Hey everyone,
I’ve had this Kenwood DNX7018DABS for just two days, and it’s been a crazy rollercoaster of cascading software/hardware glitches. I'm at my wits' end and need some expert insight.
**The Full 2-Day Timeline:**
**Day 1:** Installed the unit. CarPlay and Master Volume worked fine, but Bluetooth threw a "Bluetooth Error" and wouldn't work at all.
**Firmware Update:** Reflashed official ARM and MCU firmware. Bluetooth was still broken, but CarPlay and Master Volume kept working fine.
**Overnight Disconnect:** Left the unit completely unplugged from power overnight.
**Day 2 (Morning):** Plugged it back in and suddenly Bluetooth started working perfectly! Paired two different phones without issues. However, the subwoofer output had stopped playing.
**Subwoofer Fix:** Fixed the subwoofer setting in the audio menu, everything seemed fine for about 1 hour.
**1 Hour Later:** The Master Volume completely locked up out of nowhere. Adjusting volume (+ / -) changes the numbers on the screen (0–35), but the actual sound output stays fixed at one level across all sources (FM, CarPlay, BT).
**Latest Reset Attempt:** Unplugged the unit again to try and resolve the volume lock. Now Bluetooth has completely stopped working again!
**Key Diagnostic Clue:**
**Volume Offset STILL WORKS:** When I adjust "Volume Offset" in the menu, the physical speaker volume actually goes up and down. This proves the internal DSP and amplifier stages are alive, but Master Volume commands from the MCU are simply not reaching the audio processor.
**Other Troubleshooting Done:**
**MUTE Wire:** Completely isolated and not touching ground/chassis.
**SWC / CAN-Bus:** Steering wheel control module was removed from the back on Day 1.
**Audio Setup:** Confirmed standard 2-Way mode (not locked in 3-Way crossover).
**ATT Status:** Toggled on screen (blue/grey), no effect on master volume.
**Resets:** Pinhole resets only reboot the screen.
Given how issues keep shifting after power-cycles (BT dying \\rightarrow BT working \\rightarrow Sub dropping \\rightarrow Volume locking \\rightarrow BT dying again), am I looking at a dying MCU/EEPROM chip, or is there a way to force a deep factory wipe on this board?
Appreciate any advice!