Connecting Samsung Galaxy S2 to VW golf bluetooth

[Anonymous]

I find my galaxy S2 connects to the VW golf bluetooth and I can make one call. After this all attempts to make further calls fail and I cannot pick up calls either until I stop the car and reconnect the phone. 

My husband's Blackberry works perfectly. Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

If you are on ICS 4.03 you will struggle. There was a bug that affected some car systems. There is an app on Google play which some have found success with, its called A2DP Volume.

[Anonymous]

Thanks the help MI5. Sorry, I have some more questions.

The Android version is 2.2. Is the same app worth trying or can I upgrade the phone to another android version?

I am currently looking at upgrading the phone to the S3 in the new year. Am I likely to encounter the same issue?

[MI5]

OK, your first problem is that your firmware is out of date. In fact I didn't know any S2's were shipped with 2.2? You should be able to connect your phone to a PC running Kies and update the firmware. The S3 is running much newer firmware (Jelly Bean) and doesn't have the BT bug.

[Anonymous]

Apologies, it is an S not an S2 

Huge thanks for your help, it has been really useful. I think it will be easier to upgrade to the S3 and spend my energy eating mincepies rather than fighting with the phone.

Thanks for your time and help.

[MI5]

Haha, yes I'd agree with that - Pass round the pies

[Anonymous]

I worked in the motor industry for over 10 years with BMW. 

It may not be the phone at all but the cars software that is not compatible with the phone, upgrading one or the other can help. 

Remember that phones firmware gets updated a lot more frequently than your car will. It was and always will be a mine field.

You can check here for what is supported and on what phone firmware.

http://87.230.74.92/mtv_standard_komp.html

Also check under the bluetooth setting that you have 'never timed out' when paired to your car as it may be dropping out under whatever set time limit you have for it.

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:

It may not be the phone at all but the cars software that is not compatible with the phone, upgrading one or the other can help. 

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I think that is most likely cause.... Good link btw

[Anonymous]

All car companies have similar page but can be a little difficult to find and is not always 100% up to date. If you go into a dealership they will free of charge (or should) be able to provide you with a current list.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! The car dealer was a bit useless when I asked for advice but that link is very helpful. - My phone isn't on it so I guess that explains a lot. I'll check it before upgrading the phone.

Cheers