What to Do If the Prado Cannot Recognize the USB Drive?
4 Answers
Prado's inability to recognize a USB drive is normal, as the USB port in the Prado can only be used for charging and not for playing music. The Prado has only one onboard USB port, located in front of the gear shift, near the passenger side. The Prado's dimensions are 4840mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1890mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. The Prado is a 5-door, 7-seat SUV, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a maximum power of 206kw, a maximum torque of 365nm, and a top speed of 175km per hour.
I previously encountered a USB recognition issue with my Prado and found several common scenarios to check. First, ensure the USB drive is fully inserted, as improper insertion can lead to poor contact. Try using a different USB drive, preferably formatted in FAT32, and avoid capacities exceeding 32GB, as the vehicle's infotainment system might not support larger sizes. If the USB port in the glove box doesn't work, try the one on the center console. If the problem persists, turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery terminal for five minutes to reset the infotainment system. I once resolved the issue this way when a system cache error prevented data reading. Lastly, check the infotainment system's software version; older versions may not be compatible with newer USB drives and might require an upgrade at the dealership. Following these basic troubleshooting steps can resolve about 80% of similar issues.
Don't rush to repair when encountering USB drive recognition issues, you can troubleshoot at home. I usually start by checking the USB drive's status—plug it into a computer to verify readability and format it to FAT32. Before reinserting it into the car, clean the USB port as dust buildup can hinder connectivity. Try different brand USB drives, as some controller chips have poor compatibility. For the vehicle, restart the system by turning off the engine or force-rebooting via long-pressing the audio power button. If these fail, the USB power module might be faulty, requiring professional voltage testing. Avoid unplugging the USB while driving to prevent port damage.
I just encountered this issue last week when the music suddenly stopped playing. I tried restarting the vehicle but it didn't help, so I went home, plugged the USB drive into my computer to export the files, and then reformatted it. The key is to choose the right format: FAT32 has the best compatibility, as some older car audio systems don't recognize exFAT. It's recommended to use a small-capacity USB drive, with 8GB-16GB being the most stable. Check the USB settings in your car audio system to see if they were accidentally turned off. If all else fails, visit the dealership for a check-up—they used a diagnostic tool to find that mine had a poor connection due to a faulty interface. For regular maintenance, remember to clean the interface periodically to remove dust and avoid corrosion or oxidation that could affect connectivity.
