Kenwood DNX891HD - Volume Problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Kenwood DNX891HD - Volume Problem
Last summer I had professionally installed a Kenwood DNX891HD into my 2011GS. All is good and I am very happy with the system with one exception; Randomly, and regardless of source the volume will decrease as if almost muted.
The screen displays the volume being decreased, and of course I can simply turn it up again to rectify. I can find no reference to this in the User Manual and wonder if anyone has had similar problems and a solution?
Cody777
The screen displays the volume being decreased, and of course I can simply turn it up again to rectify. I can find no reference to this in the User Manual and wonder if anyone has had similar problems and a solution?
Cody777
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 17,992
Likes: 280
I too had this problem. HU was the flagship kenwood Excelon model at the time(2009). It seemed to be related to the PAC volume control adapter I installed for the steering wheel controls on my at the time '08 Z. this issue reproduced with volume up as well as volume down. I hated that. Tapping the volume control on the wheel stopped the madness every time.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Right...if I tap the steering wheel volume control it stops the decrease in volume. Perhaps I'll have to live with this?
I too had both adaptors installed to retain steering wheel controls as well as the OnStar and warning chimes that were factory installed. All works perfectly but for this small volume issue, and I am delighted with the DNX891HD...it's a great product.
Thanks for your input.
I too had both adaptors installed to retain steering wheel controls as well as the OnStar and warning chimes that were factory installed. All works perfectly but for this small volume issue, and I am delighted with the DNX891HD...it's a great product.
Thanks for your input.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 17,992
Likes: 280
You may not need to live with it. Have you considered calling PAC support? Ask the what they think the problem could be?
As an aside, I bypassed the onstar choosing not to have chimes. So my scenario didnt have that extra thingamajig. Best thing I ever did. I hate door chimes.
As an aside, I bypassed the onstar choosing not to have chimes. So my scenario didnt have that extra thingamajig. Best thing I ever did. I hate door chimes.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Right you are...I contacted Kenwood Tech Support this morning and they were excellent. Advised that I should verify connection from the Axxess adaptor as there is a special note regarding Kenwood units. Also, an update to the software for the unit may help.
I'll try all of this once the damn snow melts in April.
Other than this issue, the Kenwood is to me a great install.
Cody777
I'll try all of this once the damn snow melts in April.
Other than this issue, the Kenwood is to me a great install.
Cody777
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Thanks for all the input...I have spoken once again with the installer and he had advised this too. He'll pull the unit and reprogram the adaptor as well as update the software. Hopefully this will solve the problem.
Cody777
Cody777
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
The ASWC from Metra will do this when using it for SW control retention and is why we do not recommend it
MEtra knows of the issue and trying to fix it
This is not an issue with PAC swi or the MAestro
MEtra knows of the issue and trying to fix it
This is not an issue with PAC swi or the MAestro
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Right...that is what was installed; ASWC-1 and apparently it can be updated by my installer as he feels that this is the problem? It's a small issue, but annoying.
There is a "note" in the ASWC manual that speaks to Kenwood and/or JVC newer units, reminding installers to verify that the "Blue/yellow" wire from the unit is connected to the Brown" wire from the vehicle's SWC...I suspect this may have been missed. My installer will both verify this, as well as update software...hopefully this will rectify the problem. The ASWC-1 adaptor that I have is made by Axxess. Not sure if this has the same known issue as the one from Metra?
Do you know if updating the Kenwood's firmware helps?
There is a "note" in the ASWC manual that speaks to Kenwood and/or JVC newer units, reminding installers to verify that the "Blue/yellow" wire from the unit is connected to the Brown" wire from the vehicle's SWC...I suspect this may have been missed. My installer will both verify this, as well as update software...hopefully this will rectify the problem. The ASWC-1 adaptor that I have is made by Axxess. Not sure if this has the same known issue as the one from Metra?
Do you know if updating the Kenwood's firmware helps?
