Defeat voice command lockout?

BoilardZ

I was surprised to learn that my new roadster is designed to NOT permit use of voice commands when the top is down. (I have 2017 touring roadster, with nav.) I suppose Nissan feels that voice commands wouldn't work well with the wind noise...but why not let the driver be the judge of that?
Anyway, given that I have the top down about 95 percent of the time, I was hoping that there was a way to defeat the lockout feature. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Steve

SouthArk370Z

Subbed to see if anyone comes up with an answer.

I'd try searching through the unit's menus and reading the OM but you've probably already done that.

Might be something helpful in the FSM wiring diagrams (link in my sig). Depending on how the unit gets the top-is-open signal, it could be as simple as cutting a wire.

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Bummer

Hi Steve,

Have you ever tried to use the phone, linked with the car, with the top down? I have. And then I pulled into a parking lot and unlinked the phone.

Those little microphones up by the map lights really don't work all that well with the top down. I'd hate for "Call Aunt Gertrude" to be understood as "Crash into that telephone pole."

Ok, not very helpful.

I doubt very seriously there is any kind of option to unlock this. My daughter's boyfriend is a Nissan mechanic. He knows less than I do about the Z. What he does know is that they can't do anything to change anything in the computer. (I've asked, though not about this issue.)

Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting you not go looking. I just don't expect you to find anything easy or particularly useful.

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Steve

BoilardZ

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I use the phone frequently with the top down. The phone button on the steering wheel works (opening up the phone book on the touch screen). So, I can make calls "manually" by using the touch screen. And of course I can receive incoming calls. So, if your point is that the voice command function isn't really that valuable or necessary, I agree. I just am puzzled why Nissan would intentionally prevent me from using this function with the top down. I was hoping there was some way to get around this. But I appreciate your information that it's next to impossible to reprogram the computer logic.

Bummer

I do not mean to make a judgment about what is or is not important to you. What I'm saying is the road noise is so loud it's nearly useless. For me anyway. I always have to stop to use it because people keep saying "What?"

Is it a matter of not using voice commands with the top down (I haven't tried. All I do is answer calls coming in. That works.) or while in motion? I've found I'm locked out of a lot in the nav system when in motion, and telling it that there's a passenger doesn't help.

I was hoping to be able to go to Nissan and have them change little things here and there. It is after all a computer. I change stuff on my computer all the time - I'm a Linux nerd, so when I say stuff I mean big stuff. But no. it's stock only. Now, if UpRev (or someone, anyone) would only add "everything else" to their computer mod system... Among other things I'd like to turn off the ability to drop the windows and top by holding the unlock key. I can't keep my fob in my pants pocket - learned that lesson the hard way.

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Steve

BoilardZ

Yeah, I agree. It seems that there should be some way to modify the lockout--as you say, in 2017 the concept of modifying a computer program seems routine. I was assuming that someone had already done this. But perhaps not. And maybe there's little interest in even un-doing the lockout feature.

pinky

Interested in a hack as well.
There has to be a sensor that the system is using that can be "tricked"

BoilardZ

I'm very happy to report that I've found a solution to this puzzle.
Many of us have installed a SmartTOP (to increase the functionality of our soft tops) from Mods4Cars. I contacted them and asked if their module could defeat the lockout of the voice command. The owner (Stefan) was happy to explore the issue, and was able to program a solution. He's now added this functionality, plus some other cool new features, in a 2.00 version of the firmware. The best part is that he'll be making this update available to all current owners of the module, for free! And if you haven't already purchased one, consider this the deal-sealer that makes the SmartTOP indispensable to roadster owners.
I got the beta version of the upgrade installed last night, and I'm still testing it out, but it appears to work perfectly. I'm not sure when the upgrade will be available to the public, but it should be soon and I'll keep you guys posted. Let me know if you have any questions.
Steve

cb1228

Out of interest what are the other new features? I have the SmartTOP installed and would be interested in the update.

BoilardZ

There used to be 8 different settings for the SmartTOP. There are now 13. Defeating the lockout of the voice command is the biggest new one, in my opinion. They're also working on defeating the lockout of the speed-sensitive volume on the Bose stereo. (It's inexplicable to me that Nissan defeats that function while the top is down, which in my opinion is the time that you need it the most!) Other new functions include allowing the top to be closed (not just opened) via the door handle request switch (on models so equipped), additional functionality with the windows, and additional control over signaling (hazard flashers, chirps, horn, etc while the top is opening or closing). In my opinion, if you're going to own the roadster, it makes all the sense in the world to spend a few extra bucks on the SmartTOP in order to get all this extra functionality out of your convertible.

DocJ

I too have the mod installed, for years now. I recently had some top dysfunction issues and took it to the dealer. They replaced a couple of items & disconnected my mod wire harness claiming the mod was "interfering with communication" to the top mechanism. I doubted this & reached out to Stefan at mods4cars.com. We connected remotely and did some testing to determine the mod is functioning correctly. Additionally, he asked me to also eval the firmware 2.0 update. I can confirm the voice command is enabled with the top down via a setting in the mod. We did run across one small item with my factory setup having sequential door unlocking interfering with a new function for the access button on door actuating the top, which he has tonight adjusted the programming in the mod & it now works with my sequential unlocking.

What can I say? Stefan & mods4cars.com are the best, to be providing that kind of ongoing support & development. You don't even get that kind of support 3 years after buying an Apple product! I HIGHLY recommend this company & mod. Best thing I've done to my Z since I got it in 2010, hands down.

cb1228

I agree, best mod by far plus not too expensive and very easy to install.

Will keep an eye out for the v2.00 firmware release.