Pioneer Software Error Fix - SD Card Replacement Procedure
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- How to write files for Pioneer AVH4400NEX: • How to write files for...
How to remove screen / pull out metal frame: • PIONEER AVH 4400NEX (Thanks @Mannix C)
*I receive a ridiculously small commission for purchases made through these links:
Preloaded SD card for:
avh-4000nex: ebay.us/ABdPpH
avh-4100nex: ebay.us/xNlrOy
avh-4200nex: ebay.us/hzOJaN
avh-w4400nex: ebay.us/Mb4CYb
avh-w4500nex: ebay.us/xvs435
avic-5000nex: ebay.us/xEJVPW
avh-x8600bt: ebay.us/Pil5rw
avh-x8650bt: ebay.us/Pil5rw
avh-z9250bt: ebay.us/JM7Fcf
avh-z9280tv: ebay.us/JM7Fcf
avh-z9290bt: ebay.us/JM7Fcf
sph-da120: ebay.us/3opJIn
Helpful? Buy me a cup of coffee! buymeacoffee.c...
Read Scott Nielson's pinned post for simplified removal procedure.
For Mac users needing to write files for the Pioneer AVH4400NEX, use balenaEtcher (thank you to Pickle312 for testing!) then follow general instructions here: • How to write files for...
For windows users, use win32 Disk Imager as outlined in the youtube video: • How to write files for...
I just replaced mine. This video was helpful, but you DO NOT need to take off the top like this guy did. Instead, just do the following:
1. Remove the unit from the vehicle.
2. Take off the removable display (this is not shown in the video because it's easy). You don't have to do this, but you should if you can
3. Pull out the slide mechanism. This is shown in the above video at 2:45 to 3:43: ua-cam.com/video/2cHp6jxD5R8/v-deo.html)
4. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the back of the slide mechanism. This guy didn't do that. Instead, he disconnected it from the internal circuit board but that's a pain. Here is another video showing how to disconnect the ribbon cable from the back of the slide mechanism. Watch from 10:08 to 10:55: ua-cam.com/video/NvUFv5GVRTY/v-deo.html.
5. Remove the black plastic trim. This is shown in this video at 3:43 to 4:27: ua-cam.com/video/2cHp6jxD5R8/v-deo.html. Note that in my method the black ribbon cable is still attached to the circuit board so you need to pull it through the slot in the black plastic trim.
6. Remove and replace the SD card (the bottom slot) as described in this video.
7. Reverse the steps above. One thing to note is that when you put the black plastic trim back on, you need to pull the ribbon cable through the slot so that all the slack is pulled through. I didn't do that the first time so I had to take the black plastic trim off and pull the ribbon all the way through and then reattach it. Otherwise, it's easy. My unit works great.
Scott Nielson thanks Scott! Couldn’t find any SD card replacement videos online and just started disassembling. Hope your comment helps others!
Sad that it’s such a common problem.
@@VanwithTim and @Scott Nielson: Mahalo for posting this video and for the follow up comments. I agree that it is sad that Pioneer uses a cheap SD card for a high end unit.
Hey Scott, thanks for the list of instructions. Great help. For those doing this I used an 8 gig sd card and my head unit went from continuously looping the bootup to showing a screen that says there is a software error. Tomorrow I am getting a 16 gig to see if that works. My win32 software said the image was to big by a little but it didn't seem to be data. Well it seems to be data.
@@antonioponce6544 so you need to use a 16 gb card? let me know.
@Scott Nielson I followed your steps, and it worked great! I used a SanDisk 16GB Class 4 SD card I already had lying around to build the image using the Mega DL someone linked along with Win32. Fairly straightforward. I did run into a couple issues (in case anyone else has this crazy problem).
Step 3: The 2 tiny screws you have to remove. One came out fine. The other one was ridiculously tight, and I tried SEVERAL different sizes of screwdrivers. It never budged, and I ended up stripping the screw enough to where I couldn't do anything else. Luckily, I was able to maneuver it enough with just 1 screw removed.
Step 5. Similar issue in step 3. One screw came out fine, the other wouldn't budge/stripped. I thought I was SOL. I was lucky that the screw that removed was the side closer to the SD card. I gently bent the trim away enough to allow me to remove the existing SD card and re-insert my new SD card. It was literally just enough wiggle room without warping the trim.
Thanks again to both you and @Van with Tim. Hopefully it holds up!
DUDE - Allow me to express my appreciation for you posting this! I have the same head unit (for less than 2 yrs) and these exact same symptoms occurred within the last week. I pulled it out and was about to box it up to send to the factory service center, and stumbled across this video. I happened to have a 16gb SD card, so I gave it a whirl - AND IT WORKED! My fingers are crossed though, since the last 2 yrs have been nothing but problems after deciding to finally spend the money & upgrade my system. It seemed only fitting for the $700 head unit to fail after finally getting everything else working. Thanks again - you're my hero!
