Navigation System - Buzzing Noises During Operation
AutomotiveInformation Bulletin
NUMBER: SI-0010
SUBJECT:
Garmin nuLink! external communication system operation characteristic
for Model 2390 navigation units in 2012 SX4 vehicles.
The Garmin Model 2390 navigation units found in some 2012 SX4 vehicles come with nuLink! connected services, which include Google(TM) 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 SX-4 (RW420)
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 four (4) screws that secure the radio in the dash and carefully slide it out of the dash.
6. Disconnect the radio connector (1), the antenna lead (2), the NAVI harness connector (3) and the iPOD interface (4) (if equipped), and set it aside.
7. Remove the two (2) screws from the front of the NAVI cradle assembly.
8. Raise the cradle enough to remove the hazard light switch connector and an unused connector (green) from a blank slot in the underside of the cradle assembly (pictured).
9. Place a shop towel on the dash area adjacent to the cradle to protect from incidental contact while working.
10. While lifting the cradle assembly out of the dash, gently route the harness out of the dash where it was originally routed to the right side of the dash vents.
Installation of Ferrite Chokes
11. Place the NAVI cradle on a shop towel or surface that will not scratch/scar the finish and extend the harness out straight.
12. 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 3 ", 13 " and 20 " distant from where the harness exits the bottom of the cradle.
13. Place three of the large ferrite chokes around the exposed portion of the harness where the cover has been opened.
14. Using the foam tape included in the kit, cut into portions sufficient to wrap once around the three 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.
15. Install the three (3) small ferrite chokes at the connector end of the ABC 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.
16. Route the harness so that it passes through the opening between the dash vents as shown, making sure that the harness stays clear of the ducts and vent openings in the cradle.
17. 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 left side of the center bracket (1). Using a zip tie (or equivalent), secure the harness to the left hand bracket (2), keeping the harness behind the left rear radio mount (3).
18. Remove enough of the radio harness case to expose enough wire to install the 2 remaining 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.
19. Reconnect the hazard switch and blank plug (1) into the bottom of the NAVI cradle and set in place.
20. Reinstall the two screws in the cradle.
21. Connect the radio harness, NAVI harness, antenna lead, and iPOD controller (if equipped).
22. Set the radio unit back in dash, taking care not to pinch or crush any harnesses, and reinstall the 4 mounting screws.
23. Reinstall the left and right trim garnish pieces.
24. 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.
25. The procedure is now complete, please continue to step 26 and begin the confirmation process.
26. 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-->h 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.