PAL problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 415
Likes: 94
From: Cincinnati OH
PAL problem
Looking to see if anyone has had the same issue, of maybe I have a defective unit.
I bought a PAL from Gene when he first received some. I waited to install it when I say Ray post his easy harness install and ordered one of the harnesses.
I installed the unit (super easy, thanks to Ray). Seems to work great.
But here's my problem: the unit seems very sensitive to movement. Every time I hit a good sized bump/expansion joint, the PAL switches back to XM (but stays on the PAL iPod screen on the nav). I have to hit the XM1/2 button back and forth to get back my iPod. I installed it the way Ray has it on his website. I even wrapped the PAL unit w/ padding and tucked it in the same spot. It's interesting that while handling the unit, I hear it ticking or clicking all the time. The other day, I was cleaning out the cargo area, and I could hear it clicking (with the car off). PAL seems to work totally fine when standing still or the car is driving on smooth pavement.
Anyone else have this problem???
I bought a PAL from Gene when he first received some. I waited to install it when I say Ray post his easy harness install and ordered one of the harnesses.
I installed the unit (super easy, thanks to Ray). Seems to work great.
But here's my problem: the unit seems very sensitive to movement. Every time I hit a good sized bump/expansion joint, the PAL switches back to XM (but stays on the PAL iPod screen on the nav). I have to hit the XM1/2 button back and forth to get back my iPod. I installed it the way Ray has it on his website. I even wrapped the PAL unit w/ padding and tucked it in the same spot. It's interesting that while handling the unit, I hear it ticking or clicking all the time. The other day, I was cleaning out the cargo area, and I could hear it clicking (with the car off). PAL seems to work totally fine when standing still or the car is driving on smooth pavement.
Anyone else have this problem???
NCM Life Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 453
Likes: 55
From: Raleigh NC
I agree, it sounds like a connection issue. I suspect that the PAL is loosing power intermittently. Check the wires on pins 16 (Battery) and 9 (Ground) on all three connectors.
You might try gently moving the wires on the above 2 pins of all 3 connectors while the iPod is operating to see if you can duplicate the problem and determine which connection is at fault.
Save The Wave,
John
You might try gently moving the wires on the above 2 pins of all 3 connectors while the iPod is operating to see if you can duplicate the problem and determine which connection is at fault.
Save The Wave,
John
Last edited by jbeidl; Sep 16, 2009 at 06:47 PM. Reason: Correct Type - Battery is pin 16, not pin 15
Emerging Vendor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 27
From: Sequim WA
I haven't heard of this problem before, but it sounds like you have a coupe or Z06. If wiggling the connectors don't help and the problems persists, I'd suggest removing the PAL module, then the XM module from the tray. Then connect up the modules again with the harness and drive around trying to duplicate the problem. Since it is relatively easy to pull this out and lay the modules on the floor, this shouldn't be too difficult.
If the problem persists, try to wiggle the wires near each of the three connectors while listening to the PAL. Can you get it to fail? If so, inspect that connector by pulling it apart and looking carefully at the pins. Is anything loose?
It does sound like a possible connection problem somewhere. On the connector that plugs into the body harness, look at the yellow wire on pin 16 - that's the power wire (to both the XM receiver and the PAL). Does it look OK or is it loose in the connector?
If you can narrow it down to a connector issue, email me and we can troubleshoot some more.
Also, while the PAL and XM receiver are out, you might try to shake the PAL and see if that could somehow be the problem.
Ray
If the problem persists, try to wiggle the wires near each of the three connectors while listening to the PAL. Can you get it to fail? If so, inspect that connector by pulling it apart and looking carefully at the pins. Is anything loose?
It does sound like a possible connection problem somewhere. On the connector that plugs into the body harness, look at the yellow wire on pin 16 - that's the power wire (to both the XM receiver and the PAL). Does it look OK or is it loose in the connector?
If you can narrow it down to a connector issue, email me and we can troubleshoot some more.
Also, while the PAL and XM receiver are out, you might try to shake the PAL and see if that could somehow be the problem.
Ray
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 693
Likes: 17
From: San Leandro California
I haven't heard of this problem before, but it sounds like you have a coupe or Z06. If wiggling the connectors don't help and the problems persists, I'd suggest removing the PAL module, then the XM module from the tray. Then connect up the modules again with the harness and drive around trying to duplicate the problem. Since it is relatively easy to pull this out and lay the modules on the floor, this shouldn't be too difficult.
If the problem persists, try to wiggle the wires near each of the three connectors while listening to the PAL. Can you get it to fail? If so, inspect that connector by pulling it apart and looking carefully at the pins. Is anything loose?
It does sound like a possible connection problem somewhere. On the connector that plugs into the body harness, look at the yellow wire on pin 16 - that's the power wire (to both the XM receiver and the PAL). Does it look OK or is it loose in the connector?
If you can narrow it down to a connector issue, email me and we can troubleshoot some more.
Also, while the PAL and XM receiver are out, you might try to shake the PAL and see if that could somehow be the problem.
Ray
If the problem persists, try to wiggle the wires near each of the three connectors while listening to the PAL. Can you get it to fail? If so, inspect that connector by pulling it apart and looking carefully at the pins. Is anything loose?
It does sound like a possible connection problem somewhere. On the connector that plugs into the body harness, look at the yellow wire on pin 16 - that's the power wire (to both the XM receiver and the PAL). Does it look OK or is it loose in the connector?
If you can narrow it down to a connector issue, email me and we can troubleshoot some more.
Also, while the PAL and XM receiver are out, you might try to shake the PAL and see if that could somehow be the problem.
Ray
I have also heard some clicking from the Pal. Thought maybe that was normal, seems to stop after a bit. Mine seems to work just fine. I'm going to check it out and see when it does it and for how long.
Thanks, Jerry
Last edited by Lyons16; Sep 17, 2009 at 12:55 PM.
Emerging Vendor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 27
From: Sequim WA
When you activate the PAL by opening a door or hatch, the relay will click, but after shutting off your car and a time delay of a minute or two, the PAL will shut down and the clicking will stop.
Soon I hope to have a thread up soon with a lot of FAQ's about the PAL, because many owners are experiencing these same issues. Often they are new or misunderstood, so I'm hoping there will be one place to look for answers to common questions.
Ray
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