The radio does not read the flash drive in the car, how to fix it? The radio does not read the flash drive Why some flash drives are not read by the radio

Car multimedia players are equipped with decoders that play music and songs recorded in a compressed format on a removable storage device. An external device is connected via a USB port located on the front or in the glove box. If the radio does not read the flash drive with music, then the user can independently find the cause of the malfunction and restore the functionality of the products.

The flash drive itself is faulty

A common reason why the radio does not see the flash drive is an erroneous file system format or a computer failure that went unnoticed when formatting the drive. Some tape recorders are equipped with a diagnostic unit that displays an error code or text message. Some of the Pioneer radios have a USB port diagnostic unit with codes displayed on the display. The appearance of the text ERROR23 indicates the use of a drive with an incorrect file system.

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13.11.2019

Sometimes the device is recognized by the player, but the radio does not see the files or cannot play music content. For repairs, reformatting is carried out in a standard supported by the car radio. When using equipment manufactured before 2008, it is recommended to use the FAT16 standard. For products assembled after 2010, the FAT32 format is acceptable. The list of compatible standards is given in the operating instructions or selected empirically (if documents are lost).

There are floating defects that have no underlying cause. The same flash drive, which does not play in the car's radio, works in a neighboring car with an identical player. In this case, the vehicle owner will have to select a drive that is compatible with the installed head unit. If the external drive is not readable by radios and computers, then restoring the device is not economically feasible.

The USB connector of the radio is damaged

The second most common reason why the radio does not read a flash drive is a temporary or permanent malfunction of the connector. The defect occurs after the car has been parked for a long time in conditions of high humidity; drops of water settle on the surface of the contacts and close the tracks. After drying the interior (naturally or using air conditioning), the defect disappears and the files are read in standard mode.

The malfunction occurs when playing music from a flash drive for a long time, which leads to overheating of the electronics of the built-in amplifier and software failures. The problem disappears after turning on the head unit again. If music content is not playing, it is recommended to wait 20-30 minutes for the components of the multimedia installation to cool down. To reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence of malfunctions, it is recommended to lower the playback volume.

The USB standard implies compliance with the algorithm when removing the drive; if you pull out the card while the head unit is operating, the microprocessor firmware will fail.

To restore functionality, you will need to perform a forced reboot and re-configure the product.

Also, content does not play after exposure to electronic components of an electromagnetic field. The problem disappears after leaving the field coverage area and turning on the car radio and storage device again.

The flash drive is not read by the head audio device if errors are detected in the port power bus or if the USB driver is not working correctly. Pioneer equipment displays CHECK-USB error on the display. The defect occurs after an attempt to connect a charger with increased energy consumption. To restore functionality, you will need to contact a service center. When switching charging units, you should make sure that the products are compatible; the USB port is not designed to transmit a current of more than 1 A (on some budget radios, the current is reduced to 0.5-0.6 A).

USB storage capacity too large

If the flash drive is not readable in the car, then it is recommended to additionally check the compliance of the storage capacity and the characteristics of the head unit. The players recognize external drives with a capacity of 4-8 GB (depending on the hardware modification and the firmware version of the microprocessor unit). A larger installed drive does not work in the radio, but can be read by a laptop or personal computer.

In order for the memory card to be read in a car, it is recommended to split the disk into partitions; manipulation is performed on a computer. Musical works are played from the selected section. Only part of the drive can be formatted, which allows for a forced reduction in capacity. The listed methods are not supported by all models of car multimedia systems. To fully restore performance, it is recommended to use a drive with parameters that meet the requirements of the radio manufacturer.

Wrong write to flash drive

If the radio tape recorder has stopped reading a flash drive with MP3 recorded on a computer, then an additional reason is the lack of support for the song format. Some head units do not support floating bitrate (which provides increased sound quality while reducing file size), and the songs are played back by a computer player. The user needs to re-record the music in a format supported by the player (information is indicated in the operating instructions).

