Is Android Auto hell when replacing a head unit?

[cjlindell]

Hi, I'm another newbie and have been on many forums. I'm an IT manager and have a pretty long background with technology so I don't mind doing work myself and have an extensive history with working on cars as well.

I have a 2004 GMC Yukon with a factory Bose head unit and On-Star. I bought it new and will drive it until it becomes to costly to maintain. Last year I upgraded my cell phone from an HTC M7 after it continued to loose it's connections randomly after almost 2 years of use and hating its camera. I upgraded to the Galaxy s5 on Verizon and slammed a 128 GB stick in it that you can't do with the s6.

I wanted a new deck for my Yukon so I could use Google maps on my dash and get my phone to pair up with the deck with one of the new technologies. With Android Auto I figured it should work pretty well and started searching for it. I purchased the Pioneer AVH-4100NEX and the full install kit and PAC audio interface to retain SWC functionality. The deck works, I can get music on it and the sound is better than my OEM deck.

I then tried getting Android Auto to see my phone using the most current version in the play store. I paired it with BT but when cabled with USB to port #2 the phone isn't detected. I was on firmware 1.03 and downloaded 1.05 15MY_FW-Update_v1.05_4G_20151216 and have since updated the firmware to the 1.05.

I'd like to think I'm close and maybe just missing something small....WHAT on earth do I need to do to get my phone working with Android Auto on this deck?

 

[Phil Nickinson]

I don't think I've tried the GS5 specifically, but Samsung messes around a little with what happens when you plug in. With the Note 5, for instance, the phone needs to be unlocked and on the home screen. Maybe even need to adjust the connection (MTP vs. charge or whatever.)

 

[cjlindell]

Seriously? You haven't tried the s5 with Android Auto though it may be one of the most owned android phones? What are you waiting for this should be one of the best functionality tests, however it may be difficult to test on an aftermarket deck.

I did call Verizon and they said Android Auto should function and gave me the Google dev phone number to call. I'm thinking I need to call Pioneer.

 

[cjlindell]

I spoke with Pioneer and there is very little they can do they just allow the deck to display what the phone can show and that's about it. The tech suggested I use the factory wide USB charge cable that came with the phone in USB port 2 the lower one on the Pioneer deck. I followed his info and about a minute after I plugged in the phone it detected and I had the Android Auto setup screen functioning on the s5. I'm not sure what it's capable of and I have more work to do to finish up such as installing the review camera system and verifying everything works before shoving all the wiring and parts back into my dash.

Right now my advice for other Samsung users is to try the factory USB cable that came with your phone and give it a minute or 2 to detect.