Last edited by Cody777; Jan 28, 2015 at 08:57 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Right...that is what was installed; ASWC-1 and apparently it can be updated by my installer as he feels that this is the problem? It's a small issue, but annoying.
There is a "note" in the ASWC manual that speaks to Kenwood and/or JVC newer units, reminding installers to verify that the "Blue/yellow" wire from the unit is connected to the Brown" wire from the vehicle's SWC...I suspect this may have been missed. My installer will both verify this, as well as update software...hopefully this will rectify the problem. The ASWC-1 adaptor that I have is made by Axxess. Not sure if this has the same known issue as the one from Metra?
Do you know if updating the Kenwood's firmware helps?
There is a "note" in the ASWC manual that speaks to Kenwood and/or JVC newer units, reminding installers to verify that the "Blue/yellow" wire from the unit is connected to the Brown" wire from the vehicle's SWC...I suspect this may have been missed. My installer will both verify this, as well as update software...hopefully this will rectify the problem. The ASWC-1 adaptor that I have is made by Axxess. Not sure if this has the same known issue as the one from Metra?
Do you know if updating the Kenwood's firmware helps?
You need to get rid of the ASWC
There is an escalating volume issue with the ASWC on any brand of radio you were to put in.
You need to use the RP5GM11 harness(which has SW built in) in the car or
use the MAestro Sw with the gmos04
The issue your talking about was about 3- to maybe 4 years ago with the Kenwood and resistor...that has since been long changed.
The problem is the ASWC and it does this random volume change on its own with the C6
Your installer will probably argue with you but I am telling you to get rid of the ASWC and your problem goes away.
Dennis
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Thanks Dennis...I am grateful for your knowledge. I do have the GMOS 04 installed and will pass your expertise on to my installer.
If I understand you correctly, (and please forgive my questions), the RP5GM11 harness is in the car from the factory unit? And, I can use that or the Maestro with the GMOS 04?
Keith
If I understand you correctly, (and please forgive my questions), the RP5GM11 harness is in the car from the factory unit? And, I can use that or the Maestro with the GMOS 04?
Keith
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Thanks Dennis...I am grateful for your knowledge. I do have the GMOS 04 installed and will pass your expertise on to my installer.
If I understand you correctly, (and please forgive my questions), the RP5GM11 harness is in the car from the factory unit? And, I can use that or the Maestro with the GMOS 04?
Keith
If I understand you correctly, (and please forgive my questions), the RP5GM11 harness is in the car from the factory unit? And, I can use that or the Maestro with the GMOS 04?
Keith
Its just all built in together and programmed for the SW retention. The just need to set the dial on the side to 3
The MAestro SW is only SW control module I use when using the GMOS04 in our installs and packages.
You can use the SWI-RC SW control Module with Pac as well however you would need to cut into the main car harness to connect
With the Maestro SW you can wire this into the gmos04 and not have to cut into the car wiring.
The rp5gm11 as well no cutting / splicing involved
Just make sure to also tell them that the orange white illumination wire from the Kenwood needs to be connected to the gray with black stripe on your traction control with any harness used.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Outstanding...I will certainly pass this on. Once again, thanks so much for your help.
Perhaps I am too finicky, however when I went ahead with this install, it was important to me to retain all of the factory chimes and warnings as well as the steering wheel controls.
All of this was maintained and I am very satisfied with the exception of the volume issue. I am sure that your information will be of great assistance.
Keith
Perhaps I am too finicky, however when I went ahead with this install, it was important to me to retain all of the factory chimes and warnings as well as the steering wheel controls.
All of this was maintained and I am very satisfied with the exception of the volume issue. I am sure that your information will be of great assistance.
Keith
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
As a quick follow-up...I brought the car back to my local installer and he followed all of Dennis' advice. Everything works perfectly now and all of the steering wheel control functions work as they should. No more volume issues either!
Thanks to Double D for their excellent support.
Thanks to Double D for their excellent support.