That’s strange. If a message comes up WHEN you connect the flash drive, that implies it detects something.
But if I take one of your original comments literally – that you’re selecting USB “after” plugging in the device, that’s different. In this case, they might have just not connected the wiring during the build.
In my initial testing i was frantically trying one flash drive after another. On a “few” occasions it would not recognize the drive. So I selected FM, then USB. THEN it would find it. Selecting ANY other source would probably suffice as well. Just something to make the system “look” again when you tap USB. It still made no sense because the drive was plugged in the whole time. Figured it was just finicky.
I seldom touch it now. It’s in place and working and has been reliable. Though I do still hold my breath for 1 second when selecting USB.
If you plug a phone into any of the same USB slots, does it begin charging? That would at least prove the connection is present.
You might pick a flash drive, format it, copy 3 MP3’s to the root folder, then plug it in. I was having inconsistent results to begin with and started with that simple approach. Once it worked I started experimenting with moving the MP3’s into folders and creating playlist.
The dealer might not go for it, but I’d ask them if you could try one of the flash drives in any random Denali on the lot. If they let you, and it works, then I think you’ve got a valid service claim. I did that with an Accord in 2010 to be certain it would recognize my iPod. Now, 14 years later the same flash drives I built for the truck also work in the Accord.
STILL though, doesn’t some tech in the shop have a thumb drive they can just plug in and say “see, it works, you’re just doing it wrong” 🙂 That’s not a task that would take an HOUR.
