iPhone generating over-current errors with car audio charger

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Level 1

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iPhone generating over-current errors with car audio charger

Does anyone else use a Pioneer DEH-P7100BT car stereo (UK model, I think there is also a US model with the same model number but different features)?

The stereo is less than a month old but is generating "CHECK USB" errors, which according to the manual is due to a short circuit or over-current on USB to which the iPhone is connected.

I've already checked for a damaged / frayed cable and then replaced the dock cable "just in case", but still the errors are occurring. The iPhone is also charged by an iMac G5, an HP desktop and the Apple supplied wall-mounted USB charger. None of these indicate any kind of problem with the iPhone.

I've had a look through the Console App on my iMac for error reports from the phone or computer related to power issues on the USB. I couldn't find anything related.

I've been in contact with Pioneer who passed the buck saying it had to be a problem with the external device (i.e. the iPhone). Not helpful.

Has anyone else had a similar issue with this car stereo or car stereos in general. As far as I can tell, the CHECK USB error occurs when the phone is fully charged. When the phone is partly discharged, it charges normally in the car and the stereo performs normally.

iPhone 3G, iPhone OS 3.1.2

Posted on Jan 21, 2010 2:26 AM

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Answer 1

wjosten

Level 10

95,369 points

Jan 21, 2010 4:17 AM in response to Barrie Quinn

Barrie Quinn wrote:
I think this cable was originally supplied with my iPod 4G.

I think that's your problem. That cable supplied charging over the firewire pin, which the iphone does not support. That's probably why you get that error message.

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Answer 2

Barrie Quinn Author

Level 1

75 points

Jan 21, 2010 3:01 AM in response to Dave Hutch

Not yet. The two cables I have used so far are both Apple supplied cables, the first was the new style "small dock connector" cable that Apple supplied with the iPhone. Currently I am using the slight larger dock connector cable with the catches on either side to release a locking mechanism. I think this cable was originally supplied with my iPod 4G.

The supplier of the stereo advised that if I already owned an Apple USB-dock connector cable, then I wouldn't need the Pioneer one.
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-cd-iu50.html

Since reading that link above again, I might try a different "small dock connector" cable, since it does refer to later model iPods. I think it's only in the past couple of years that Apple started supplying the different cable. I had thought that the only difference was the lack of the side locking catches on the newer cables. There maybe other differences however.

Alternatively I guess that the next step is pay extra for the Pioneer branded cable.

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Answer 3

Dave Hutch

Level 4

1,497 points

Jan 21, 2010 2:34 AM in response to Barrie Quinn

Are you using the correct, Pioneer cable?:
http://www.pioneer.eu/uk/products/25/121/61/DEH-P7100BT/specs.html

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Answer 4

wjosten

Level 10

95,369 points

Jan 21, 2010 4:35 AM in response to Barrie Quinn

I would stop using that cable & I believe your error message will go away.

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Answer 5

Barrie Quinn Author

Level 1

75 points

Jan 21, 2010 4:32 AM in response to wjosten

The iPod 4G was supplied with a Firewire charger / Firewire-dock cable and also a USB-dock cable. It's the USB-dock cable I am using.

My car stereo only has USB, Firewire is nowhere in this set-up.

The stereo is branded as "Made for iPhone", so presumably Pioneer have paid the licensing fee and complied with the technical requirements of that licence.

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Answer 6

Mar 6, 2010 8:39 AM in response to wjosten

I have the original cable and have had the error right from the beginning - so better don't spread any rumors - I also read that you can save the money for the "Pioneer" cable, because the "white" one from Apple is just the same wiring. So Barrie Quinn if you have any news, let us know.

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