Kenwood DNX518VDABS

[KBR]

Hi all,

When I bought my Cali I was pleasantly surprised that the audio system had been upgraded to the Kenwood DNX518VDABS. I’m an iPhone user and use CarPlay for navigation and Apple Music.

However, I am on the verge of ripping it out. I get regular crashes of CarPlay, sometimes it recovers itself after 5 mins or so, other times not. With the USB sockets in the glove box it’s not possible to reconnect my phone when driving safely, so I just have to swear at it again and wait until I can pull in.

Ive updated the firmware on it to the latest. iOS is all up to date, it’s been happening from first use.

Just wanted to see if anyone else has this model, this problem and any advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

[787driver]

Hi. I have the same system with the same problems! I’m thinking of replacing it too. What are you thinking of upgrading to?

 

[KBR]

Hi. I have the same system with the same problems! I’m thinking of replacing it too. What are you thinking of upgrading to?

I’ve only got to the ripping it out stage. Not started the replacement stage but will update if and when I do. Might look Sony or Pioneer perhaps. Is it me or is the display when using DAB just total garbage as well!

 

[Pro moochers]

We have the same unit with the same issue.
Always reboots in around 30 seconds but not ideal when driving through Europe with no idea where you’re going.
I thought it was because we hadn’t updated it.
Maybe we need to contact kenwood


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KBR]

We have the same unit with the same issue.
Always reboots in around 30 seconds but not ideal when driving through Europe with no idea where you’re going.
I thought it was because we hadn’t updated it.
Maybe we need to contact kenwood


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Could be a good plan. If we all contact then might get some progress. Let’s see if anyone else is in the same position over the next day or two.

 

[KBR]

Ok, I’m going to email the link in here tomorrow to lodge my complaint.

Got a Question? • KENWOOD UK

Got a question on your Kenwood car audio, multimedia, navigation system products? Send us an email for assistance. -

www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

I’ll let you know how I get on.

 

[Pro moochers]

Good luck!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[P6YRK]

VW and Kenwood will offer no real help, replaced my Kenwood with and Alpine Halo 9 and it’s superb! Totally different experience and far superior imo.

 

[Anthony1]

Hi all,

When I bought my Cali I was pleasantly surprised that the audio system had been upgraded to the Kenwood DNX518VDABS. I’m an iPhone user and use CarPlay for navigation and Apple Music.

However, I am on the verge of ripping it out. I get regular crashes of CarPlay, sometimes it recovers itself after 5 mins or so, other times not. With the USB sockets in the glove box it’s not possible to reconnect my phone when driving safely, so I just have to swear at it again and wait until I can pull in.

Ive updated the firmware on it to the latest. iOS is all up to date, it’s been happening from first use.

Just wanted to see if anyone else has this model, this problem and any advice?

Thanks in advance!

I have the same system, retro fitteed four years ago. Never had a problem. I was told by Garmin, that to upgrade the maps would cost £100 - so I haven't. We often find out little icon driving across fields where there is a new road.

 

[KBR]

Update on this. To be fair to Kenwood, they responded very quickly to a number of message exchanges I've had with them. We went through basic troubleshooting (which I'd already done, but you know how it is, they want it done again!), but they have now pretty much washed their hands of it. They want me to get a specialist company to troubleshoot the cables and connections and all that sort of thing. That will cost, so I think I'll cut my losses and replace.

The fact is, it's out of warranty so I guess they are not obliged to do anything, but personally, I think it's a bit of a poor show, it's clear I'm not the only one with these issues. I certainly wouldn't buy Kenwood again or recommend the quality of their kit in any way.

Might look at that Alpine @P6YRK

 

[calicasas]

Wow was seriously looking at Kenwood as a replacement... will be looking elsewhere now...

 

[Anthony1]

Wow was seriously looking at Kenwood as a replacement... will be looking elsewhere now...

Sorry to be the cat among the pidgeons. When I got my 2012 Cali, first thing I did was get the Kenwood fitted. After six years it has been virtually faultless. I use the sat nav, Blue Tooth for Android phone, CDs, Radio (rarely) and Blue Tooth for music off my phone. The only problem is, when I wanted to update my maps I was told by Garmin it would be £100.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Sony XAV-AX1005DB​

for us. Works great. I like the USB for CarPlay on the front for when Apple are forced to change cables but others might not. I like the volume knob. If you press it it activates Siri.​

 

[Prez]

Hi all,

When I bought my Cali I was pleasantly surprised that the audio system had been upgraded to the Kenwood DNX518VDABS. I’m an iPhone user and use CarPlay for navigation and Apple Music.

However, I am on the verge of ripping it out. I get regular crashes of CarPlay, sometimes it recovers itself after 5 mins or so, other times not. With the USB sockets in the glove box it’s not possible to reconnect my phone when driving safely, so I just have to swear at it again and wait until I can pull in.

Ive updated the firmware on it to the latest. iOS is all up to date, it’s been happening from first use.

Just wanted to see if anyone else has this model, this problem and any advice?

Thanks in advance!

Hi , yep same problem replaced it with a pioneer system loads better no problem going through phone (apple)don’t lose any radio stations like the kenwood, definitely recommend a pioneer

 

[WelshGas]

I have the same system, retro fitteed four years ago. Never had a problem. I was told by Garmin, that to upgrade the maps would cost £100 - so I haven't. We often find out little icon driving across fields where there is a new road.

You can get SatNav updates via 3rd parties at a fraction of the cost.
My VW RNS510, VW charge £100+ for update CD, but I've used 3rd party update disks that cost £25 and worked perfectly.