[macncheese]

So I picked up my cube last Thursday and it came with the ipod interface cable. Drove it off the lot, plugged in my ipod touch gen II and i get a "charging is not supported with this accessory" warning message.

I know that apple for some reason changed the charging scheme and it obsoleted some accessories but I just bought this car and I've had the ipod for almost a year. WTF Nissan?

 

[Woody]

Maybe there is a software upgrade for either the Ipod or one of the chips inside the radio...just a guess.

 

[macncheese]

I believe apple changed or added one of the pins in the cable so it's a hardware issue.

 

[ewraven]

I agree, I think that it is the pinout of the cable as well.

I have a 5.5 gen 30gb Ipod Video, it charges fine. BUT, I hear a bunch of noise through the stereo, which is caused by the hard drive within the Ipod. It doesn't bother me a whole lot but enough that I'd like other solutions.

Sooo, I bought a 16gb Ipod Nano from Best Buy yesterday, I loaded it up with Music and immediately saw that same notice on the screen that it doesn't support charging with that accessory. I also immediately returned it back to defaults and returned that Nano back to Best Buy. So much for that idea. lol

It is hard to believe that they had to go with that proprietary plug on the console instead of just a simple USB port like any other make or Nissan Vehicle. I know why they did though, because Apple was involved with the whole thing as they have some sort of Iphone App made for the Cube and are a part of the advertising.

I'm hoping that Nissan will at some point come out with an updated cable that will charge the newer Apple Ipod/Itouch and Iphones.

Or what would be perfect, is if Nissan would come out with a cable that plugs into the proprietary plug in the console but has a USB on the other end for the Ipod or for thumbdrives. That would be awesome!

 

[ewraven]

Just a heads up, I found this thing tonight online...

http://www.cablejive.com/charge-converter

I'm going to call that place tomorrow and see if that would allow our factory Ipod connector to charge the newer Ipod devices.

That would really be awesome if it does work that way.

Also, here is an extension cable for the Ipod from the same site. I'm going to order one so that I can hide my Ipod easier.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8743


*********************EDIT*****************

Here is another one with a better description and appears to be exactly like what we need for our Cubes...
http://www.chargeconverter.com/shop/connector.htm?connipod.htm

And here is a different sort of adapter that is made by Kensington...
http://us.kensington.com/html/11205.html

 

[txstarla]

I have emailed Nissan USA for a solution to this problem. The Cube is not a
"Mobile Device" if it can't charge my Ipod. Its not like my ipod just came out or anything...

 

[ewraven]

I found an IPOD charging adapter at my local Target store today...

It is $29.99.

It was in the automotive department listed for $29.99.

I can't test it because my Ipod already charges in my Cube. I'm like 100 percent certain that it will work though for Ipod, Iphones and IPod touches that won't otherwise charge through the factory harness.

 

[txstarla]

Spoke with a Nissan rep today, a specialist is supposed to call me back tomorrow. I want it to work the way it is supposed to - I should not have to buy a 3rd party piece of equipment to make it charge. I am not a cheapo, however, I expect my "Media Device"(Cube) to charge my iPod as advertised. Apple says it just one pin in the cord that Nissan supplies - they just need to make it so it connects correctly with the correct pin and it will charge. I am going to hold until I get a straight answer from Nissan.

I love everything else about my Cube (except it needs a passenger armrest).

 

[ewraven]

Did you ever hear from that Nissan specialist?

 

[txstarla]

that would be a negative. Been busy getting a clear bra attached to the front, will call them again today!

 

[ewraven]

Okay. A clear bra, where would one get one of those? I've already gotten a scratch on the front of my hood from a rock.

 

[txstarla]

Re: Nissan ipod interface doesn't charge current gen ipods. UPDATE FIX

;D :yes: GOOD NEWS: There is a fix for the ipod issue! Please contact your Nissan dealer and tell them there is a brand news technical document for this issue that will instruct them on how to service the ipod connection in order to charge all ipods.

As for clear bras, here is the website. It is a wonderful product that my husband has used on his 95 240 SX kouki and now is on my cube. I did the full front - bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors. Well worth the money. They have the pattern for the regular S and SL edition and did a custom cut for my Krom.

www.stickercity.com

 

[ewraven]

That is awesome about the TSB!

Thanks for the link for the clear bra too.

 

[txstarla]

NISSAN USA LIED TO ME

There is no fix and no plans for one. They sent me to the dealer, I left my car there all day and BING - nothing.

