Problems with 9500i

[wagrex]

Was wondering if anyone is having the same problem. I've googled problem in many ways but found none so I've just updated the detector software, hoping it would help.

On drives ranging 30min on freeway with GPS signal already acquired, detector would suddenly announce "GPS signal acquired" when it didn't previously announce "GPS signal is lost". I found this quite odd as detector would still announce "GPS signal is lost" everytime i drive into underground parking area but not in the abovementioned circumstance so I'm wondering if something is wrong. Driving on some time later, i would get message "power reset" message. I would typically unplug the unit and repower it but i would still get the signal acquired message and power reset sometime later.

Anyone know's what's wrong and how to fix it?

Thanks in advance..

[TSi+WRX]

Check the wiring - I think you may have sporadic voltage drops, that's causing the strange issue.

To-date, the 9500i/ix are the most "exacting" of the Escort offerings, in terms of supplied voltage, due to the GPS-enabled features.

Check, obviously, first, the detector's SmartCord and plug, by putting it in another vehicle for an extended period of time.

If that's excluded as the cause (i.e. the SmartCord is deemed to be fine), check the 12V accessory plug you've chosen as the SmartCord's power source in your (problematic) vehicle. Keep in mind that some accessory plugs are simply of "off" sizes, and may cause intermittent contact issues with various accessories - this, combined with the more exacting power demands of the 9500i, could also be the cause of your problem.

If the fit and cleanliness (on older vehicles, dust/grim/oxidation can easily have accumulated in the plug, even if it has a cover over it and/or was never used) is not a problem, check the wiring going to the plug - particularly on older vehicles, this can be a problem, and it can even be something as simple as the assembly having loosened itself over the course of miles/time, due to road-impacts/vibrations.

If you have the detector hardwired, then, obviously, check your hardwiring - both of the physical hardwire of itself (i.e. it hasn't rubbed something, and is now occasionally shorting), as well as the power and ground taps.

If everything still pans out, check, that your vehicle's charging system is in good shape.

[CJR238]

X2, TSi-WRX.

The times i have herd of "power reset" popping up is with a voltage problem. Try the above and worse comes to worse send it back to Escort for repair, but most likely its a voltage problem.

[wagrex]

Thanks for the quick reply, TSi+WRX and CJR238. i thought it was the power supply as well but the smart cord looks ok. I'm going to try cleaning both the cigarette lighter plug and smart cord contact. This should only help with the power reset problem right? Was also wondering if the software update would help which i've just done last nite.

Ever heard of similar occurrence when "GPS signal is acquired" when it hasn't been lost? Also, the "GPS signal is acquired" and power reset problem does not typically happen during my relative short drives around town of <30min.

I've called up the escort helpline and they have no idea why it's happening. He asked me to send it in for service. I'm just worried that this being an intermittent problem might not show up when it gets over there.

[CJR238]

I might have had the GPS signal lost or acquired without notification once or twice. But i just thought i wasn't paying attention or didn't here it.

If the update you just did doesn't fix the problem (may do it?) and you send it in to Escort they will go over the unit and correct the problem. They don't necessarily need to create the problem to fix it, they may just replace the GPS board or the main board.

[TSi+WRX]

Originally Posted by CJR238

I might have had the GPS signal lost or acquired without notification once or twice. But i just thought i wasn't paying attention or didn't here it.

^ +1.

The only times I've had that problem have been when the weather's extremely bad or, alternatively, in high-rise crowded downtown areas (and, of course, parking-garages/decks).

In each case, I believe I've always heard the "GPS Signal Lost" warning, prior to re-acquisition.

The firmware update may or may not help - there's something in the list regarding "improved calibration of voltage circuit," but to-date, no-one really knows exactly what that means, or what impact it will have on the device and/or its performance. This may be your answer.

If you're going the laptop-in-car route, I would recommend doing the reflash in another vehicle, where you don't get the occasional drop-out.

The accessory-socket cleaning may or may not solve your problem, if the fault is the physical socket itself, yes - but if the fault is in the wiring "behind"/upstream of the socket, then no.

[wagrex]

thanks guys.. I was hoping the firmware update will fix it. If it doesn't i will clean the plug for step by step rule out of problem. i will see if anything changes over the weekend before i proceed "upstream" per suggested. Last resort will be to send it in to escort. Do you know if escort provides a warranty after their service? if so, how long?

I thought I wasn't paying attention too but when my wife commented why signal was acquired when it wasn't lost in the first place, i knew something was wrong.

I did ask the customer service guy on escort helpline on improved calibration of voltage circuit fix and he said it was to improve voltage stability for the unit. If this fix was for the problem i had, i would expect more people to be complaining about it but guess not so it might be a low dpm problem and mine's it.. thanks again guys. you've been more helpful then the escort helpline!

[CJR238]

Originally Posted by wagrex

thanks guys.. I was hoping the firmware update will fix it. If it doesn't i will clean the plug for step by step rule out of problem. i will see if anything changes over the weekend before i proceed "upstream" per suggested. Last resort will be to send it in to escort. Do you know if escort provides a warranty after their service? if so, how long?

I thought I wasn't paying attention too but when my wife commented why signal was acquired when it wasn't lost in the first place, i knew something was wrong.

I did ask the customer service guy on escort helpline on improved calibration of voltage circuit fix and he said it was to improve voltage stability for the unit. If this fix was for the problem i had, i would expect more people to be complaining about it but guess not so it might be a low dpm problem and mine's it.. thanks again guys. you've been more helpful then the escort helpline!

If yours is out of warranty and you send it in but when you get it back you still have the same problem im sure Escort will do right by you.

This is our passion, we can help but to be helpful... well most of the time.

[wagrex]

just a quick update.. i went for a drive last weekend with only the software upgrade and the problem was still present. This time, it actually happened right before my eye! I kind of went over a small bump and i saw the detector bumped a little (just like when you go over a pothole) and the symbol for GPS started blinking(without announcing GPS signal was lost). After a couple seconds it stopped blinking and the voice alert announced GPS signal acquired. After a while later, the power reset came just like before.

When i got home, i took apart the smart cord to make sure connection inside was sound and tightened the screws, cleaned the contact and also those on the 12V supply in car. I'll continue to observe and see if it helps. If not, I might get the hardwire for a more secure power supply to see if it helps before sending it in to escort.

Will report back in case anyone is also having issue as well.

[wagrex]

Nothing else worked with self remedy so i sent it in to escort before thanksgiving and finally got it back on thursday this week. Here's what they fixed:
1. GPS PCB and speaker replaced
2. repaired antenna
3. Upgrade software
Detector is working like it used to a long time ago. Can't believe i was driving around with the thing not working for 4 mths+. I was actually glad to hear it falsing for a few days before i started to lock out the known false alarms. Have not done any long drives to determine if it would acquire signal without being lost but everything seemd good so far.. Thanks to all for the advise. Hope no one else have the same problem.