We’re just gonna have to start a weird car problems file.
If it’s not Audi SUVs bricking because someone spilled a drink, it’s Hyundai displays flipping upside down in the cold. Or it’s Mazda owners tuning into “All Things Considered” only to discover they can never tune out.
Problem Seems Limited to 2014-2017 Mazdas Near Seattle
The Seattle Times reports that owners of some 2014-2017 Mazda vehicles in Washington have tuned their stereos to local NPR affiliate KUOW and can’t change the station. Once they dial in KUOW, their infotainment screens start permanently playing their wake-up animations over and over.
The soothing sounds of Terry Gross keep playing from the stereo. But the touchscreen locks up, so owners can’t change the station. They can’t access their navigation systems or backup cameras, either.
It’s not, as some speculated, a problem related to the 3G wireless shutdown that could affect some cars this month.
The problem, the Times explains, has to do with image files KUOW sends to HD Radio users. The station sends them without an extension, which causes the screen to enter its infinite reboot loop. Nothing seems to fix the problem except for changing out a vehicle’s Connectivity Master Unit – a part that can cost up to $1,500.
Steve Inskeep Seems Nice, But Mazda Will Help You Turn Him Off
The problem probably isn’t, strictly speaking, a warranty issue. But once Mazda’s North American Operations unit heard about it, they decided to treat it as one. The company sent a service bulletin to dealerships explaining that, when an owner comes in with a touchscreen held hostage by public media, dealers “can submit a goodwill request to the Mazda Warranty department on their behalf, order the parts, and schedule a free repair when the parts arrive.”
The station, for its part, says it’s trying to solve the issue. In a statement, KUOW says:
“KUOW is aware of an apparent issue between our signal and some Mazda infotainment systems, causing radios to reboot when they connect to KUOW’s 94.9 FM signal. We have been in contact with Xperi, the company who owns the technology behind HD Radio, and have given them complete access to our transmitters to investigate what is causing this issue. Our operations team is doing everything they can to support them in finding a quick resolution.”