Some car radios do not recognize directories with a multi-level hierarchy of documents and folders. In this case, the product plays some files that are located in the root directory. Pioneer players equipped with built-in diagnostics display error code ERROR19 on the display. To ensure that music content can be read, all files must be located in the root folder. The disadvantage of the technique is the difficulty of finding the required composition.

Problems may arise when using ringtone names in Cyrillic, which is not recognized by the software. On some products, the problem is limited to incorrect display of the name on the display, but omissions and malfunctions during operation are possible. In order for the music to be reproduced fully, it is necessary to translate the names into the Latin alphabet.

If music does not play on head units with Internet access, then it is recommended to check the firmware and hard drive (used on devices with a navigation unit) for malware and viruses that slow down the operation of the equipment. For testing, a computer connection is used; if the user cannot check the product independently, it is recommended to contact a service center.

Many modern audio systems are equipped with a connector for connecting a USB drive; the compact storage medium is very convenient to use for listening to music and various voice recordings. Many drivers prefer to listen to audio recordings on flash-USB rather than on CDs, but sometimes a situation arises when the flash drive in the car cannot be read, and it is impossible to listen to anything from it.

It is logical to assume that the reason for the inability to play audio files may be a faulty flash drive; in some cases, the radio itself refuses to accept the files. In this article we will figure out why information is not read, in which cases you can correct the situation and force the audio system to play the recorded material.

Reasons for the radio's failure to play data from a flash drive

When connecting a USB drive, there may be two options when the car radio does not read the data:

• The flash drive is connected to the audio system for the first time, so it is not clear whether the USB flash drive is working at all;
• Information used to be read through a USB drive on the radio, but now the flash drive with music refuses to work.

In fact, there are not so many reasons for failure to read audio material; the main problems encountered are:

• the drive has too much memory, the car radio cannot read such a flash drive;
• audio files on flash are recorded in a format other than FAT32 (for example, in NTFS);
• there is a virus on the flash drive and it stops playing;
• The USB drive has been damaged;
• errors appeared in the files on the flash drive;
• The car radio itself is faulty.

It’s easier to check the drive’s functionality than a car radio; you can make sure that the flash drive is “live” using a computer - if the PC reads information from it, then the flash-USB is operational.

Basic malfunctions in the car radio

A modern car radio is a technically complex device, so there are many more reasons for refusing to read a USB drive. We will not consider all possible malfunctions; we will list only the most basic ones that are associated with the flash drive:

• The USB connector is faulty and a good connection is not provided when connecting the drive;
• The wires inside the car radio are broken, or one of the contacts has come loose;
• the processor responsible for playing the flash drive has failed;
• One of the buttons gets stuck, because of this the modes do not switch.

There is a situation when the radio “recognizes” a flash drive as a device, but cannot read anything from any flash drive. One of the options for “treating” the car radio is to install new firmware, but here you must act strictly according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. And the most common error of an audio device that refuses to read a flash drive is ERROR 23; also, the radio tape recorder can simply freeze for a long time without giving out any information.

Formatting a flash drive

If the radio does not read files, but the information is read on the computer, first of all, using a PC, you need to check in what format the data is recorded. But in order not to be tormented for a long time by the question of why the working flash drive on the car radio cannot be read, the easiest way is to format the USB drive in the required format (FAT32) and record the material again, then check how the radio perceives the files. Formatting is done as follows:

It is important to remember that formatting completely erases all data, so if you need to save files recorded on a flash drive, you need to make a backup copy. As a rule, after such an operation, many USB drives begin to be read on the car radio, if, of course, the audio equipment itself is working properly.

Flash drive malfunctions

It often happens that the flash drive itself is faulty, and it is not recognized as a device not only on the radio, but also on the computer, in which case it is better not to try to restore it, it is more advisable to replace it with a new USB drive. The most common causes of flash-USB failure:

• mechanical impact, although the flash drive often works even with a broken case;
• water ingress - if moisture gets into the removable disk housing, it is better not to connect the device anywhere, first try to dry the board;
• natural aging - there are no eternal devices, sooner or later any equipment breaks down.