Glad you found the video! Unreal that a $50 head unit is more reliable than these expensive Pioneer's. However, it seems like once the faulty SD card is replaced it's a pretty bulletproof stereo for the most part (fingers crossed!)
Happy listening!
-Tim
I can’t thank you enough. I was ready to buy a new head unit then found this video. I used the link provide for the new SD and within 4 days of ordering I received it. I installed it today and it works perfectly. Your help and video solved my problem. Thank you brother!
Love to hear the success stories! Such a strange problem to have with a major name-brand head unit.
Thanks so much Van with Tim and the other commenters here. My My AVH-W4400NEX unit was not saving SiriusXM presets. I'm NOT mechanically inclined and I've never even installed or removed a head unit, so this project was intimidating, to say the least. But, I figured out how to remove the trim and take it out and then I followed the directions here step by step and it was pretty easy. I used an old 16GB SD card for a digital camera and reformated it. I'm on a Mac and used a free program called Etcher to burn the AVIC image file. I was skeptical when I reinstalled the unit, but it worked the first time. Only took a couple of hours. THANK YOU! Also, never spending a dime with Pioneer again.
I only have an iPad Pro.. I wonder if I can get a card reader and writer and do the same exact thing.. where did you get the image file for the the Pioneer 4400... Will I have to get a laptop because I do not have a PC or laptop....
Appreciate the video man, I was able to fix my radio. Such a shame Pioneer didn't recall these units for the terrible SD cards they stuck in them. My Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX wasn't even 2 years old (MFR Jan. 2019) and it went out about a week ago. This was a great help, thank you so much!
Definitely a shame (especially from a major brand name) but glad you’re back up and running!
Happy travels!
-Tim
Where did you buy your sd card for your pioneer
I just started having this issue. Where did you get your SD card from? Or is there a way to just copy the data onto your own SD card?
@@adamserrano5406 i got mine on ebay work like a magic
@@adamserrano5406 hey Adam, you can just go pick up a blank 16GB card then follow the guide here to write the files (a little more complicated than a copy / paste procedure, but nothing too crazy)
ua-cam.com/video/Cro26vuoPHo/v-deo.html
Man this video is gold. Thanks for this and the other part. Was able to get my 4400 going again. Wayyyyy better than coughing up 200 for repair or 750 for a new one. Again, thank you sir.
Glad it worked! Ridiculous it's even an issue to begin with though.
Happy listening!
-Tim
I had to deal with stripped screws and a couple tries at replacing the ribbon, but it worked great! Also, I installed the file on a Mac. For Mac users out there, I downloaded the file from the mega link and used a free download called Balena Etcher to write the .img file onto the SD card. Back up and running, and thank you guys so much for the help!
Tim - you are a life saver! This procedure worked perfectly for me. My AVH-W4400NEX unit wasn't dead or looping on boot, but it would not retain station presets on Sirius XM, would always start up on the same station, kept bumping up the navigation volume on every reboot, and a few other weird things. It also would not accept a firmware upgrade to 1.02 even though the process would say successful at 100%. I talked to Car Toys where I purchased the unit, called Pioneer, and Sirius XM support - all to no avail, and no one had a clue other than walking me through things I had already done to reset the unit, load firwmare, etc. I even purchased a 5 year extended warranty from Car Toys, but they told me they would have to send it off to Pioneer and turn around on repairs with shipping delays due to Covid might take 3-6 months. Ugh! I didn't want to be without the radio that long, so I just lived with the buggy system.
Then I stumbled on your solution. Loading the clean img file on a new SD card fixed it all!
Thanks again!
Man I'm so glad the image file is finally out there. I waited months for someone to upload it to the forums but finally just pulled the trigger on the pre-loaded SD card from Russia. (Like $70 if I recall???) I see they've since come down to $30ish but even that's a rip off lol.
Yours is the first I've heard of with such strange bugs! But I'm glad it ended up being an easy fix!
That's a load of BS from Car Toys. They should have just replaced the whole unit for you.
I've since noticed mine is TOTALLY MISSING the AM/FM radio function??? Never thought to look for it until I wanted to hit the drive in lol.
Will try re-loading with the image myself next time I have the dash apart.
Does yours have the AM/FM function anywhere??
Cheers!
-Tim
@@VanwithTim Yes - FM is there, too. All the presets work now. As far as I can tell al my bugs are gone, and all the features are there. I did have to do a reset with a paper clip to get a few quirks straightened out after the new SD card replacement.
@@stevedickerson5447 Thanks for the info! Will have to give the reset method a shot. Just checked the manual and it kind of calls for it anyhow:
"The microprocessor must be reset under the following conditions:
-Prior to using this product for the first time after installation.
-If this product fails to operate properly.
-If there appears to be problems with the operation of the system."
Appreciate it!
