flynn337

Thanks guys. I pulled the glovebox off yesterday...

The AUX input box (which connects to the main GW 500 unit) has a mode selector switch (Service/CDC mode vs. Gateway 500 mode). It also has a reset switch. But I don't have that AUX input box, so AFAIK I have no way to bypass the GW500 without it in hardware.

So what I did was undo the install to take the Dension out of the loop by hooking the fiber back up to the CD changer. I saw no change in behavior.

I also tested not having the fiber hooked up, ie. not having the CDC fiber plugged in at all, and the behavior was different: The MMI didn't come on at all and didn't respond to any input.

So overall this tells me that the fiber loop is working through the Dension, and the Dension isn't involved. Or if it caused the problem, taking it out doesn't solve it. I don't see a choice beyond having the dealer re-install the MMI SW or replace the HW (maybe that's the same thing).

pavils

bummer that didn't fix it. you have done the 3-finger MMI reboot sequence, right?

I hope for your sake it's just bad/corrupted MMI SW and/or just a sub-module - I believe the MMI unit is *very* pricey.

flynn337

Yes, I've tried it before, during (at various times), and after it starting up. It doesn't seem to accept any input at all.

I wish I knew what this mysterious reinstall of system software process was about - why can only the dealer do it?

mystrodo

There are more experienced people here who have done their own updates but most did it with a working MMI, have you tried installing the first disk to see if it will activate the system?

You already know the three finger reboot.

flynn337

How do you suggest I try installing when the MMI shuts down a few seconds after starting? Don't I need access to the MMI to install or upgrade sw?

mystrodo

My suggestion is only that...a suggestion since I've not had this problem. I understand you don't have a stable MMI and it's shutting down..have you disconnected any add-on's such as the Denison? After doing that and it still won't load and stabilize but disconnects..what happens when you insert the first upgrade disk..does anything show on the screen?

flynn337

I'm just trying to understand your suggestion. You're saying to insert the first upgrade disk, then try to power on the MMI? What would happen with a perfectly good MMI... doesn't it ignore the disk until you invoke a SWUpdate from the MMI menu?

Re: removing the Dension, yes I tried that with no change - see the post above with the picture.

mystrodo

I don't have another suggestion..I'm just thinking what I'd do. I'd also recheck related fuses with a meter. Someone will pop in whose had a simular situation hopefully.

flynn337

For those who may experience this same problem: it turned out to be a bad set of buttons, all gummed up with spilt coffee (from the previous owner). They worked fine for awhile, then one day I had the problem (see the first post in this thread).

The fix was to replace the button module with a new one. Part # 4F1 919 610 R pictured below. Once replaced the MMI started up with no problems. The Dension wasn't involved at all.

I'm now selling my old button module in case someone believes they can clean it out and wants to mod it with LED lights or something : )

mystrodo

Thanks for the update. I would have never guessed it was the button panel until I looked at the photo..very dirty indeed.
I always fear spilling a cup of coffee..now I know why. Thanks for the heads-up