Head Unit Woes

[EHud11]

I'm putting off taking my car to the shop because these problems are sporadic, and nearly impossible to recreate on-demand, but I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing these issues with their audio system:

1) Static through the speakers even when the car isn't running and the accessories are off. This happens about once a month.
2) Static through the speakers when the car is running and the radio is turned on or off. The static is present whether I'm playing the radio or streaming through Android Auto. This happens about once a month.
3) Android Auto randomly disconnects and I have to unplug and plug in the usb cable to get it running again. This is common and I have experienced as many as 6 disconnects in a 1-hour period. This happens almost every time I use the car.
4) Audio (FM/CD/Android Auto) will not turn on. On the sync screen the audio shows "off" and turning on isn't possible. Within Android Auto, the progress bar moves, but no music. Oddly enough, if I use navigation when this is happening I still get the voice guidance and I can still use google assistant. This persists, sometimes for hours, even after turning the car off and on several times. This is the least common issue, but obviously the most serious. I have had this happen about three or four times in 2+ years.

I drive a 2016 Ecoboost Premium Convertible w/out Nav. The only modification I have done is the USB port in the arm rest to allow for Android Auto.

Any feedback/guidance is GREATLY appreciated!!! :-)

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[StangTime]

I have not encountered the issues you are having and levels of static are subjective. Every audio system makes a certain amount of background noise. Thankfully the Mustang's is pretty low. My 2014 Fusion with MFT has terrible background noise.
One thing to try is is a well made USB cable. I have heard people replacing them and having certain problems go away.

Oh and make sure you have the latest Sync updates.

 

[NoVaGT]

....The only modification I have done is the USB port in the arm rest to allow for Android Auto....

I'll guess a wiring issue relating to the above. Maybe a grounding issue.

If you mod something, it's the first thing to look at when something related goes wonky.

 

[paul_g]

Almost sounds like one of the amplifiers to me... The arm-rest USB connection is just a OEM plug-n-play replacement... Ford had to upgrade the part to support Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Static coming through the speakers even when engine or radio could be a ground coming from one of the amps... I don't claim to be an electrician or mechanical engineer, but I am into old amplifiers (50's, 60's) both Hi-Fi and guitar amps... Thus my advice his is highly marginal.

 

[ugstang17]

Always first undo what was altered when troubleshooting. Cheapest remedy attempt to begin with. All issues point to aftermarket device. So I agree with NoVaGT's second statement.

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