AUX Input caused major problem

[jthomas119]

I am planning to get an Ipod so I thought i would see how the Aux Input plug in the glove compartment worked. So using an old portable radio with an earplug socket and a cable with the right sixe plug for the radio and aux input,
I tried plugging it in.
At first nothing happened and I fooled around with the radio controls to get it to select the input from the radio.
Then suddenly all hell broke loose. The warning lights on the dash all came on and the radio turned off.
I immediately disconnected the aux input but someng is broken in the system.

Now when I turn on the key the following lights come on and stay on Oil, battery, ESP,EPS,Engine, and ABS .

I tried disconnecting the battery to see if a reboot would help but that seemed to not have any effect.

I looked in the manual to see if there was a fuse for the aux input or the radio but I don't see any listed.

Help!

John

[Dunerunner]

Sounds like you were running an unshielded RF modulator in the smart. Oops!! smart center here you come!!!

[Dave Van]

There is no 'fuse' for the AUX plug. it goes from the glove box to the back of the radio. I don't understand what happened but I'd get the dealer to check.

[jwight]

Not an electronics expert, etc., but depending on the age of this "old" radio the earphone output may have been too high for the aux input on the radio. Don't know why that would light up the dash so it's probably the RF theory.

[cubefx]

If I would have the same problem, I would take it to the dealer and not mention anything about "old radio"...........

[curtis]

yeah but it still shouldnt matter, it's not an ipod input. it's just an aux input meaning you should be able to plug in any mp3, cd, radio etc. into it. but i wouldn't mention it either..

[dlomshek]

Why should a person lie to a dealer about having plugged an unauthorized appliance into the auxiliary plug? The resulting problem wasn't the fault of Smart, the dealer but due only to your actions. We've got a society full of dishonest people now we don't need any more!

[jthomas119]

Originally Posted by curtis

yeah but it still shouldnt matter, it's not an ipod input. it's just an aux input meaning you should be able to plug in any mp3, cd, radio etc. into it. but i wouldn't mention it either..

I will just call it an "audio device"

This may be a dumb question, but can you tell by looking if a smart fuse is blown without removing it. I did find that fuse 15 was listed as "audio" but I pulled it and it seemed fine. But anyway It seems like something besides the radio has been "blown" since the radio still works.

Dunerunner mentioned something about a "unshielded RF modulator". What kind of damage would that cause?

I am going to call the dealer tomorrow and arrange for a service call. I am 30+ miles from the dealer but I guess that is not unusual.



John

[curtis]

its an Aux input, you should be able to plug in a radio with and earphone jack...I would say it's not his fault and what makes the radio "unauthorized"?

[16d @ 4]

Let your service manager know; I think it's ok because I agree with curtis. You should be able to plug anything (you know what I mean).

Beside, I don't remember reading about prohebiting the use of an "old" radio.

Just say "I plug a old radio in, and the car went crazy". I'm sure the service manager would take care of you.

Peace