Why can't the GL8 play USB?
3 Answers
If the USB cannot be played, there may be an issue with the car, and it is recommended to go to a 4S store for repair. Below is a detailed introduction to the Buick GL8: 1. Introduction: Since its debut in 1999, the Buick GL8 has undergone five generations of innovation and has won the favor of over 1.2 million users. In 2020, the Buick GL8 family launched three major series: the all-new Buick GL8 Avenir, GL8 ES Landmark, and GL8 Land Business Class, providing users with more diverse choices. 2. Intelligent Connectivity: The all-new Buick GL8 family is equipped with the new-generation OnStar All-Time Online Assistant, covering more than 50 main services across 5 major categories, including remote control, remote vehicle condition viewing, and vehicle condition alerts. It also provides users with 100GB of "OnStar 4G vehicle connectivity application lifetime free data" service per year.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I find the USB playback issue in the GL8 quite common. Sometimes the USB port gets clogged with dust, causing poor contact. I encountered this once myself—after inserting a USB drive, the screen showed nothing. Upon a quick check, I realized the USB drive was formatted incorrectly. Most vehicles nowadays only support FAT32 format, while NTFS or exFAT may not work. File type is also crucial; the car’s system can only recognize audio formats like MP3 or WAV, while others like MP4 or exe files are simply ignored. Power supply is another factor—some USB ports are for charging only and can’t transfer data, so plugging into the wrong one naturally won’t work. A damaged USB drive or loose connector can also cause issues. My advice is to first try another USB drive or restart the vehicle’s system, usually via the central control settings. If the problem persists, it’s best to have a professional check it to avoid disrupting your trip.
From the perspective of a small tech enthusiast like me, there are quite a few reasons why the GL8 fails to play USB. If the USB device itself contains non-standard format files or viruses, the system will directly reject it. The car's media system only supports specific formats, such as FAT32 USB drives and MP3 files. If you copy FLAC or high-definition videos, it will stop working. Interface issues are also common—loose or rusty ports can cause connection interruptions. System software updates are crucial, as outdated firmware may not support new devices. I often tinker with car audio systems and found that regularly cleaning the ports and checking the version in the system settings can prevent this issue. A simple solution is to try a different USB drive or file. If that doesn’t work, check the vehicle manual. Don’t forget to reboot the infotainment system—most models can resolve this by holding down the power button. Once these details are sorted out, driving becomes much more enjoyable.