-Tim
@@VanwithTim Good morning could you help me with my radio avh-x8650bt has problems with the sd but I do not know if you need any new software or it simply has to be blank. Thank you very much I hope your prompt response.
@@freddyantoniomatusdetrinid3398 you will need to write a special file to the blank SD card. I have not found the file available for free online yet, but there is a seller on eBay who sells the file you need.
www.ebay.com/itm/303899886211
This video has by far been the biggest money saver. This absolutely works, I was about to buy a whole new head unit and you saved me over 1000 bucks on an upgrade. You sir, are a hero. A true hero.
hello, this is random but my Pioneer AVH-4500NEX just started the above issues- was the process easy to do and do you have a similar model? i would rather spend 52 than 1000- any help would be appreciated. i am no mechanic, i have basic knowledge on these systems
Hi, i have the same problem with my avh 9200 dab where can i get new firm ware. Or is it a empty sd card ?
Update from my last comment, Works like brand new!, Previously, I lost the ability to use carplay wirelessly, I could onlu use carplay using the “hardwired” feature. My w4400nex would also just reset at random, while driving and relying on the navigation. However, after replacing the internal sd card, My head unit works like it was brand new now.
Very happy, thanks for uploading this video!
Many thanks - I have three 4400's spread among my truck, my son's, and my daughter's. Hers gave the error described and I fixed it today - thanks for your hard work and documentation! I've prepared two more SD cards for the inevitable... Three coffees sent!
Thanks for the support David!
Hope the other two stereos are easy to remove when the time comes!
How did you find the software to get to an SD card? @david b
@@MrTtillotswondering the same thing, did you ever find it?
I have exactly one Pioneer I purchased it in 2019 Already Being Send it From the day I purchased 3 times To get it fixed the Pioneer fix it to me For Charge of $300 every time I send it No one should buy this type of stereo I have too much problems With it and they are so expensive there is many a lot similar quality And even better than Pioneer Stereo But overall your video is very helpful thank you
Do we need special SD card, or any SD card from the market
Thanks Tim - worked like a champ. This saved me a lot of grief and frustration had I gone it alone.
Happy listening!!
-Tim
Update; This process totally fixed it for me! FYI: The image pointed to below is firmware 1.02
If I ever need to do this again, I will take my dremmel and carve a slot for the firmware SD card, right below the factory one.
I was thinking exactly the same. It's a huge pain to remove the unit from my van. Glad you're up and running again.
That is actually a very good idea - I haven't put everything back together yet and might just do that! Makes sense actually when you think about all the times the SD card gets cycled on....
Thank you this video helped me fix my avhw4400-nex , bought an sd card for $32 from eBay and now it works faster than before!
I just followed your tutorial and saved myself $750. Head Unit is working again!! Thank you, you are SO AWESOME
Such a bummer it has to be fixed at all but glad it’s up and working again!! Cheers!
100% worked! Greatly appreciate the time you and others took to share this info. Cheers!
So glad it worked!
I just replaced my SD card today after about a week of the radio not working. All good now and it still preserved my settings!
just had the same procedure few days ago.
i took the top cover as well but it was unnecessary as you mentioned.
you can basically just take to 2 screws from the sides (1 each side) which holds the plastic frame to the cage,
then take the 2 small plates out (from the front panel) and take the out the 2 screws which hold the panel connector
then just pull the bottom part toward you and you can just enough space to pull the SD out.
BTW I bought a fast SD card which have better performance then the original so the system works even better.
cool video - wish i saw it a week ago :)
Good call on the upgraded SD card!
I went with a “class 10” SanDisk for my dashcam and it had a noticeable difference over the original class 4. Didn’t even think to do it with the radio 😓
Model and make of your SD card you got?
Just want to say Thank You!!! $4 SD card saved me from having to replace my unit!!
Cant really tell you how thankful I am for this video! You are a lifesaver.
Thank you! My pioneer just started this problem this morning & I was so confused & concerned.
Luckily the hardest part is just removing the unit from your car!
Sad it has to be done but glad it’s a fairly easy fix ✌️
Worked great! Thanks! I used the Dremel method to expose the SD card slot. Worked like a charm.
I was working with an old PC to prep the card so I had to play around with it a little. I had to format my new SD card as well.
Score! Glad it worked!
This video was a life saver, thank you! I freaked out when my deck started having the loop error, thought I was gonna have to replace it. Luckily, I’m not the only on that had this issue and I found this video. This was a super easy procedure and it works flawlessly again. And yes, don’t need to remove the top of the stereo just the front to get to the internal SD.
Glad it helped! The hardest part in most vehicles seems to be removing the dash panels.
Enjoy the freshly revived tunes!!
