Plz Don't Laugh! Still listen to iPods, but won't connect to Center Console

[Rho Rho]

Hi,

I'm the proud (3rd) owner of a 2018 Dodge Journey Crossover as of January 2024 and I love it!  I drive a lot and the comfort and maneuverability are second to none!

However, my iPods with @2,000 songs each (6th & 7th gens) only work when they feel like it:(  Most of the time I receive messages on the center console screen that read either "iPod error" or "cannot read."  When they do rarely decide to work, you may not see the titles and artists, or the song playing doesn't match the display, you cannot pause a song or shuffle.  However, the steering wheel controls will work to forward or go back one song, and it will adjust the volume.

We've done the usual attempts:  Turning them off and on, unplugging and replugging in, checking the settings for the console, replacing the cables with genuine Apple cords and chargers, talked to our local Dodge dealer, called an audio tech shop.

The odd things is these iPods work fine in another 2018 Dodge we own:  A Dodge Ram 2500.

Can anyone offer tips for me?  I'm over burning CDs and playing them in lieu of the radio.

I thank you in advance!!

-Rho

(N.E. Tenn)

[John/Horace]

USB jump drive can be loaded with thousands of songs and played in car. Stream music from phone with Bluetooth. Radio Paradise is a free listener supported app. Can download blocks of songs on phone so you don’t have to use data.  Can use dash or steering controls to jump songs. My wife still has a functioning iPod in house, but they force you to switch tec. 

[Rho Rho]

Hi John "You Can Do It!" Horace:

I thank you for the options.  Some of them I didn't know.

Need to do my homework now.

Happy Summer to you!

-Rho