Navigation System - Buzzing Noises During Operation
AutomotiveInformation Bulletin
NUMBER: SI-0009
SUBJECT:
Garmin nuLink! external communication system operation
characteristic for Model 2390 navigation units in 2012 Grand Vitara.
The Garmin Model 2390 navigation units found in some 2012 Grand Vitara vehicles come with nuLink! connected services, which include Google Local Search, weather forecasts and traffic alerts. The device uses cellular communication to send and receive information updates to support these features. When these communication signals are transmitted an RF signal is sent out to local cellular towers to connect to the nuLink! live data, and in some instances a "telegraph" type noise (buzz, buzz, buzz), may be heard through the audio system of the vehicle.
This noise is not a defect in either the vehicles audio system or the Garmin navigation unit. The noise occurs only when the device is transmitting to the cell site.
If a vehicle owner should express dissatisfaction with the sounds heard thru their vehicle radio during normal operation, please refer to the instructions outlined within this bulletin. This bulletin provides instructions related to the installation of "FERRITE CHOKES" on the speaker, power, and control cables connecting to the radio and the Garmin Navigation unit cradle, as well as specific cable routing information.
The combined actions of proper cable routing and the choke installation (as documented in this bulletin) will suppress a significant amount of the Nav Unit Cellular Communications signal previously heard in the vehicle radio speakers. It is very important to know that in some areas of
weak cellular communication signals or areas with high levels of other RF emissions the radio may still produce static or noise while it is operating within these areas. This intermittent noise may occur on any band or frequency and is normally very brief and nearly impossible to eliminate fully due to multipath signal reflections, frequency harmonics, and signal coupling characteristics of electronic devices. Interference or noise can occur under numerous different circumstances on any radio frequency. This type of noise or interference from outside sources is not a defect or malfunction of the vehicle radio. The type of noise source is generally outside of the vehicle and beyond the vehicle manufacturers ability to control.
The procedure included within this bulletin was developed and validated to greatly reduce or eliminate RF transmission signal noise from being audible from the vehicle radio under NORMAL LISTENING CONDITIONS. Do not replace the Garmin NAVI unit, Suzuki Radio, Speakers, or other Suzuki installed equipment. Please note that devices such as Cellular Phones, PDAs, Tablets, iPods, iPads, Laptops, and other non-factory installed devices can emit RF noise which could under some conditions result in this type of symptom in vehicle audio systems, and in some cases relocation of these devices may be helpful in conjunction with the procedures found in this Information Bulletin to reduce unwanted noise.
PART(S) INFORMATION:
WARRANTY INFORMATION: 2012 GRAND VITARA (JB424)
Parts and Accessory w/VIN Claim
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Remove the Garmin unit from the vehicle cradle and set aside in a safe place.
2. Before removing the radio, check and record the customers preset channels so they can be restored after the procedure is completed.
Note:
Confirm if the customer has activated the Anti-Theft feature in the radio, and obtain the PIN that was chosen. If the feature is active and the battery is disconnected or the audio unit unplugged, the unit will not operate until the PIN is entered or the unit sent to Clarion for reset at the customers expense.
3. Disconnect the Negative (-) cable from the battery.
4. Using a suitable trim removal tool, taking care not to damage the surrounding dash pieces, lift both trim covers from sides of the center dash array. Start at the lower portion and gently work the anchoring clips outward from the dash.
5. Remove the six (6) screws that secure the radio and HVAC array and carefully slide it out of the dash.
6. Place a shop towel on the console below the center panel to prevent scratching/damaging any parts.
7. Disconnect four harness connectors from the back of the HVAC controller at the locations pictured.
8. Disconnect the radio connector (1), the antenna lead (2), the NAVI harness connector 4 (3) and the iPod interface (4) (if equipped).
9. Set the dash array aside where it wont be damaged.
10. Place a shop towel on the dash area adjacent to the cradle to protect from incidental contact while working.
11. Remove the two (2) screws from the front of the NAVI cradle assembly.
12. Pull the NAVI cradle toward you on a horizontal axis until the slot type retainers are clear, then gently lift it out of the dash.
13. Raise the cradle enough to remove the hazard light switch connector (orange)(1).
14. While lifting the cradle assembly out of the dash, gently route the harness out of the dash where it is routed to the right side of the dash vents.