I slide out the sliding mechanism and unscrew the 2 screws for the sliding mechanism, 2 screws holding the black trim piece,pried black trim piece enough to eject the old SD card and insert the new card. I did not remove the ribbon plug. I followed step by step downloading the software to my SD card which was nice. Easy fix thanks
Did this to my 4500 NEX and it works perfect! Thank you so much buddy👍🏻👊🏻
Hey Sergio, wanted to see if the touchscreen was working? I hear the 4400NEX file works in the 4500NEX but the touchscreen usually doesn't function.
Cheers!
-Tim
Touch screen isn’t working for me..
I have a w4500 nex
It didn’t work for me either. I found a 4500 nex download. Can’t find it again. Needed to rewrite my sd card. Battery failure made it mess up again.
Did anyone find a rewrite download for th pioneer avh4500nex?
Worked like a charm, thank you thank you thank you!!! It was harder to replace the console cover on my truck than put in the SD card, LOL.
So awesome, this and your other video on the SD card and software install, CHEERS!!
10 thumbs UP!!!
And thanks to all; @makingitupdiy, and all the software guys!!
Van with Tim, your video was really helpful, I just completed replacing the sd card with my son 😀. And I did not do the mistakes you mentioned. Going to test it tomorrow🤞
Fantastic! Hope it worked out 🙏
did it work?
OP will surely deliver
Thank you! I found the firmware image online and was able to follow your instructions to disassemble. I now have a working stereo! Thanks so much!!
This Firmware image that he is using? The one that gives Navigation?
yes please ...
@@cyberlocc Did you find the firmware image to get it back to factory... I have the same problem with this 4400 I have used it maybe 30 times my whole time owning it since it was new I updated the firmware once couple years ago ... I'm trying to research how I can fix it...
@@cyberlocc That isn't built in nav... it's Apply Carplay in his vid... :|
@@JoeAdkinsishere No it isn't. It's Nav of the radio, on the 4400 it's built in, they just disable it.
I got the firmware, this does work.
Piece of cake. Thanks for the info! Boots faster now too with a faster card
So glad to hear it worked! Happy listening!
Appreciate all the information. I also have the nex 4400, I disconnected battery to replace with new one, turn on ignition to see error message and stuck in boot loop. Read the forum, download file form link and download win32 to computer, transferred to SD card, now working again.
Glad it's working again. Also happy to hear the 4400NEX file is finally available on the forum!
I waited nearly a year for anyone to upload the image, but eventually had to buy the pre-loaded SD card from eBay.
@@VanwithTim what forum?
@@Pinkielover avic411.com/index.php?/topic/90534-how-to-fix-for-avh-w4400nex-boot-loop/
Thanks Tim! Saved me a few hundred bucks, as I figured my 4400NEX was dead after 3 years.... obviously not. Worked out great using the condensed instructions left by Scott Neilson.
I will admit, I had to take the front off twice.... as I put the new SD card in the top slot the first time (didn't follow your instructions in the video). Second time, watched your vid again and moved card.
Great to hear Joe!
I did the job again with a new file (the SD card from eBay was actually missing the FM radio??)
I had to re-watch my video to remember which slot I had just removed the original card from haha.
Enjoy the tunes!
@@VanwithTim any chance you've tested Android auto wireless? Ever since I flashed new card, wireless AA no longer works for me. Wired works, but my wifi won't connect now....
@@JoeAdkinsishere hmmm. My only Android phone is my HTC One from 2013 so probably not much help in troubleshooting.
Can you try a factory reset on the radio? Long shot, but someone had issues after SD replacement and that actually fixed it.
Of course try it with a different phone as well just to be sure!
I also vaguely remember someone looking for firmware 1.01 as the firmware in the file is 1.02 and there were android connectivity issues.
Sorry I can’t be of more help
Hey Joe, curious if a factory reset on the unit solved your Android Auto wireless connectivity issues?
@@VanwithTim nope, my wireless Android auto is pretty much DOA. Factory reset was the first thing I tried... 😉
Busy with work but I'll be doing this soon and cheaper than I thought thanks to youtube. Thanks 👍
Hope it worked for you Jeremy!
@@VanwithTim my unit started functioning again 2 weeks ago and still works somehow?
Not often do problems fix themselves haha
Better buy a lottery ticket because you’re pretty lucky 😅
Thank you very much for the video and for all the past knowledge, I managed to fix my pioneer Avh-z9180tv (Brazilian model) doing this same procedure as the video, the only thing I had to do is restore it to factory default after putting the firmware there, it all appears the icons (digital TV, FM radio ) and it worked perfectly, I'm grateful for the help, you're a 1000 mark.
Thank you for the update! That's good info to have about the factory reset after the procedure. Will make sure to mention it to others with the Z9180 units!
All the best!
-Tim
@@VanwithTim Does anyone have this firmware available here in North America so we don't have to keep going to Russia for the fix?
Thank you
@@greddytalon yes the files were finally posted for free on the online forums.
