2021 Hyundai Wireless CarPlay Disconnection Software Update

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021 Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Palisade, and Venue vehicles may experience intermittent disconnections of their Wireless CarPlay system. When this Hyundai CarPlay disconnection occurs, a specific message will appear on the radio screen: "Phone Not Responding. Please reconnect it and try again". This issue can disrupt navigation, music playback, and hands-free communication.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The intermittent Wireless CarPlay disconnection is primarily attributed to the Apple iOS software. The Apple iOS software can temporarily pause data transmission, leading to communication interruptions between the vehicle's radio and the CarPlay system. The software update described in this bulletin aims to reduce the frequency of these disconnections until Apple provides a permanent software solution.

Important Warnings

• DEALER STOCK ONLY: Hyundai mandates that dealers perform this Service Campaign on all affected vehicles before customer retail delivery. This means vehicles in dealer inventory cannot be sold until the update is completed.
• During Software Update: Owners and technicians are warned: "Do not press buttons on the center console, remove the USB stick, or turn vehicle OFF while the update is running." Failing to follow this caution could lead to data loss or system damage.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Hyundai CarPlay disconnection, dealers will update the radio software using a dedicated USB stick. The process involves several key steps:

1. The vehicle's engine is turned on, and the radio system is allowed to fully load.
2. Technicians access the software information screen by pressing and holding the SETUP button, and in some models, selecting "SW Info/Update."
3. The current software version is verified against a table of known older versions. If the version does not match, the update procedure is not performed, and a campaign claim is submitted.
4. A model-specific software update USB stick (e.g., 96300-CN7IOS for Elantra) is inserted into the vehicle's USB port.
5. The 'Update' button on the screen is pressed to initiate the software update.
6. The technician confirms the new software version and selects 'YES' to begin the update. The update typically takes approximately 15 minutes.
7. During the update, the screen may temporarily go black, display the Hyundai logo, and show various messages. This is normal behavior.
8. Once the update is complete, the system will automatically restart, and the radio mode screen will be displayed. The new software version is then confirmed.
9. Finally, the Software Update USB is removed from the port.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this software update, specific USB sticks are required, each tailored to the vehicle model:

• Elantra (CN7a, CN7): 96300-CN7IOS
• Sonata (DN8/DN8 HEV): 96300-DN8IOS
• Palisade (LX2): 96300-LX2IOS
• Venue (QX): 96300-QXIOS

One of these software update USB sticks has been shipped to each Hyundai dealership. Additional sticks can be purchased through the normal parts ordering process.

Troubleshooting During Update

If the engine/ignition is turned OFF during the update process, the USB should not be removed. Turning the ignition back ON will allow the system to reboot, recognize the USB, and restart the update. If the USB is accidentally removed during the update, an error message will display. Reinserting the USB and selecting 'OK' will cause the system to reboot and restart the update process.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Palisade, or Venue and are experiencing a Hyundai CarPlay disconnection, you should contact your authorized Hyundai dealer. This is a Service Campaign (T5T), meaning the software update will be performed free of charge. The update is intended to significantly reduce the occurrence of the Wireless CarPlay disconnection issue.

Source: NHTSA ID 10186823