If the radio is not capable of playing audio files due to the large memory capacity of the flash drive, there is hardly anything that can be done; it is easier to buy a smaller capacity USB drive for use in the car.

Failure to read the flash drive by the radio due to poor contact in the connector

Quite often, the radio tape recorder stops reading the flash drive due to poor contact or its absence with the audio system connector. The seat for the USB flash drive is damaged due to frequent connection and disconnection of the drive. It is quite simple to eliminate such a defect using a soldering iron and a spare connector; let’s look at how such work is done using the example of a JVC car radio:

If during disassembly we find that there is poor soldering on the contacts, before changing the plug, we first try to solder it. It may happen that replacing the socket is not required, only soldering will be enough.

Today, quite a large number of cars have car radios that work not with disks, but with a more convenient storage device - a flash drive. USB flash drives are very popular today. This is due to the fact that this modern device has a large amount of memory (up to 32 GB), while the disk usually contains no more than 10 GB. In addition, these devices are very small in size and are practically not subject to external damage.
Most in the car are designed to read data from this information storage device, but sometimes a situation may arise when the radio does not read the flash drive. Several reasons can lead to this result.

What to check first:

1. The first thing you need to do is check whether the information from the flash drive is readable on another device - another radio, computer, laptop, etc. If the computer does not see it, then the problem is clearly not in the car's stereo.
2. Check the USB socket where the data storage device is inserted. This can be done by inserting other flash devices. If the stereo system does not read these devices, then there may be a bad contact in the connector itself, but if the information is read, then the problem is probably not a broken connector.

In the case where data is missing, it is worth paying attention to some other aspects.

The main reasons why a flash drive is not readable

Most often, problems with reading information from a USB drive arise for the following reasons:

1. The car radio does not support the file system format of the flash drive.

The oldest radio models support only the FAT16 file system, later modifications already work with FAT32, and the newest ones interact with the NTFS format. If there is a discrepancy between the named formats, then problems with reading will certainly arise.

When difficulties arise in this area, you need to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the stereo system and clarify what file storage system format it supports. In the case where there is no documentation, everything will have to be done empirically. You take a USB drive and format it one by one for all systems, record test audio files and check it on your device. This work can be done using a computer. This is done as follows:

• Go to the “My Computer” section and find a removable disk (flash drive).
• Right-click and go to the context menu, where we select “Format”.
• Select the “File system” we need, for example, FAT32 and click the “Start” button at the bottom.

1. The hierarchy is too complex.

All information could be placed in a playlist that also has subfolders, namely “modern pop - love songs - Basque”, then it is quite possible that the stereo system will not be able to read the most distant folders. This problem can be encountered if the car was produced before 2000 or if it is a very cheap model. The solution to the issue is to compulsorily record all audio files in the root directory. This formatting is quite easy to do on a computer and create your own correct playlist.

1. The permissible capacity of the flash drive does not match.

Over the years, USB flash drives have increased their storage capacity significantly. Old audio equipment, designed, for example, to read 8 GB of information from a storage medium - will not read larger media. Thus, when faced with a problem, you need to check what the maximum volume is allowed and, unfortunately, it is quite possible that you will have to use a flash drive with a small amount of data storage, otherwise the radio will not see the flash drive.

1. Incorrect spelling of file names.

Many people, when creating their playlist, name audio files in Russian, but, unfortunately, some radios see Russian letters as hieroglyphs or do not see them at all. In this situation, everything can be solved by simply renaming the files in Latin.

1. The format in which the files are written is not .

Most radios are configured for wav and mp3 formats. Only modern audio equipment can recognize all existing formats. If you have old music equipment, then problems quite often arise with audio files downloaded from the Internet or sent by friends. In the case when the information is very valuable to you, you can pass it on your computer through special converter programs, after first finding out what file format is needed for the radio.

