Heard back from one of the Lead Techs over at Metra today. They are going to ship me a beta version of the new Axxess box. He said once they go public with the unit we can get the other broken ones from here replaced. YIPPEE!

 

That is awesome. Can you get me some contact info? I have not yet re-contacted autotoys because I have a feeling I'll get the runaround at this point. I was sure to document my requests in a timely manner(less than a week after purchase) so if they refuse to work with me I will just have the charges reversed.

I really do enjoy the axxess box as I think it's the best ipod adapter out there optionwise, I just wish it functioned 100% of the time!

 

Yes, please do post the contact information for Metra and any more information about getting an updated replacement.

Thanks.

 

http://www.metraonline.com/contact.aspx

And again...the box that is being sent to me is still in beta and they asked that not everyone come for replacements. We should all be working through the company we bought from according to them once the fix gets released.

 

Went home for lunch today to be greated by a big ole box. Didn't get a chance to look at the unit very well but it is another Rev E board and looks the same as the one I already had. Over the weekend sometime, god this is a busy weekend, I will take them out and take pictures of them. They did just send me a circuit board, and not an enclosure, so I am glad they offered to let me ship mine back after the install.

 

Thanks a lot for the info. I've contacted both Metra and autotoys about the problem and I've heard back from both. Metra let me know that they were working on a solution and took my info and will contact me when a solution is ready (maybe they are waiting on you testing yours? So hurry up and try it out!). Autotoys wants to hit me up for a 35% restocking fee if I return it.

 

Unfortunately I work tomorrow and Sunday is the company picnic at the local amusement park. Might be monday before I get under the dash.

 

Ok, have fun at the amusement park. Let us know how it goes when you get it in.

Thanks.

 

Ok...did it in the dark...figured why not. I got time before the fight tonight anyways. Anywho...can someone tell the difference between the two please. Shall update you with my results...

 

Check and see what the firmware comes up as. From a glance at the PCB it looks more like a software change. Even the capacitors look to be the same.

The overheating screams of a hardware issue, we'll see if they can soft-patch it.
Either way, I'm hopeful- it's good that metra is working with 'us'.

A 35% restocking fee is bullshit if the product is faulty.

 

In talking with Metra some more I brought up the mounting problem that we had with the connector coming out of the tape connection. Does anyone have, or can easily get, a photograph of that connection with the mounting plate installed along with another of how easy it is to fall out?

 

I just bought the axxess kit, unfortunately I installed it before I realized that there were more posts to this thread, so I didn't take any pictures of install.. .we may be doing one on my friends' 6 soon, but that wont' be for at minimum one week.. maybe longer.

Thanks for all the info, links, pictures, etc posted here.. I ordered mine from autotoys with no problem, just for the record.

Cheers!

 

How soon on the 6? I really don't want to have to try and get those climate controls off again if I don't have to.

 

Sorry, it's in and even if I have to return / exchange the Axxess box I won't be going back in to get the connector. I hated those climate control wire connectors as much as you.

Because of the comments on them coming loose I did fit some double sided tape on the back of the connector to try and keep it in.

I couldn't see any difference between the E and the F boards either. I don't see how they can fix it with software unless there is some sort of sensor to cut it off at a certain temperature.

How's it holding up so far? Any long drives?

 

It all depends on how fast ebay can get the ipod and autotoys can get the adapter to my friend... we'll probably install the Ipod the day that he gets it or the day after or so.. .Like I said, at the earliest next weekend.

Those connectors are a PITA!!

 

To make it easier to remove them take out the vents and the LCD screen above the HU. You can get to the 2 screws by sliding the HU out just slightly. Once they are out you can get behind the HU much more easily.

 

how does that help getting the climate controls disconnected that are underneath the radio?

 

I found the easiest way to get to the connectors is to remove the glove box and go in from the side.

There is a hole on the side of the glove box facing the center console that is big enough to get my hand through and reach the connectors.

It took a little of wiggling back and forth on the connectors with the clips depressed to get them to come out but I got it with a little patience and only a forearm covered in scratches!!!

 

I don't know how well my torso would take to that method.

 

I unfortunately have gotten far too familar with removing the HU. In fact, I've got my ash tray in my back seat and the axxess box hanging out the side into my cabin still.

Hows the new unit working out for you? I would take a picture of the connector but dont really feel like it unless I'm pulling the HU to replace it.

 

Had a problem today with it. I went out after lunch and it started playing a song...cut out...and then started on a completely different song in a different playlist. Going to send something to Metra now.

 

I actually was kneeling on the ground outside the passenger side door and could reach right in without any acrobatic maneuvers. Once you pop out the HU enough before the wiring tightens up, there's enough room back there to reach the wiring for the climate controls without any problems.

 

I'd say out of all the threads I've read here, this particular thread is the most insightful. I say this because it started out on such a positive note, and then kinda went on a roller coaster ride... until now, we have one individual with a seemingly flawless installation, and two others with glitchy systems. So... can we get a current status of things update from you three? How are your systems at this point?

 

Matt from Metra has been a really great guy and we are working through some things. Waiting on some of those install pictures of the underside of the radio for him to fix the manufacturing process of the brace. Still testing out the replacement board they sent me, but as I stated yesterday still had an issue. We will see how things go over the next couple weeks.

 

And it wasn't that hot in Ohio that day...wondering if it's still heat related.