I have the files linked as well as explain how to write them to the SD card in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Cro26vuoPHo/v-deo.html
ola meu amigo pode me ajudar a resolver esse mesmo problema na minha avh 9180tv por favor obrigado
@lucask3250 você usou essa mesma versão AVH4400NEX? Pois usei no meu que é igual ao seu e não funcionou o rádio e nem a TV, de resto funcionou tudo.
Thanks! Fixed my pioneer avh 4000nex. Was a little different but it works now. Thanks.
Followed along, worked perfectly! THANK YOU so much for this video.
Glad it helped out Paul! Been nearly a year now and still working great for me
Worked like a charm, thanks for posting this video
Happy listening Terry!
-Tim
I finally got the nerve up to replace my faulty sd card in my w4400 head unit. I simply pulled out the sliding mechanism, popped of the black plate, and used a really good paid of long tweezers to simply change out the cards. Literally took me 3 mins.
Mine started screwing up when I got the new Iphone 13, then when I installed SXV300 Sirius tuner it would not store presets. When we got to the memory cards I found the cheapest piece of crap sd card for the firmware and NO memory card was ever installed. I used two Sandisk 32gb cards and downloading was simple. The head unit never worked as well as it does now. Super happy, thanks
Glad it's back up and running! Such strange issues.
Happy listening!
-Tim
Thank you so much🙏 your video got my radio back to bumping the jams.. great video
Solid!! Bummer it had to be fixed at all in the first place but glad it’s up and running again 🙌
Happy listening!
It worked on my Avh-w4500nex. I bought the SD card from the Russian guy. Thanks for such a great video.
Where can i find the website for the files…I’m having the boot loop issue with the DMH-1770 NEX
Fixed my problem! Super helpful video! I was so nervous about the ribbon cables, but I made it work. Thank you!
worked like a charm on my 4400! Thank you... Thought I would be hard great video on how to do this!
I got 2 16 GB SD cards today and they didn't work. Using win32 to copy the image file it crashed at 7% with an error message. I found a brand new 8 GB and used win32 to write the image to it and it worked. My wife's unit is working again. I don't have a clue why my other 8 GB cards didn't work. Just be aware that win32 will say there isn't enough room for the image but it doesn't appear to be data. Just proceed and you should be good. Thanks for the video. You saved me.
Glad you were able to get it all sorted out. Bit of a headache but it sounds like it's finally working!
If you want to make a video showing the process of writing the image to the SD card, I'd be happy to link to it in this video.
Nice work Antonio
THANK YOU!! This fixed my wireless CarPlay and SiriusXM presets. :-)
Glad it worked out Dan!
Just bought an eBay sd card and put it in today. So far everything works perfect. Let’s see how long this one last!
I wanted to post and say thank you. This video helped me get a pioneer 4400NEX unit working. I was going to throw the thing in the trash and I thought, well it can't get any more broken. Followed your steps, fired the unit up with a computer power supply, and I have an extra high dollar double din head unit now. So thanks a bunch!
Rant: on a side note, really disappointed with Pioneer for this problem. Seems like its poorly engineered. At the very least the sdcard could have been more easily accessible for serviceability.
So glad it seems to be a somewhat easy and affordable fix, but totally agree they should have left the card accessible!
All the best!
-Tim
Great Video. I have the Pioneer AVH 4200. Took mine apart and noticed that the firmware SD card slot was placed to the right of the factory SD card and not on the bottom. I originally just removed the factory SD card and inserted the replacement SD card that I loaded the files to. Put everything back together and got the software error. Took the unit back out, disassembled and noticed the second slot to the right. I will see if it works this time. Thanks for posting all the information, great help.
I re installed the unit and still have the software issue.
Hey David sorry for the late reply. Did you try using the 4400NEX file? Or did you find the 4200NEX file to load?
Some folks with the 4500NEX were ALMOST able to use the 4400NEX file (unit would boot fine but no touchscreen response).
Might want to hit up some of the eBay sellers who offer the pre-loaded 4200 replacement SD cards - there should be a warranty / guarantee from them I would imagine.
(I haven't heard anything bad (or good) about this seller yet, but it seems they're the only ones offering the file - www.ebay.com/itm/133619620675)
Edit- also keep an eye out on the forums for a free 4200nex file. Haven't found one out there yet, but I feel like eventually someone will upload it? avic411.com/index.php?/search/&q=4200NEX
-Tim
You ever get it to work? I can’t find the img file for the 4200
Huge help. Saved my stereo!
When the screen is working you can just press a button and the screen will come up with a motor giving you easy access to the sd card slot. I wonder if there’s a way you can do this while it’s having an issue
Thank you so much for this video. I have the same issue and I am going to replace the damaged card tomorrow
Hi , if you want to update , use SD card which belong to Pioneer. Because the rest card format is different and pioneer lock them then you cant use...
You can do all step what he says but also check below steps which i tell if his way not works.
1. Try to remove SD card lock unlock several time from side maybe it will work . ( mine worked)
2. Connect dvd correctly on top.
if any of hardware disconnected update will fail.