1. Software glitch.

Today, most of them are equipped with complex multimedia systems that are connected to the Internet. Viruses can penetrate their system, preventing the device from working correctly. In this case, practically no flash drives can be played. You can correct the situation by running an antivirus through a USB drive. This can be done on any computer.

1. Unforeseen situation.

Sometimes something completely incomprehensible happens. The flash drive fully complies with all the parameters, and the data recorded on it is completely in the correct form. This media can be read without problems on other equipment, but your radio refuses to read it. In this case, nothing can be done; the drive will have to be selected “by trial and error.”

What does the radio itself tell you?

Modern devices for reproducing information from various media can independently determine the problem that has arisen and prompt it to the car owner. In problematic situations, the following entries may appear on the screen:

• ERROR-PROTECT – a signal that the equipment does not have the Windows Media codec installed.
• ERROR23 – file system does not match, for example, NTFS or FAT
• CHECK USB – an error has been diagnosed in the process of powering the USB port.
• ERROR19 – file names are written in Cyrillic, the hierarchical system is too complex, there is no suitable codec, etc.

Sometimes other symbols may appear, but their meanings are best found in the instruction manual; they can vary significantly depending on the brand of audio equipment.

Rules for recording music on USB media

In order to avoid the previously listed difficulties, when recording music you should adhere to the following simple rules:

1. It is best to use a USB drive with a small capacity of up to 8 GB.
2. When writing in FAT32 format, most often there are no problems with reading.
3. It is advisable to place all files in the root directory, or in folders located in the root directory itself.
4. Choose the format for mp3 or wav files.
5. Before recording, the USB drive must be checked for viruses.
6. Do not charge other devices via the USB socket.

Taking into account all the problems we have listed, you can easily select modern data storage devices suitable for your audio system. And this will allow you to enjoy not only driving, but also your favorite music while traveling.

Even if you have never had a similar problem, try to at least imagine it. You are an amateur. You do not receive radio under any pretext. And so, leaving home early in the morning and holding a flash card with fresh music prepared in your hands, you get into your car. With the usual movement of your hand, you insert the card into the radio and... Nothing happens. Not a single sound comes from the speakers. Thousands of motorists around the world find themselves in a similar situation every day. Let's once and for all understand the reasons for this problem and find out how you can solve it yourself.

Many motorists find themselves in an unpleasant situation when the radio does not read the flash drive.

Why doesn't the radio read the flash drive?

There can be many reasons why a flash drive does not play. Let's consider each of them separately.

1. The format of the recorded files is not readable. This happens all the time. For example, you wanted to enjoy good quality songs and downloaded music in FLAC or AAC format. Unfortunately, not every car radio is capable of reading the above formats.
2. The files on the card could have been destroyed by a virus and there was simply nothing to read from it. Or there may be a failure in the file system of the media, due to which the radio does not see the flash drive.
3. Your radio only reads cards of a certain size. Manufacturers usually write about such nuances on the packaging. Therefore, when purchasing a car radio, spend a little time and product characteristics.

Each of the problems listed above has a solution. And you can easily cope with most of them on your own.

How to fix the situation yourself

Do not despair. In most cases, only minor manipulation of the media is required. First, check what format the files on the flash drive are in. If your tape recorder only reads recordings in MP3 format, then, therefore, the card should contain files in this format, and not FLAC, AAC and others. If the file extensions are in order, try formatting the memory card. If a virus has settled in it, formatting will correct the situation. However, you will have to download the music again. If this doesn't help, try using a card with a smaller capacity than yours. Many radios refuse to see large memory flash drives.

Check the file extension on the media

It also wouldn’t hurt to try synchronizing the card with any other similar car radio. If the process is successful and the music starts playing, then the problem is in your radio and not in the external media. In this case, it would be more correct to turn to professional craftsmen who can do it without unnecessary headaches. By the way, repairing car acoustics is not particularly expensive. Of course, if we are not talking about exclusive devices...

