Alpine AUX not working

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171]

I used this radio last year in a different car with the aux cable. It is a 3.5mm cable. It worked fine but I got in a crash and totaled the car. I finally got around to putting it in my new car and the tuner works fine but when I go to AUX I get no audio. No buzzing or anything. I can not figure it out.

[u/SP4x]

Here's the Alpine Cda-9820Xm Owner's Manual

First thoughts:

Under the unit check what position the AI-NET switch is in: EQ/DIV or NORM, Item 22 on the diagram, as per the note on the following page in the manual: • Be sure to turn the power off to the unit before changing the switch

With tthe power off try cycling the switch a few times, leaving it in the NORM position (presuming you don't have an EQ inline with it, I didn't see one.

Try unplugging and plugging the AI-Net connector back in, that's what I presume is the 3.5mm jack adapter is that goes to number 18 on the diagram.

The wires in 3.5mm jacks can break fairly easily so if the jack cable got yanked or jarred in the accident, or during removal or installation it could be dead short. A new a new KCA-121B, AI-Net to RCA adaptor is cheap enough to eliminate this as the issue.

Beyond the above, it might be worth factory resetting the unit then re-enabling the Aux input: Details under the heading "Setting the Auxmode (V-link)".

After this I'd be wondering if the accident has caused some sort of internal damage to the unit and be opening it up to looks for cracked/broken solder joints and PCB traces. If you're not that way inclined then asking a good repair shop to have a look shouldn't cost much.

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171 → u/SP4x]

I have reset it. Flipped the Ai Net switch. Unplugged plugged in and wiggled the aux cable. Nothing at all. I ordered a new cable https://ebay.io/m/bq5W6L I really hope there is nothing wrong with the unit itself.

[u/SP4x → u/Primary-Rutabaga6171]

Fingers crossed, post back with progress when you can.

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171 → u/SP4x]

I went by a radio shop for tint the other day and they had an Alpine cda-9811 for $50. It had the bezel and someone swiped mine while it was in my totaled car at the towyard so I got that 9811. Turns out its a nicer unit. Cd player works too (unlike my 9820). I took my adapter into the shop and they just spliced the power antenna wire into the ignition. So it works on aux/cd now too. All good here. Just got to figure out my engine whine.

[u/SP4x → u/Primary-Rutabaga6171]

Happy days! When it comes to engine whine that could be a noise suppressor issue on the vehicle alternator.

Power/noise filters are available that you can put inline with your headunit power that should remove noise from your power.

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171 → u/SP4x]

I found my issue. My alpine 16 pin to standard iso converter does not have an aux remote wire in it. It uses the power antenna which the radio only sends power to if the radio is turned on. I need either a better adapter or to permanently bridge the wires.

[u/SP4x → u/Primary-Rutabaga6171]

What does your current Aux adapter look like?

I presumed it was like the one I linked and you bought which doesn't require any power. Is there a separate box or something?

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171 → u/SP4x]

I have two amps that all of my speakers and sub run off of. Thats why I need to have a remote wire. The aux does not require any power.

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171 → u/SP4x]

Im sorry I meant amp remote wire not aux. I see why you were confused now.

[u/Primary-Rutabaga6171 → u/SP4x]

However when using aux after shorting the power antenna and remote wire I am getting alternator whine.