CarPlay connectivity issue, replace the USB ports?

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pw1981

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I have significant trouble keeping CarPlay connected and/or getting the CarPlay to recognize my phone is connected. Once it connects, if I bump the cord it will often loose connection.

I’ve used multiple known good Lightning cables with the same result.

Does this indicate a need to replace the USB port module? I can’t imagine any other solution. Is this a problem others have experienced? (I tried searching but got a sea of posts containing CarPlay and USB.)
 

wakeboarder

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Are you able to test the phone and CarPlay in a different car? Have you tried cleaning dirt and lint out of the lightning port? Have you done a hard reset (hold power and next track) or master reset of the sync system?
 

MxRacer965

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It could still be your cables. Have you tried with a genuine Apple cable? We’ve had cables that work fine for charging, etc that simply don’t work or only work intermittently in the wife’s Lincoln. I use wireless CarPlay in the Expedition so I haven’t plugged it in lately…
 

Yupster Dog

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+1 @MxRacer965
Aftermarket cables are fine for charging with Apple products but if you are transfering data from a iphone you need a original lightning cable for hassle free use.
 

LokiWolf

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+1 @MxRacer965
Aftermarket cables are fine for charging with Apple products but if you are transfering data from a iphone you need a original lightning cable for hassle free use.
There are aftermarket cables like Anker that test out as good if not better then apples, but 100% on the cheap ones!
 

Aspen03

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If you bump the cable it's likely a connection point be it at the vehicle usb or the lightning connector on the phone. In my experience it's nearly always the device unless you have issue w the cord in other areas say charging and data connection. Port wear is a fairly common thing.

I always advise people in cars to just leave a permanent cable in there that you aren't always removing and re inserting to minimize this. It's usually fairly evident which is at fault. If there is play when it's plugged in at either end that's likely your issue. USB A and lighting should be a pretty tight hold with no movement.

Fwiw the apple brand cable thing does hold a bit of merit when it comes to data connectivity. Seldom will anyone ever complain about issues regarding it that are using those cable. When it comes to charging there is little difference most of the time.

Anker makes decent 3rd party, Native Union makes exceptionally well made but $$$ cables with a solid warranty.
 
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LokiWolf

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If you bump the cable it's likely a connection point be it at the vehicle usb or the lightning connector on the phone. In my experience it's nearly always the device unless you have issue w the cord in other areas say charging and data connection. Port wear is a fairly common thing.

I always advise people in cars to kiss leave a permanent cable in there that you aren't always removing and re inserting to minimize this. It's usually fairly evident which is at fault. If there is play when it's plugged in at either end that's likely your issue. USB A and lighting should be a pretty tight hold with no movement.

Fwiw the apple brand cable thing does hold a bit of merit when it comes to data connectivity. Seldom will anyone ever complain about issues regarding it that are using those cable. When it comes to charging there is little difference most of the time.

Anker makes decent 3rd party, Native Union makes exceptionally well made but $$$ cables with a solid warranty.
Yeah, the Apple cables are great except for the weak plastic near the connector, and the sheath that deteriorates, drys, and cracks after to much bending or handling. They work great, until the material fails.

NV is an excellent brand!!! 100% agree! Anker is superior in materials to Apple and not ridiculously priced, and regularly on sale. I have never had one of thier cables fail...and trust me, I have a TON.
 

Aspen03

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The native union A to C cables ran behind and up to the nightstands have been in place since 2016 and both still work great. They dont get used every single day but I would imagine they have been plugged/unplugged at least 1000 times in that span, my wife is also prone to using her phone/tablet while plugged in and moving them about fairly often.

The connector apple uses gets brittle and cracks over time. I've seen them sit in a cabinet for 3 years and just crack on first use.

The Insignia and Best Buy Essentials braided cables hold up pretty well given the cost. The 10' is exceptionally overbuilt and is about the diameter of a pencil with a durable connector. I've had one setup in a retail space for about 2 years with daily use on multiple devices and still chugging along. It's been used for data transfers, charging and all. It's handled by clients and employees and just used. Not really taken care of special or anything. It's only downside is it is rather thick, somewhat heavy and inflexible compared to most.

For vehicle use I have the USB cables from PAC, the same company who makes integration harnesses for car audio. They have a heavy braid with thicker gauge wiring and have held up for many years in my vehicles. My kids use them regularly, I have one in my console for small things like my watch charger, headphones, etc. It's not used for audio being I made sure to go w a wireless android auto setup.

Basically there's a lot of decent options out there for just about any budget but like a lot of things you absolutely get what you pay for with some of these.
 

Grizguy

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I used to have the same problem. Mine was.... I think.. the phone port being dirty.. I have not had problems with that for a while now.. but lately, The phone will ring. I answer, but will not work.
 

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