In addition, you should check the file system of the removable media. As a rule, radios are configured to work with the FAT32 file system. But often the NTFS system can be selected by default on a flash drive. In order to correct the situation, you need to synchronize the media with yours or any other . Then open the properties of the removable media and change the file system type. Ready.

Another interesting point. Today on the market you can find flash cards with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors. Finding an outdated USB 1.0 will not be an easy task. Most likely, you will have to buy such a flash drive from your own hands. But if you have an outdated player model, then there is a high probability that this is the version of the interface you need. The situation is similar when the player has a USB 2.0 connector, and a card with a more recent USB 3.0 interface is inserted into it. In this case, the card will not be detected by the radio. Information about the required connector is usually indicated in the instructions supplied with the device.

Sometimes the problem is in the interface version

And finally, one more. Either the card slot in the radio may be broken, or the interface on the media itself may be faulty. In the case of the radio, repair is required. If your hands grow from the right place, then you can do it yourself. The main thing is to select the right parts. And if the problem is in the flash drive itself, then buy a new one. Fortunately, removable media is not so expensive today.

P.S. Have you personally encountered a similar problem? If yes, then write to us in the comments what was the cause of the problem and how you managed to solve it.

A USB flash drive is a modern storage device, probably the most convenient to use and compact, capable of storing up to 32 GB of information. After all, you must admit that it is extremely inconvenient to carry CDs with you, and where should you put them in the car? Fortunately, humanity has created a device called a USB flash drive, which is now available to everyone, and today car radios read them without problems. By the way, do you know who made enjoying your favorite music so convenient? Of course, thanks to the Japanese, Toshiba employee Fujio Masuoka, he invented the flash drive back in 1984!

Thanks to progress, flash drives are now used by everyone, or almost all motorists. But what to do if you insert your drive into the radio, and it refuses to recognize it? Moreover, it is possible that just yesterday the same radio was playing the contents from the same flash drive without any problems... If this happened to you, then you should understand that there are reasons for this, and now we will try to figure them out together.

1. Why doesn’t the radio tape recorder read the flash drive?

The reasons may be different:

1. Viruses. You may have infected your device with some kind of virus while recording music or other information.

2. The memory capacity of the flash drive itself is too large. Some old radios cannot read large volumes, because when they were made, there were no such large flash drives yet, and they are not designed for devices with more than 8 GB of memory.

3. The reason may be the USB input. Contacts may break at soldering points.

4. The flash drive can break, this happens rarely, but still...

5. The files on the flash drive have an extension that your radio does not read. Or it may be that the track names contain letters from the Cyrillic alphabet, and the car radio processor can only perceive Latin characters.

6. The radio is broken or its firmware is outdated.

2. How to fix the situation yourself

So, let's figure out how to fix the problem:

1. The first thing you need to do is remove the flash drive and insert it again, and what if...

2. You need to check it on your computer or laptop to see whether the files will open or not. Then check the flash drive for viruses, but before that it is better to transfer the contents from the flash drive to your computer, because if the antivirus program detects a virus, it can delete all the files along with it.

3. View the format of the files uploaded to the flash drive; if they are not readable by your radio, then they can be easily converted. There is even an online converter where you can upload a file and convert it to any other format.

4. If the reason is that the flash drive has too much memory, then it needs to be replaced with a smaller one.

5. You may have to completely format the drive, this can be done using Windows, to do this you need to right-click on the flash drive icon and select the function FORMAT, or download a formatting program, for example, HP USB Disk Storage Format Too.

6. If you find letters from the Cyrillic alphabet in the flash drive files, then replace them with Latin ones.

3. Other radio malfunctions

So, if you have checked all the options, and the files on the flash drive are still not played by your radio, then you need to contact a service center. There, specialists will find the correct cause of the breakdown and eliminate it.

There are many more reasons for car radio malfunctions. Here are some of them:

- malfunction of the main control board;

The radio is heavily soiled with dust;

Eating problems that happen very often.