My dealer waited for the info from NISSAN corporate and it finally came - a tech bulletin that says no fix.

Lets just say I will be compensated by corporate for this....

 

[ewraven]

Wow, that is just terrible.

I was all excited about this fix too.

Thanks though for taking the time to check into it and keeping us updated.

 

[txstarla]

and its very interesting since a new iPhone came out - it won't be able to be cahrged without thrid party equipment in your cube. I will keep you guys posted as to what they decide to give me for this royal f'up. I am thinking illuminated kick plates (the only accessory I don't have!)

oh well
one day wasted
still love my cube!

 

[gardener]

You can pick who you want to blame for this "failure to charge".

You could pick Apple...
Apple switched the interface for the newer iPods from firewire to USB. There are just more consumers out there with usb equipment (windoze computers) than firewire equipment (Macs). Go to the Apple iTunes forums and read the howls of rage from consumers who have purchased many iPod music systems that no longer charge their newer iPods.

You could pick Nissan...
Here is the cube, and new vehicle introduced well after Apple switched to a usb charger. And what interface does Nissan install? Of course, the firewire cable. Reason, well they just might have purchased a few containers and have a few left in inventory so install and use up the inventory. The number of the older style firewire units is much greater than the newer usb interface, so the chances of having this charging problem become a major launch problem for Nissan is reduced -- for now. Watch for the next model year to have been upgraded to the usb based interface.

Or, you could blame yourself...
Hate to say this, but "You were warned". In the brochure that came out with the introduction of the cube, there in the fine print is a tag saying "iPod charge through the Interface System may only be supported via use of Firewire devices. See dealer for details." My dealer did not even know that XM Satellite was included in the "Tech" package, so charging issue would have been an unknown as well. In fairness, I bought the cube the day it arrived (mine was the first registered for the road here in Ontario) so it was all very new for everyone.

So, enjoy your cube and tunes. And if you really need to charge, then go out and purchase a firewire to usb charge adaptor. Nissan nor Apple will buy one for you.

 

[txstarla]

I pick nissan, because if you read my post, THEY told me there was a fix and sent me on a day long wild goose chase. nuff said.

 

[gardener]

I'm afraid Nissan will politely refer you to the cube Owner's Manual.

On pages 4-12, 4-13 you will find that:
— iPod® charging is only possible for devices that support charging via a FireWire® connection.
Devices that can be charged by the iPod player include:
— iPod® Classic - 1st through 6th generation
— iPod® Mini - 1st and 2nd generation
— iPod® Nano - 1st through 3rd generation only
— iPod® Touch - first generation only
— iPhone® - first generation only
* The iPod® Classic and iPod® Touch may not charge properly in some cases.
* 12V charging is not possible on the iPhone 3G and later models.

If you have an iPod listed as being able to charge through the FireWire connection and yours is not charging, then you do have an issue with Nissan and they should replace the cable at the least. If on the other hand you have a newer iPod, then you will have to rely on your negotiation skills to get a satisfactory result.

Your declaration that Nissan USA lied to you is a bit strong. Judging by how long it took to get information to the dealers, and then educate the dealers/sales staff/service, it comes as no surprise that misinformation abounds. At the dealership where I purchased my cube, they only received the marketing/support information the day the first two cars were delivered -- they were scrambling to find answers to my questions about the optional bins in the back, let alone anything of a more technical nature.

With this vehicle being so new to the North American market, who knows, maybe you will be able to convince Nissan or your dealer to spring the $35 for an adaptor. Bonne chance mon ami

 

[txstarla]

Once again, you fail. I called NissanUSA to see if there was a fix for this issue. I KNEW THE IPOD DID NOT CHARGE. I READ THE BROCHURE. I was told there was a fix by the representative from Nissan USA. I relied on them to feed me correct info, not misinformation. I went to the dealer, gave them my car, wasted my time getting a rental, all for nothing. Wasted my time and THE DEALERS TIME AND MONEY.

So you can reprint the brochure and the details all you want, but I was told by the company there was a fix and there is not. Lie may be a strong word. I use strong words when people completely waste my time. A 3rd party converter adds a level of noise to the system that I don't appreciate, but may have to live with. In the mean time, both the dealer and I will be recompensed for our time and effort.

You can keep going around in circles reprinting all the brochures and fine print you want, but it does not change what ACTUALLY happened.