So I've found a setting which fixed all my iPod issues on an ML audio system... no more crashing iPod, random disconnects, non-responsive "transferring data" banners... everything just works.

Go into the ipod audio settings and uncheck the option which transfers album art.

Imagine that.

 

So, does the album art still show now that you've changed the setting?

 

Good stuff!

 

?? Nope. The issue with all the non responsiveness of our systems comes from the transferring of the album art data. For whatever reason Lexus didn't include a way to end the transfer after it had begun (or perhaps the iPod api doesn't allow it) which causes all those transferring data banners.

I'm guessing things fall out of sync as well during those transfers causing the random freezes on the iPod and audio off disconnects of the head unit as after having this setting disabled for 3 weeks, I haven't had a single problem with my iPod connection. And switching songs is blindingly fast as it is in almost every other car.

In my mind, losing album art is not even a loss if it means a functioning system

 

Here's a tip: Small versions of the album art are what's important. If you, like me, have chosen to embed high resolution album art in the files resident on your iPod, it will take an incredible amount of time to load the art each time you change a song. I redid all my album art using low resolution, but acceptable, images and things work quite nicely and I have had no problem since.

 

I'll try this...

I don't get the big deal about the album art. The image is so small, and since I leave the map on all the time you can only see it when you go into the audio screen.

 

I rarely use navigation, so I like the album art. To me, it is worth the occassional drop out. I will try the workaround mentioned in the earlier post.

 

This 100% fixed the issues I was having. It would randomly shut down, rarely making it an hour of play time. Turned off the cover art display and it has been 2 weeks of headache free music.

 

I also like the album art, just learned to use smaller file sizes (500 x500) and have had no issues since!
I just wish I could see the Sirius artwork on my sat radio on my 2014 :-(