3. Update via usb stick . ( format with fat32. Not quick the one which is 15 min , check box the quick format by click. )
I faced with several type of errors fixed it. My pioneer is AVH 8650BT at last i fixed it and update from 1.09 to 1.20
this fix is for a pioneer 4400 ..It's not to update anything
thank you for sharing this, just fixed my avh 4400nex
What they really need is a firmware update that allows the front to fold down even if the boot loop occurs. Maybe a secret combination of buttons like holding volume up and then press and hold power for 10 seconds to slide out front face. What a pain. Thanks for the video though.
redoing an old car, and everything has messed up by previous owner, car came with a 4400nex, it does not remember screen brightness, volume, it always starts at same song on sd card (64gb fast samsung card) instead of going to last played folder/song. it does remember my phone/BT and always starts in android auto. i was wondering if previous owner hooked it up wrong and it needs a constant 12v even when off to remember settings...or if its bad SD card...it has a nice porsche logo when booting that i would like to retain, but i dont know if thats a built in feature of the unit or something hacked
Thank you! followed the directions and I was able to get it working again. I did have an issue with wireless Android Auto but after performing factory reset the headunit and its working afine aain ( AVH 4400NEX)
Ran into the same issue, and replaced mine by:
1) removing the head unit
2) remove vehicle mounting bracket
3) remove faceplate locking screws (1 on either side)
4) pulled out screen bracket from bottom
5) released various clamps holding the faceplate
6) finagled out the SD card - even without removing the ribbon cable there's just enough room to do this
7) replaced with new card
8) put everything back together again
With all this said I found it very annoying this card is directly below the user accessible SD card slot. Pioneer could have easily included a way to gain access to this card. Then if the unit detected a card failure it could open the front try to provide access (or maybe holding eject on boot would cause the faceplate to open). Had this been the case it would have been fixed in the amount of time it took me to burn a new SD card. Then again Pioneer wouldn't get to charge people $200 (or so I've seen on blogs) for service that takes them probably 5 minutes to do.
If it happens again I'm taking a Dremel to the faceplate to make sure I've got access to it in the future, since I now know I can easily remove the faceplate and pull out the mounting bracket by hand if needed using only a small flathead screwdriver.
It's also annoying (but not unexpected) people are charging $35+ for what is essentially a cheap SD card made with software you can find online. Thankfully, SD cards are a dime a dozen now, and I had a spare 32GB card (smallest I had) and the know how to burn my own. The image was only 8GB, but from the sounds of things some people have had to use 16GB cards. I couldn't read the old card at all from my computer so I have no idea how big it was.
Where did you get the image files and what unit do you have?
I was watching this video and I asked myself, "can i just take a dremel to the front?!!!!!" great minds think alike!!! Do you know where to find the software on the internet? thanks in advance
Thanks for this guide.
Do you know how I'd go about backing up this sd card, or copying it to a second card for a spare in case it corrupts again?
Thanks.
Thanks for the video. I know this is a few years old but I’m curious to know if you ever had an issue with the radio freezing and rebooting and continuously doing that. I posted an upgrade video on how to update the firmware years ago. This is in a vehicle that doesn’t get driven often and just wanted to see if anyone else has this issue. Maybe a precursor for the issue that you were having?
Also. The link for the 4400NEX takes me to the 4500NEX - looking to find the right one on eBay but wanted to share
Disculpa tengo un Pionner avh x4800bs , se actualizo apareció donde se debía de desconectar la USB y quedó la pantalla negra y de ahí ya no continuo se quedó en la pantalla negra, desconectas y conectas el estéreo y queda la pantalla negra, tiene solución??
Hi. Thanx for useful video.
Now my Z9100BT work with 32Gb sd card.
Hi, my radio is Z9200, after inserting the SD card, the first message is whether the DAB antenna should have power, you can not do anything because the touch does not work. Has your radio started as always, there were no problems?
@@Zdzich43 Hi!
info: Z9100BT haven’t DAB
before: didn’t save any settings, didn’t reset Bluetooth device list, didn’t wireless pair/connect automatically to my new iPhone 13 pro…
After: first start was normal ( not errors or scared questions)
All functions work like a brand new one device
I need for pioneer avh-x8650bt. I tried with that software but not work. The ebay link is broken.
I know this is a common issue with the NEX4400. Just curious. Since the card goes into a slot just below the easily accesable sd card, why didnt you take the time to cut a hole in the plastic so it can be easily accessed next time
Hi greetings, I need avh-z9150bt SD card software, May be do have it?
Thank you very much. This was a big, big help.
hi boss. boss, how do I fix it, my radio problem is the same as that. How can I buy the SD CAD? My pioneer series 9 (AVH-Z9250BT) made in Thailand? thanks boss 🙏
Thank you for showing how to manually slide.
