Forum expertise required - Bluetooth mystery

R

RidgyDidge

Active member
 Brisbane
OK, this is my first 'problem' in 12 months of ownership.

Successfully paired my iPhone to factory fit Bluetooth system moments into my ownership with no problems, until this week.

Today whilst driving I noticed that when my phone rang it didn't route through the onboard system. Assumed that maybe it had randomly dropped the Bluetooth pairing (from either end).

Seems it may be more than that as the word 'telephone' has disappeared from the OBC screen, so I can't even begin to try and pair the phone as the onboard Bluetooth system seems to have 'disappeared'.

I've already exhausted my tech expertise i.e. turn the car on and off with fingers and toes crossed in the hope it might fix itself. It hasn't :-(

Any assistance gratefully received.

Cheers, Ridgy


Sent from my iPad
 
If you're not seeing Telephone on the screen, that suggests to me that the car has "lost" the bluetooth module. As with all things electrical and computers, have you tried a full reboot (disconnect battery for 20 mins)?

Otherwise I'd be wanting to plug into diagnostics to check what's going on...

Just as an FYI - Since upgrading to the latest IOS, I no longer get caller ID from my iPhone 4S
 
Anyone else got anything more to add? Anyone else suffered a similar problem?

Replacement cost of the Bluetooth module, best place to purchase one from?

Thanks
 
A new ULF will run you about $550 landed from the US (http://www.thebmwpartstore.com/ - where I get all of my parts from), but it's a bit early to be making a drastic jump to doing that!

I agree that the first step is to disconnect the battery for half an hour so that the entire system resets.

If that doesn't do anything, the next step is to plug it into diagnostics and see if the ULF is still communicating with the car at all. If you felt like a drive up to the Sunny Coast I've got a diagnostics cable and software and would be happy to take a look for you. I did a full bluetooth retrofit on my car so I'm pretty familiar with the system.
 
You've a way to go on diagnostics first but a heads up that there are 13 generations of ULF module.
If you do have to get one then seek out a late generation. More phone compatibility, functions, voice control, etc.

My next check after the battery would be lift the carpet and check the module connections.
 
There are a few previous instances of the menu disappearing, all resolved by doing the battery reset.

I would definitely try that first :thumbsup:
 
Thanks guys. Away from home at the moment (driving rental shed :-( ), so I'll take a look at the weekend. I'll let you know how I go.
 
Wondermike said:
There are a few previous instances of the menu disappearing, all resolved by doing the battery reset.

I would definitely try that first :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

And you can add this instance to the list. All fixed.

I can't stand it when things don't work as they should, so I'm much happier now :-)

Thanks once again to those that generously offered their advice.


Sent from my iPad
 
RidgyDidge said:
Anyone else got anything more to add? Anyone else suffered a similar problem?

Replacement cost of the Bluetooth module, best place to purchase one from?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Mine previously disappeared from the nav menu, disconnecting the battery for a few minutes fixed it.
 
This just happened to me - seemed to be triggered by having an incoming call (ringing) when I switched the car on. Battery to be disconnected later :thumbsup:
 
Happened to me once too, started the car as a call came in.

I thought it fixed itself..... But the exhaust place disconnected my battery after the fitted my new exhaust.
 
As Stuart said,IOS6 has given me one or two problems;if you're using an iphone i'd blame IOS6 before throwing money at the problem.
 
Stuart Truman said:
Just as an FYI - Since upgrading to the latest IOS, I no longer get caller ID from my iPhone 4S
Click to expand...

I had a 4s with ios6 no problem with caller id.

Now on a 5, and caller id still works, but voice commands dont :headbang:
 
aquazi said:
Stuart Truman said:
Just as an FYI - Since upgrading to the latest IOS, I no longer get caller ID from my iPhone 4S
Click to expand...

I had a 4s with ios6 no problem with caller id.

Now on a 5, and caller id still works, but voice commands dont :headbang:
Click to expand...

Probably running a newer release of Bluetooth module, there appear to be loads. I don't know if you can upgrade them via one of the coding tools, or whether its the transceiver hardware itself. Either way, with the roof off who cares! :driving:
 
So, this is an older thread but it is the place that I am happy to report that this definitely worked for me! :D

I disconnected the negative battery terminal, left the boot open and came back about 40 minutes later and connected. Got inside, started up the car and put my phone in the bluetooth discover mode. The radio responded with "SEARCHING...". I am extremely happy about this after reading too many bad forum entries about the cost of a new MULF unit!!!

YMMV, but it is worth a try if your radio suddenly seems to look like there is absolutely no Bluetooth capability whatsoever and the steering wheel buttons do nothing! I LOVE THIS FORUM! :D :D :D :D :D
 
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