Hey guys...just a general question. I got the USA Spec ipod adapter for my Z over Christmas. Going to install it today and I know the instructions say to disconnect the baterry when doing this. Is something I HAVE to do or would you say it's just recommendation. Any pros or cons? Just wondering....

 

You should disconnect the battery before doing any new wiring (such as adding a new electrical component). If you cause a short while doing the connections (it can happen), you could damage the car’s electrical system if you do not disconnect the battery.

When you disconnect the battery:

• You might lose the presets on your H/U.
• If you have Sirius radio, you might have to reset the satellite receiver.

--Spike

 

And your rev light will get reset, this threw me for a loop at first but most everyone here knows how to adjust the setting. Just something to be aware of...

 

^^ Of course... I think it resets the ECU, and therfore all of it's functions.

--Spike

 

Thanks guys...I was trying to avoid the whole losing the presets in the H/U but I guess it's a small thing to deal with in comparison to a short in the system. Appreciate the help.

 

If u have skills it can be done w/o d/c battery...but I wouldn't try it on my car. however I'd do it to yours!

 

I’ve always thought that the lack of a battery backup in an H/U is a feature deficiency. My Clarion SD H/U does not have this, but the device supports many settings. When I disconnect the battery, I must reset all these individual preferences (radio station presets, external amp settings, etc.). It’s a big pain, and it’s not like the Clarion is an inexpensive device that can’t have this feature.

I’ve also had the same problem with my Sirius radio receiver. When I disconnect the battery, I must do a request online while the unit is running to reset my package. And it often doesn’t work on the first try or second try, requiring me to call Sirius support via voice for a reset. That means sitting inside the car on my cellphone talking to someone in the Bahamas while they try to detrmine the problem.

Clarion and Sirius both have the same response: Disconnecting the battery is a good way to reset the unit. Hello!?… Why not have a backup battery inside the unit to preserve settings when the car’s battery must be disconnected (but you don’t want to lose your settings), and provide a reset button when you want to reset everything in the device?

My Garmin GVN Navigation Blackbox does have a backup battery, and with this feature I can disconnect the battery; and not lose a bunch of POIs, many operational preferences, etc. H/U manufacturers should take a lesson here. It can be done.

I certainly understand why you ask the question, and why you want to avoid disconnecting your battery.

--Spike