Where can I find the card with the software for purchase? Where can I download the software to record on the SDcard? help me please I have an avh z9180tv with the same problem
I’m curious - can i just use a dremmel tool and cut out around and deeper than the exposed SD card to get access? It’s behind the screen and never seen.
The issue I have is that the install kit I used is a one way install and requires the entire dash to be taken out of the car to get it out.
Sure thing! Others were able to gain access in the same way. The challenge is getting the Dremel at the correct angle to get the cutting wheel in the right spot. It has been done though!
i have the same problem with a pioneer avh-z9200dab
Do you know if this method works the same?
This definitely worked for me. I have a mac (m1), I tried using a Parallels VM to do the disk image thing, but that did not work. But using BalenaEtcher - which is mac compatible did work just fine. Also do not use microSD cards/adapters, just use a good quality SD card - I mean you don't want this to fail again do you? I used a Samsung PRO 64gb and it worked on the first try.
Thanks for the instructions. I'm about to do this, but was wondering if after installing the new card causes the unit to go back to factory default? Radio stations, EQ settings, etc. Or do all the previous settings still stick? Thanks!
Hey Scott, it's been a while since I've done this but I think it resets everything to factory defaults.
Also, worth mentioning - some people reported they needed to perform a factory reset (after replacing the SD card) to regain certain radio functions.
@@VanwithTim Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Appreciate you doing this to help out so many people. My radio is two years old and it just starting doing this yesterday. Ordered a SD with software from ebay and will do this when it arrives. Thanks again man.
I have a AVH-W4500NEX that seems to have saving problems.. I’ve noticed it says memory full a lot when I scroll the menus, Sirius radio doesn’t save my preset radio stations.. and the biggest annoyance of them all. CarPlay won’t retain my saved iPhone connections.. even if I delete all the old iPhone connections, once I turn my truck off the reappear the next time. Same for newly synced up iPhone connections. As soon as I turn my truck off and then back on the connection is erased.
Does this sound like the remedy would be what’s shown in this video?
Late reply here, but I would first try a factory reset or a firmware update if possible (as you wouldn't need to remove the unit from the truck at least) but honestly it sounds like the internal SD card is on it's way out.
Just learned the publicly available W4400NEX file will work on the W4500NEX but takes a little coding. Namely changing the touch screen settings in the code. You can read more here:avic411.com/index.php?%2Ftopic%2F90861-fix-sdcard-failed-software-error-on-your-w4500nex-look-here%2F
Otherwise there is a pre-loaded SD card available from eBay linked in the description.
@van with tim I bought this unit today open box from Car Toys. Went to install it and this software error came up. Ran across your tutorial. Went and bought an SD card, extracted the file to my desktop then wrote it to the SD. Unfortunately, I’m still getting the software error. I’ve tried it over and over again, I think I’m just SOL. Will return this unit tomorrow unless you think I’m doing something wrong. Everytime I get done putting the image file onto the S card, once it gets done writing using that W program their is like 10 partition drives on the card. I just unplug it from the computer and plug it into the radio. Didn’t format anything or nothing
That's really weird, sounds like the file writing was done correctly! Maybe try re-writing them just for good measure (and make sure the touchscreen ribbon cable is fully seated into the connector!)
You can delete the files from the SD card using this guide: ua-cam.com/video/pfWDguRujEE/v-deo.html
Then of course use the other guide to try rewriting them: ua-cam.com/video/Cro26vuoPHo/v-deo.html
If it's still not working, I would definitely send it back for a refund or warranty.
-Tim
My 4400nex got stuck in the boot loop a few months back and I used the image to write to a new SD card and everything is working great. I had to change the battery in my car and the 4400 is now asking for a password to unlock the head unit and is giving the password hint of “pinball6”. I didn’t set a new password after reimaging so I’m guessing this is the password that is already included in the image file. Does anyone know what the password is? Sorry if this is covered somewhere else and I missed it.
I haven't given it a try, but the comments look promising here: avic411.com/index.php?/topic/83492-password-avh-reset
Thank you
What kind SD card did you use is it just regular SD card? Or if you have a link where i can buy them it would be appreciated. I’m having the same problem right now on my stereo
Thanks for the video, replaced the cheap generic SD card with a SanDisk Ultra. Hopefully the new SanDisk will outlive the head unit now!
Will this work for a pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB
As mine has just done thisssss. :(
my unit is a avic 7000 nex, wich one do you recomend??
I did everything and now my screen wont respond, it boots up normally now but it won't respond to my commands any ways to fix this ?
Is your stereo the 4500 model? Others have also tried using the 4400 file for the 4500 model and had the same issue. Unfortunately I believe you have to purchase the 4500 file if that’s the case.
If you have the 4400 and are using the 4400 file, I would check the ribbon cable connection and ensure it’s fully seated into the connector.
I replaced my SD card and it says pioneer and loading, I bought my SD card from ebay for my cd player, do I need to do an update or is my card blank...!?!
