPod touch (newest OS). However, both cables I've used so far I consider 'suspect' anyway, and have been planning to replace anyway as they've been known to give me flaky connections with my computer as well. Will update once I get a brand new cable.

I just got my 2010 last week and am having problems with the USB ipod connection also. I have a 30GB ipod and it seems like I have to disconnect the usb and reconnect it after the car has been started for a couple minutes in order for it to register on the screen again. Am I missing something??? Also, when searching for music and scrolling to the next screen, the song at the top of that list starts playing even though I haven't selected it... is this normal?

Yes, that does appear to be normal for us.

Everything works on my new iPod Nano that I just bought to go with my 2010 Prius IV except the audiobooks function. Unfortunately, that is the one thing I use the most! When I'm playing an audiobook and turn off the car, the recording starts back at the beginning rather than where I left off. There's no way to fast forward the recording so I have to listen to the whole thing again, making the iPod interface totally useless for listening to an audiobook.
Has anyone had this problem?

Have you tried pausing the audiobook on the iPod before shutting down?

Just plugged in my Classic Ipod via USB on my brand new IV. The USB tab does not highlight so it obviously doesn't recognize the connection. I do get a "do not disconnect" on the Ipod screen and the battery charging symbol so there is a live USB connection. I have to turn off the car to clear the screen of the do not connect. Where do I go from here?

Yes, I tried that but once the iPod is connected to the interface I cannot use any iPod controls. I also tried pausing it in the interface before I shut down the car but I get the same results.

Sometimes the audiobook will start where it left off for maybe 5 seconds but then it goes back to the beginning. I'm hoping that this is a sign that it's my unit which is bad and they can replace it.

BTW does anyone know if Toyota has people who read these forums? It would be great if they did!

I've tried a couple things with my iPod yesterday. If I pause it before shutting down during a song, when I come back it starts where I left off.

Today I switched from iPod to Sat before shutting down to see where it picks up when I go back out for lunch.

In case anyone is interested, I figured out how to keep each song from starting to play as I'm scrolling through my music... if you keep your finger on the scroll arrow it will not start to play the first song on that screen. If you don't see a song you want to start playing and want the currently playing song to keep playing, hit the 'back' arrow. This has to be done fairly quickly in order to be successful.
I'm really disappointed with this ipod interface.
Does anyone know how to jump quickly thought your scroll list instead of having to look for a song one screen at a time... i.e. jump to the middle of the list?
Thanks.

If I hold the 'down' button, it scrolls faster than 1 screen at a time. Not a great solution, but certainly much faster...

So far I've had the best luck keeping an iPod USB connected if I plug it in before starting the car (though more experimentation is needed to ensure this - and I still haven't gotten a new cable). This is becoming somewhat irritating, as I prefer not to use the AUX port as I mostly listen to podcasts and relay on the auto-pause feature of the USB connection. Has anyone tried to bring this issue into the dealer? (as if they know audio systems)

I've been disconnecting my iPod when I stop my car and reconnecting it after I start my car. It seems to connect ok every time so far...but really annoying!

I would once again urge everyone who realizes how pitiful this $400.00 USB interface is to call Toyota customer experience 800 number and let them know. I hold on to hope that there might be a software fix in our future

Sorry if this comes off as a bit of a rant but, I have had my Gen III for a month and I'm experiencing most of these issues and am really disappointed in the USB connection. I refuse to use the aux connection because it is nothing more than a glorified tape adapter. That being said the only thing that I have done that helps it to stay "connected/recognized" when turning the car on and off is to keep the Ipod unlocked (referring to the slider on the top of the Ipod). I have found that this prevents me from having to disconnect and reconnect the Ipod to get it to be recognized.

cheers.
-bp

I always have my iPod unlocked...and I have the random connection issues if I leave it plugged in.

I've been reviewing threads for the problem that I am having with my iPod Touch in my 2010 Gen III with USB/iPod connection, and have not seen anyone address this. Here goes: the touch plays great, but occasionally fails to be recognized by the system on 'start'. The big problem is, the iPod battery runs all the way down within about 12-14 hours after turning the car off. Seems the iPod does not shut off when the car turns off, even if I select another function like FM or SAT first. I can manually shut the iPod off and all is well, but the next start kicks it on and 12-14 hours after I park the car, I have a dead iPod. Have I missed a setting, or should I be using a different USB cable? I don't lock the iPod, and I shut off wifi when it is in the car. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.