Q: Have to re-connect bluetooth every time it leaves the car

Hello mlsumner,

Indeed, your iPhone should automatically connect to your car's stereo once the devices have been paired. The following troubleshooting can help restore this functionality.

Disconnect and restart

If you are experiencing difficulties with the connection between your stereo and device, disconnect the device, and then power cycle the stereo and your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. When the Home screen reappears, reconnect your device. If you cannot power cycle the stereo, turn the car off and then back on to allow the stereo to power off.

Isolate the issue

Try to reproduce the issue with an identical or similar accessory, if one is available, or test with a second device.

Example: If you hear static coming from the left audio channel, try connecting a different device or try connecting to a different stereo or accessory that connects over the same interface (30-pin or Lightning connector, Bluetooth, or headphone jack).

Restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

 

If you have isolated an issue to the device, restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to its factory condition. You should rarely need to use this step with an accessory issue. If the issue affects only a third-party accessory, contact the accessory manufacturer before restoring your iOS device.

If the device does not update successfully, the issue may lie with the device and not with the accessory. See one of the following articles, depending on your device:

• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod touch

 

iOS: Troubleshooting car stereo connections

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3581

Cheers,

Allen