[snookums]

Apparently, PIE has still not quite got it right with this auxiliary input converter box of theirs. 2 yrs ago I read dreadful accounts of stereo 'drop outs' and dead batteries suffered by those brave ones who dare installed this box. 2 yrs later and now I'm the poor schmuck suffering these maladies.

Just last week I installed this same box in my 05 GT and all was well, or so I thought. I left the car sitting in the garage and came back 2 days later to find a dead battery! WTF? I thought this was resolved over 2 yrs ago. After calling PIE's technical support line, I found that the firmware version (B11 AUX) in my box was not the latest; I now need B12 AUX (go figure). Still waiting for it to arrive in the mail, as PIE says they would ship it last week (yeah, right).

It seems that the B11 AUX version doesn't shut-down the CAN bus, so the battery just gets run-down. But because most people don't let their Mustang sit for more than a day, they don't see this problem as their battery is re-charged the next day.

Any other 05-06 owners still suffering this too?

-Darren

[ZChaos0026]

Let me know what happens, because i spoke with their tech support and they said that the only negative effect of the PIE adaptor is that the stereo readout says PIE on it. im not gonna waste my money if the thing is a battery drain

[snookums]

Hi ZChaos,

Here's the latest details as of 10/24/07:

Received from PIE via priority mail a replacement controller chip with the upgraded firmware (version B12 AUX) and installed it that night. Buttoned-up the dash and took the pony out for a little spin on the freeway, blaring the tunes.

The stereo display did initially show 'PIE' on the display, but it was only after reconnecting the battery cable. Now when I turn the key on, the display shows 'CRYSTL-LINE'.

PIE tech (T. Newman) informed me that this firmware version fixes the open CAN bus problem that caused the draining of the battery. He claims PIE's VP also owns an 05 Mustang and suffered the same problems initially. According to him, this firmware upgrade stops the dead battery problem. Hopefully it doesn't create other ones in the process.

My 05 GT has been sitting idle in the garage since Thursday night, so I'll check the car tomorrow and check back. I just checked it minutes ago, and all is fine.

Also, if you are interested in purchasing the FRD04-AUX converter box, I got it on ebay from Anderson Electronic for $75 total (including 2-day shipping). You can't beat this price anywhere. If your interested, ping me and I'll get you the contact info for them.

-Darren