B&O Unleashed Terrifying Problem

[TJE]

So I've read about this problem on the other forums quite a bit, but hadn't seen much here. Essentially there is an issue with the Unleashed sound system where there will be a constant popping/crackling noise at full volume, and the volume can't be turned down or off until the truck is parked and turned off. From what I've read there seems to be a connection to wireless Android auto/Apple car play.

I just had a slightly less ear shattering, but still very unpleasant experience.

The wife and I were running to the convenience store and when I went to turn up the volume using spotify on Android auto, there was a loud pop/crackle. Then I had no volume. After a few minutes I switched to XM and it happened again, this time it continued to click (not the full volume white noise crackling/popping that some have reported). It continued until we got the store and then stopped after I turned the truck off and opened the door to get out. Before we got back in the truck I turned off Bluetooth and wifi. XM functioned normally on the way back, no issues.

A few other things to note, the constant clicking continued no matter what I did (volume change or hitting the power button). My truck does default to Android auto wireless, and my phone was at 2% (I had read someone else noticed their phone was about dead when it happened to them).

Has anyone else had any experience with this? There's a thread on the GEN14 forums about it, a few have had it happen repeatedly, most it's been a one time occurrence. No one seems to be able to get Ford to do anything about it, mostly because it's not easy (or possible) to replicate.

 

[Yeti]

That's crazy. Hopefully they give that some attention, soon

 

[TJE]

That's crazy. Hopefully they give that some attention, soon

I hope so too. It was insanely loud and scares the crap out of both of us. I'd read about the issue so kind of knew what was happening. I can't imagine if it would have been the constant noise.

 

[Bakes]

I'm having a similar issue. One time it actually killed all the audio output even after shutting the truck off and turning it back on. I had to pull the negative battery cable to fix it.

 

[TJE]

I'm having a similar issue. One time it actually killed all the audio output even after shutting the truck off and turning it back on. I had to pull the negative battery cable to fix it.

We're you using Android auto/apple car play as well? I know one guy couldn't get the noise to stop until he disconnected the battery

 

[Bakes]

Android auto.

 

[TremorWrangler]

Yep happened to me. Only had the truck maybe two weeks. Went to hop in the truck and go to dinner. Hit the start button, an immediate loud popping/crackling came over all speakers. Tried shutting it off, opening door, restarting it, several times, nothing… had to pull negative on battery. Luckily it hasn’t happened since and did not seem to cause any damage. Can’t confirm if my phone even connected that fast.

 

[jasonTX1600]

I didn't order the premium audio, but folks with standard audio, how's the quality?

 

[Cranbery]

Tbh the premium sucks, so i can't imagine the standard is anything but mediocre. That's just me though, haven't heard the standard.

I didn't order the premium audio, but folks with standard audio, how's the quality?

 

[PaulBlartMallCrawler]

I didn't order the premium audio, but folks with standard audio, how's the quality?

Nothing to write home about but I’m not clawing my ears out. Bass is kind of muddy. I’m probably going to install a little under seat sub but not in a hurry to swap the other speakers.

 

[gh2osfam]

I didn't order the premium audio, but folks with standard audio, how's the quality?

It's not the best, but I haven't had any problems from it. I'm going to eventually do some aftermarket upgrades.

 

[ETN]

I didn't order the premium audio, but folks with standard audio, how's the quality?

I've had time to replace two of my door speakers this week, with other two going in this weekend. Replacing with Rockford Fosgate R1's and will drop a small powered sub behind rear seat. Standard speakers are kinda muddy, as others have noted. Went with the Rockfords because (based on some youtube comparison videos) they have nice, clear highs, which I can attest, and okay mids (lows are meh). With both left side door speakers in, and balancing back and forth, there is a world of difference between them and factory. Voices, strings, cymbals all much more pronounced, think they will pair nicely with sub. Will likely go Kicker Hideaway or Rockville RW10CA (lower priced competitor with good reviews). Will do a write-up when complete!

 

[TJE]

Anyone ever hear anything more about this? I've been on thr Gen14 forums and it seems like it's becoming more common. It's happened to a few people on the middle of driving, instead of on startup like many were noticing before. As far as I can tell there's been no acknowledgement from Ford that the issue even exists.

 

[Kaboom256]

Happen to me as well. I started it up 2 weeks ago and it sounded like blowing a high-pressure line in the passenger ceiling speaker (B&) Unleashed). Massive pop then white noise hiss and total loss of audio control. I had to leave the vehicle off for a few minutes to get the audio and audio control back. Every now and again I get a crackle (linked audio signal drop) but other than that it is working fine. Talked to a few other Tremor owners who all reported something similar... significant emotional event for spouse in the passenger seat and loss of confidence in what should be a rock solid new truck (with only 5k miles on it).

 

[TJE]

Happen to me as well. I started it up 2 weeks ago and it sounded like blowing a high-pressure line in the passenger ceiling speaker (B&) Unleashed). Massive pop then white noise hiss and total loss of audio control. I had to leave the vehicle off for a few minutes to get the audio and audio control back. Every now and again I get a crackle (linked audio signal drop) but other than that it is working fine. Talked to a few other Tremor owners who all reported something similar... significant emotional event for spouse in the passenger seat and loss of confidence in what should be a rock solid new truck (with only 5k miles on it).

Every time someone new reports a problem instead of news from Ford that includes a fix or at the very least acknowledgement from Ford, I die a little inside. Instances just keep piling up. Luckily it seems like most people experience it once and that's it. There have a been a few who've experienced it multiple times. Did you notice it had anything to do with android auto/Apple car play?

 

[TJE]

Just an update for anyone experiencing this issue, still no acknowledgment from Ford
It does appear that if you switch from a digital source to Am/FM the noise goes away, and everything works as it should when tou switch back. Haven't had to try it yet, but several on the Gen14 forums have stated it works.

 

[F150nutjob]

Its happening to me right now but worse than ever, the truck is off, parked, I'm inside my house & I can hear it still
I recorded it, sounds like a big diesel engine.
Outrageous. I'll pull the negative to see if that stops it. Has Ford acknowledged the problem?

 

[TJE]

Its happening to me right now but worse than ever, the truck is off, parked, I'm inside my house & I can hear it still
I recorded it, sounds like a big diesel engine.
Outrageous. I'll pull the negative to see if that stops it. Has Ford acknowledged the problem?

Unfortunately no. The thread on the Gen 14 forums keeps getting bigger and bigger, but to my knowledge there is zero acknowledgement from FORD.

 

[F150nutjob]

Unfortunately no. The thread on the Gen 14 forums keeps getting bigger and bigger, but to my knowledge there is zero acknowledgement from FORD.

What a surprise

 

[Bakes]

Unfortunately no. The thread on the Gen 14 forums keeps getting bigger and bigger, but to my knowledge there is zero acknowledgement from FORD.

I had my truck in a couple weeks ago and they said it had a firmware update or something. Also noticed that i can take android auto full screen now. No issues with it since getting her back but won't be shocked if it happens again.