How do I detach the avh-4500nex out of my car before I take it apart to replace the SD card?
My faceplate will not eject because the unit will not allow the eject button to work while in the boot loop. How did you get the faceplate off? Thanks
Hey Erik, you should be able to slide the latch over and push the latch inwards if I remember correctly. (See @1:22) Did that work for you?
I have the same problem on my avh-w4400nex, I also noticed that the unit itself is sluggish and slow at times, could the sd card be the problem as well? It takes over 3 mins to get to the home screen after startup.
That's the first time I've heard of that happening!
Hopefully someone in the comments can chime in on this.
In theory it could be a bad quality SD card (slow read / write rate or extremely low class SD card)
The SD card might be the cheapest place to start out.
I hear the software is now available on the forums so no need to pay for anything other than a good quality SD card.
yup ,sd card is getting Corrupt
@@VanwithTim Which forums? Where can I find the files?
@@mykotron link and instructions in the description of this video: ua-cam.com/video/Cro26vuoPHo/v-deo.html
AVH-X8850BT Mine has the same problem, do you have a fire image of it?
*update* so today I got my new SD card and I used your video to guide me thru. Didn't have to disconnect the ribbon from the CD player. Anyhow, removed old one and installed the new one from eBay and it works like nothing happened. Only had to set time and date and it retained my radio presets and other stuff. 💪
Score! Glad to hear it's in and working. Enjoy the tunes!
i have a pioneer carrozzeria avic-mrz02 similar structure as your with the sliding mechanism.
I'm stuck in a boot loops as well.
will this method work for my radio or even other pioneer radios?
Sorry for the delayed response - the SD card removal procedure may be similar, but you will need a different file. I would search or ask around here: avic411.com/index.php?/search/&q=avic-mrz02
Hi van is there sd card software for AVH - Z9190bt model , annoyed due to this error on my screen
Thanks for this explanation. I have an AVH-Z9200DAB radio. Do you have any information about the system?
Have you managed to fix it? Have the same issue here :/
Awesome video bro !
Thanks Von, hope it helped (even if I went in without even knowing what I was doing haha)
Hi Guys, do you known if this image could you use into the model AVH-Z9180TV? I don't find anyone image for this model. :/
whats up bro i just tried it but i put in another sd card that i had laying around do i need to buy a programmed one ?
Hi, thank you for a great job !! My radio is AVH-Z9200DAB, after changing the card, the touch screen does not work, so nothing can be done. It is possible that the software is wrong and it does not match my radio, or is something wrong?
Hi Artur, it's possible the software loaded to the SD card was for the Z9100 / W4400nex stereo.
The Z9100 / w4400nex software will load in the Z9200 / W4500nex stereo, but the touchscreen will not work.
It's also possible the ribbon cable isn't fully seated into the circuit board connector.
-Tim
If you still haven't solved your issue, try to look here avic411.com/index.php?/topic/90861-fix-sdcard-failed-software-error-on-your-w4500nex-look-here/. It should be possible to change the settings from "capacitator" to "resistence" in sysd.conf file.
@@przemyslawchrzastowski1367 This is fantastic. I'lll be sure to pass the info on to future commenters with the W4500NEX. Bookmarked and appreciated.
Is there a way to copy files from another Pioneer sd card? My friend has the same exact Pioneer AVH W4400NEX and his unit is working fine.
Late reply here - you've probably already figured it out. In case not:
There is supposedly a way to "rip" the image file from a working unit, but it's a very long process with some risk of corruption.
However, the file for the 4400NEX is available for free online now. Here's the guide to downloading and writing the file! ua-cam.com/video/Cro26vuoPHo/v-deo.html
I have the same problem with 9200dab.
Where i found the fw?
You can ask around on the AVIC411.com forums but I don't see any for the 9200 posted.
Unfortunately you might have to message the eBay seller here and see if you can negotiate a better price for the file. I think it's sad they're selling the file and can't just give them free.
ebay.us/r81JHC
I just tried this fix and I was able to replace the SD card. My problem now is that when the radio powers on, it turns completely off after the Pioneer loading screen. Any advice?
Hi Favio, this is the first time I've heard of this issue. I would first disconnect and reconnect any of the ribbon cables you disconnected in the process. Many people have found them to be slightly mis-aligned with the motherboard socket where they connect.
If the issue persists, I would try erasing the SD card and re-writing the file. Possibly it went corrupt during the file writing process?
Here's how to erase the SD card:
ua-cam.com/video/pfWDguRujEE/v-deo.html
and of course here's the file writing guide:
ua-cam.com/video/Cro26vuoPHo/v-deo.html
Hope you're able to figure it out!
-Tim
How was you able to take the screen off
@Mannix C made a video which should help: ua-cam.com/video/cT4rxC0LPA4/v-deo.html
Cheers!
-Tim