Installation of Ferrite Chokes
15. Place the NAVI cradle on a shop towel or surface that will not scratch/scar the finish and extend the harness out straight.
16. Using a measuring tape locate and open the seam of the harness cover approximately 2 inches to allow the ferrite choke to fit around the harness at positions 4", 10, 16-1/2" and 20" distant from where the harness exits the bottom of the cradle.
17. Place four of the large ferrite chokes around the exposed portion of the harness where the cover has been opened.
18. Using the foam tape included in the kit, cut into portions sufficient to wrap once around the four large ferrite chokes. Cover the chokes placed at the measured positions and wrap with electrical tape (or equivalent) to secure them.
Note:
All ferrite chokes installed throughout this bulletin must be fully wrapped with foam tape. Be careful to cut the foam tape in a way to provide coverage for each choke.
19. Install the three (3) small ferrite chokes at the connector end of the harness as shown. One surrounding all the wires positioned above the fuse (A), one around the red power wire between the fuse and the connector (B), and one surrounding the five remaining wires just above the connector (C). Wrap each choke "A", "B" and "C" with foam tape.
20. Route the harness so that it passes through the dash as shown, making sure that the harness routes to the right side of the dash vent ducting.
21. Set the cradle assembly back into the dash and route the harness so it reaches into the radio unit space, routing the harness to the right side and anchor it to the passenger airbag module loosely with a zip tie.
22. Locate the radio harness and remove the anchoring clip (shown inset), from the cross support allowing it to extend further out of the dash space for easier access.
23. Peel back the radio harness case to expose enough wire to install 2 Ferrite Chokes.
24. Using the two (2) remaining large ferrite chokes, divide the wires coming out of the connector evenly and attach the ferrite chokes. Wrap each choke with foam tape.
Note:
Ensure that none of the wires become pinched between the ferrite halves when the choke is closed. For best results the choke should be placed as close to the connector as possible.
25. Using the shielding material provided (household brand aluminum foil will work if needed) and wrap the radio harness from where it enters the radio unit space right of the right rear radio mount up to the radio connector, secure the shielding material with electrical tape (or equivalent).
26. Route the now shielded radio harness along the top of the dash support and around the left rear radio mounting bracket.
27. Bring the remaining length of the shielded harness forward to the lower trim opening and re-attach the securing clip.
28. Route the NAVI harness below the right dash bracket and bring forward to an installation position, crossing the shielded radio harness at a 90° angle.
29. Reinstall the two screws in the cradle.
30. Set the audio/HVAC array on the protective towel placed on the center console.
31. Connect the radio harness, NAVI harness, antenna lead, and iPod controller (if equipped).
32. Connect the four harness connectors to the back of the HVAC controller at the locations pictured.
33. Set the array back in dash, taking care not to pinch or crush any harnesses, and reinstall the six (6) mounting screws.
34. Reinstall the left and right trim garnish pieces, starting at the top ensuring the locating tab at the top of the garnish is properly seated.
35. Reconnect the Negative (-) cable of the battery and restore the customers radio station presets. Wipe down the radio and trim to remove any fingerprints or smudging.
36. The procedure is now complete, please continue to step 37 and begin the confirmation process.
37. Please confirm the level of noise heard from the Garmin during communication cycles. Due to the intermittent nature, and the fact that in most cases the noise has been virtually eliminated when the procedure has been performed, please follow these steps:
a) Find a quiet area, roll the windows up and keep the doors closed.
b) Turn the ignition key "ON" (run position).
c) Power on the radio tuner and adjust the volume level to "1".
d) Leaving the NAVI in the cradle mount, manually power off the Garmin unit by pressing and holding the power button located on the top left until the display shows the power off dialog window (1). Select the "OFF" option button.
e) Once the Garmin has powered off completely, wait 10-15 seconds then power the unit back on.
f) The unit should display the Suzuki boot screen (2) for a few moments.
g) A "Warning" acknowledgement prompt screen will come up, press "Agree".
h) The main start screen will appear, observe the Cell signal strength indicator (3). While it displays an "X" to the right of the symbol some noise may be heard, and continue once communication is established.
i) Listen and observe operation for 1 minute, if no noise is heard repeat steps d\02h one additional time. If the noise is heard at a very low level (significantly reduced) the vehicle may be returned to the customer. In the event that the noise remains at a high level or shows no improvement, please contact the A.S.M.C. Automotive Techline for additional support at (800) 934-1616.