I'd suggest avoiding USA SPEC

[sparky3]

It's a true testament of a company when things go wrong and how they handle the situation.
I bought the USA SPEC PA15-INFI for my recently acquired 2006 M35x. I just could not get the thing to work, and I've installed dozens of car stereos, build sub boxes, complete systems etc. I purchased it from "Techronics" online for $124. It had arrived brand new in an unopened box.
Anyway, I called USA Spec's tech line and spoke to Victor. He wasn't sure why it didn't work either - I finally told him when the ipod was plugged in it read "GM" at the top. He immediately said that's the problem - it's for a different vehicle.
Now keep in mind the box said PA15-INFI, the label said PA15-INFI on the unit and the plug did fit where my SIR radio went. So basically USA SPEC flashed the wrong firmware on it. The company where I purchased it did nothing wrong, nor did I.

Victor insisted that I go through the place I bought it to get a replacement. My take is his company should have stepped up and let me mail it to him for a replacement - how do I know that Techronics didn't receive a batch of improperly flashed PA15-INFI units? Why should I have to wait possibly 2 weeks for a turnaround? Also - with this plugged in the SIRIUS stopped working altogether - did this hurt my vehicle electronically? Victor took absolutely zero responsibility for his company's screw-up and had the gall to laugh at me over the phone when I suggested USA SPEC didn't handle this properly.

I will be returning the unit and finding another USB/IPOD interface for my Infiniti.
As a point of comparison, with Toyota/Lexus there was a defect from a Prestigious Society NAV override product - I called them and they sent me an advanced replacement. Something to think about.

Shawn

[Ilya]

Sorry to hear you had some trouble.

That being said, unfortunately, your case is truly a 'one off'. Many people have used the PA15-NIS and PA15-INFI with AWESOME results. I'm one of them.

Like you, though, I also purchase the unit from a third party. My guys are top notch. But honestly? The third party should be handling the exchange. Why? Because they need to check their inventory for other similar issues AND because they are the distributor; IMO that's how things should work. The only time you should go through the manufacturer is if the seller isn't an authorized dealer. You don't buy a toaster at Best Buy and return it to *insert brand here*...you return it to Best Buy and get another one. USA Spec. could have handled it better, of course (that can be said about any company - even the big boys like Samsung and Apple) but it's not really on them to handle the exchange/replacement IMO.

As for finding another way to use your iPod in your Infiniti; good luck. I'm not saying that to be mean, just being blunt. Many people have tried various methods such as Grom (THAT is a true POS), etc. to no avail. I seriously wish you good luck. If you do find a method that works, PLEASE share it with the community so someone else can use the information. Just as others, and possibly you, used my HowTo for the USA Spec. etc, others could use yours.

Best of luck my friend.

[sparky3]

How can the seller "check their inventory" on unopened products? Again, the label read the correct product number, the plugs were correct, the box was "correct". It was just flashed with an incorrect firmware FROM USA Spec. Had this been a case of a defective product I'd certainly agree - but clearly this left USA Spec flashed with a GM firmware and USA Spec should have stepped up.
The only way the seller could check these is if they had Infiniti cars sitting around and wanted to open sealed boxes.

[Ilya]

How can the seller "check their inventory" on unopened products? Again, the label read the correct product number, the plugs were correct, the box was "correct". It was just flashed with an incorrect firmware FROM USA Spec. Had this been a case of a defective product I'd certainly agree - but clearly this left USA Spec flashed with a GM firmware and USA Spec should have stepped up.
The only way the seller could check these is if they had Infiniti cars sitting around and wanted to open sealed boxes.

They don't have to open all...they usually get batches.

Regardless...you report the issue to them, and they should be the ones communicating this issue to the manufacturer. "We've noticed that over the last few weeks, x number of customers have reported that their units are flashed with the wrong firmware. Please advise."

That's how I would expect the process to work.

That being said, a thread about avoiding a company because (possibly) one unit was flashed incorrectly is a bit much. This is by far the best iPod adapter for our cars...many members here have proven that as other products were attempted/tested with HORRIBLE results.

My suggestion: get another USA Spec unit from your vendor and see if you have issues with that one. My guess is you won't and you'll be a happy camper and the life will go on. Electronics aren't perfect, sometimes you get DOA units (I've gotten motherboards, etc. for computers that were DOA). I even got one right from Dell (a replacement for one that failed) that was bad. It's the nature of electronics. It happens. Give the product another chance and I'm sure you'll be as happy with it as the rest of our NICO USA Spec. users are.

[TDot]

This is how company's unfortunately get bad reps, because an individual didn't get treated the way they BELIEVE they should have been treated. Who ever heard of returning a product to a manufacturer within the return period of the third party seller (assumption) when the third party wasn't even given a chance ?

Some manufacturers do it...like places that watch their reviews on Amazon...but they are far and few in between. They were absolutely right in telling you to go back to the seller, regardless if the seller does or is inclined to check the rest of their inventory.

[sparky3]

How can the seller "check their inventory" on unopened products? Again, the label read the correct product number, the plugs were correct, the box was "correct". It was just flashed with an incorrect firmware FROM USA Spec. Had this been a case of a defective product I'd certainly agree - but clearly this left USA Spec flashed with a GM firmware and USA Spec should have stepped up.
The only way the seller could check these is if they had Infiniti cars sitting around and wanted to open sealed boxes.

