Kenwood DNX7180 Bluetooth phone issue

[BobOhio]

Hi all,
New to forum & have learned a lot reading old threads. Thanks for all your posts! I've had my 2012 Interstate for 1 1/2 yrs and haven't had any luck resolving poor outgoing phone quality. People who I call complain of a lot of road noise unable to hear me well. Ultimately I resort to "hands-not free" mode, which I don't want to do; I just pull over when I need to make calls. I've picked every setting that would effect my calls, without any success. All other Bluetooth functions, and quality of callers' voice fine. AS dealer doesn't have a clue. Previous owner traded it in, owning it less than a year - not one other issue except this. Does anyone know where microphone is located & possible issues with them? I've yet to call Kenwood, hoping someone here may help. TIA

[73shark]

Welcome to Airforums.

Since my 2011 still has the MB System 20, I can't help you. Would suggest calling Kenwood as you mentioned. I'm sure someone here will chime in with some ideas.

[russ240]

I had the mic relocated from the center of the windshield to the edge of the overhead tray much closer to the drivers mouth. This helped a lot but it's still not great. I've tried a number of bluetooth handsfree devices in other vehicles with mixed results. None of them compared to the old plantronics corded headset I used to use with my Motorola Star Tac. That had great call quality, none of the fancy new stuff can compare.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by russ240

I had the mic relocated from the center of the windshield to the edge of the overhead tray much closer to the drivers mouth.

On my 2012, the microphone was stuck on top of the mirror, but it wouldn't stay stuck. So I relocated it to the dashboard, just to the left of the hinged compartment door.

[BobOhio]

OK, finally found it just barely protruding from trim against windshield. No wonder they couldn't hear me. Gently pulled around trim found I now have plenty of wire length to experiment positions & results. I now have to convince friends to stick with me as I make 20 calls to each. Probably will help determine degree of friendship! "Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?" Thanks

[Boxster1971]

Also recommend you go to Kenwood and get the latest software update. Their instructions are fairly clear and I've done it several times on my newer DNX7190HD. Check this page for your unit:

Car Electronics Support Information | Kenwood

[David M]

Boxter1971,
Thanks for the link. It's been a while since I last updated mine so it's probably time to check again. FYI, the last update corrected my Kenwood (DNX7190HD) from deleting saved destinations.
David