They don't have to open all...they usually get batches.

Regardless...you report the issue to them, and they should be the ones communicating this issue to the manufacturer. "We've noticed that over the last few weeks, x number of customers have reported that their units are flashed with the wrong firmware. Please advise."

That's how I would expect the process to work.

That being said, a thread about avoiding a company because (possibly) one unit was flashed incorrectly is a bit much. This is by far the best iPod adapter for our cars...many members here have proven that as other products were attempted/tested with HORRIBLE results.

My suggestion: get another USA Spec unit from your vendor and see if you have issues with that one. My guess is you won't and you'll be a happy camper and the life will go on. Electronics aren't perfect, sometimes you get DOA units (I've gotten motherboards, etc. for computers that were DOA). I even got one right from Dell (a replacement for one that failed) that was bad. It's the nature of electronics. It happens. Give the product another chance and I'm sure you'll be as happy with it as the rest of our NICO USA Spec. users are.

I'm a seasoned high level IT professional for 20+ years in IT - I've done field service work in the 90's in which it'd take 2-3 tries to get the correct FRU from IBM for server hardware. I realize things happen. Had this been DOA, sure. It was defective due to an error directly because of USA Spec. Who knows what damage plugging this in could have done to my car? Plugged in the XM stopped working altogether and was no longer selectable - this made me very nervous. Where's the "we're sorry you spent 1.5 hours including this call troubleshooting our mistake - we'll take care of OUR mistake". That's all I was looking for. Seems like you might have different (lower) standards on how customers should be treated. I don't do business that way.
When I told Trevor I felt he mishandled this customer service opportunity he chuckled. This is the reason for the post. I'm quite sure it's a top-notch ipod adapter - as a new person to Infiniti and USA spec I'm just sharing my experience.

[sparky3]

This is how company's unfortunately get bad reps, because an individual didn't get treated the way they BELIEVE they should have been treated. Who ever heard of returning a product to a manufacturer within the return period of the third party seller (assumption) when the third party wasn't even given a chance ?

I certainly would go directly to Canon if I ordered a Canon camera in a sealed box and a Nikon body was in the box. That's what this was the equivalent of - the retailer didn't do anything wrong.

[Ilya]

Respectfully, I don't agree. The retailer should be made aware before anything/anyone else and I actually used to be a wedding photographer. If I bought a camera from B&H Photo in NYC and it was the wrong model or brand, I'd go right back to B&H. The manufacturer has little to do with this issue, even though they are the ones that boxed the product wrong.

I still recommend this company to anyone who may be reading this thread and I highly suggest you simply return your unit to your 3rd party and get another one shipped out, Sparky. I had my USA Spec. unit in my 2007 for 4 years and the only 'issue' I had with it was the occasional need to unplug the ipod and plug it back in...usually happened on really really cold days (ipod is left in the car 24/7). This happened like once every 2-3 months. AND, it happens in my current 2011 which has factory iPod integration.

Like I said, I'm not trying to be an a** or scare you away from the forum...I truly hope you stick around and share any information you come up with, etc...but I simply cannot agree with the sentiment that USA Spec. is a bad company. Maybe customer service wise (can be said about majority of companies), but product wise? Hell no. Their product is beyond solid.

[sparky3]

The manufacturer has little to do with this issue

We will have to agree to disagree. I cannot understand this statement no matter what qualifiers or explanation is added before and after.

The only reason this issue existed was because of the manufacturer. The only.

Now granted perhaps my wording of "I'd avoid USA Spec" was a bit strong. I just don't like getting chuckled at by someone I feel should be trying to earn my business and support, not being crass.

[sparky3]

On a side note, this Infiniti is killing my lower back. Ohio roads really suck everywhere - hopefully I'll get used to it. My 300zx TT I sold last summer with the OEM variable suspension rode better IMO than this "luxury" car. It's possible after 100k the suspension is just shot - but I think it might just be the seat. I don't find the M overly stiff. My Z was 24 years old and while it only had 42k miles it still was far more comfortable to me. I miss that thing.

[Ilya]

Think you solved your own problem lol...100kmi is a lot for OEM parts...time to do a refresh.

[moedawg140]

Hi Shawn,

If you are not able to get your USA Spec device issues resolved, you can purchase and install the device that I use. Here's the link for it: http://www.amazon.com/Dice-MBR-1502-NIS ... QRWDE6B1KN.

You can also read up on my thoughts/impressions of the MediaBridge, here: 06-m35-fully-integrated-ipod-system-t58 ... l#p6573324.

Additional thoughts pertaining to connecting are posted here: iphone-5s-to-08-m35-help-t588947.html#p6578090.

The MediaBridge still works like a charm, and I love the fact that they are still rolling out with updates that I can install easily (via center console).

Good luck to you in advance!

[sparky3]

For the AMBR-1502-NIS Media Bridge I have to pull the head unit though, correct?

[moedawg140]

For the AMBR-1502-NIS Media Bridge I have to pull the head unit though, correct?

Check your PM box.