I usually play MP3 files from a USB stick inserted into the USB socket in the rear section of the centre console.
I took it out to add some new MP3 files and now it will not connect to the car.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Ever thought about cleaning the socket you plug the usb stick into? Some switch cleaner and something to plug in and out a few times while everything is still wet with the solvent.

yeah I'll try try that but I doubt it will make any difference as the USB was was working fine before I removed it and was out of the socket for a few hours only.

Im also concerned why the "USB File Browser" is greyed out in the hidden menu. To honest I dont know what that really means. Does anyone know what that refers to ? Jules

Well the only thing that had changed is that you’d disturbed the socket by removing the usb stick. Now nothing works. Probably corroded (even slightly would be enough) surfaces due to current flow between two slightly dissimilar metals.
If the system can’t see the device or its file system it will be greyed out.

Thanks Bob - Yes, the USB stick had been in situ for months so corrosion could well be the cause.
Unfortunately cleaning made no difference.

Im going to start by checking the USB socket.

Does anyone know if the small panel holding the USB socket can be removed from the centre console without removing the console ? I dont want to break either.

 Jules

Its not a sensible place to put electrical connections face up - all sorts of stuff gets inadvertently dropped into that cubby hole - inc food and liquids, not to mention general dirt from dogs and clothes Jules

Further to this.

There is power at the USB socket and I can charge my phone and torch via it.

But the USB Browser is still greyed out in the hidden menu and the audio still doesnt connect to the USB stick.

Anyone got any ideas, before I remove the centre console? I can see no other way to get at the USB socket. Jules

How about trying to clean the usb sticks connector. Just because it works in wherever you get you music from doesn’t mean to say that the area on its terminals that touch the cars usb socket are clean. Also power and data don’t use the same connectors and data current flows will be much smaller so more easily obstructed.

Jules. Seeing as it's something electronic, maybe the hard reset might come into play at this point? I'm just thinking if when the USB stick was removed, the system went into some sort of confused state not know whether the USB has been disconnected or not and just errored/greyed it out.

Maybe draining all of the power out of the car might force it to forget, shutdown fully and re-initialise when it's powered back up.

Just a random thought anyway.  https://www.youtube.com/@scottandalana4x4

I took the console out - quite easy.
Lift off gear lever surround.
Undo 6 screws = 7mm socket
Pass surround through the rectangular hole in the centre console as you lift up the console.
All electricals are with 3 connectors at the back.



The AUX socket, cigar lighter and USB socket share the same plug and cable and part of the same panel.

Click image to enlarge

Dean1234 wrote:

Jules. Seeing as it's something electronic, maybe the hard reset might come into play at this point? I'm just thinking if when the USB stick was removed, the system went into some sort of confused state not know whether the USB has been disconnected or not and just errored/greyed it out.

Maybe draining all of the power out of the car might force it to forget, shutdown fully and re-initialise when it's powered back up.

Just a random thought anyway.

I'd considered that too and have tried several hard resets - even left the POS and NEG battery terminal connected together for 40 mins + , whilst installing a new battery.
All to no avail unfortunately.

If it was a PC I'd say switch it off and reboot it and if that didnt work try uninstalliing and reinstalling the app. But Ive no idea how to do that with the FL2 or even if its possible. Jules

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread as I still cannot find a solution to the USB socket in the central console not connecting (although there is power there to charge a phone) and wondered if anybody can suggest something new that I havent already tried.

I'm sure its got something to do with the browser being greyed out in the secret menu.

My head is getting sore from all the scratching.  Jules

I tried looking around internet, as you seemed to have done all the right things, and came across this on the Landyzone site.

It talks about using LAME MP3 (on FAT32 formatted stick)

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/que...ck.278638/

As you did not change anything initially when you got the fault, I would be inclined to think that you have some kind of plug seating problem. Because of the 'upwards' plug orientation I think dust/fluff may have built up inside. Have you tried carefully (with the power off) digging around inside with a pin. It works for me with my phone. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)

I mostly use a USB in that location for music - sometimes it randomly loses it when I start the vehicle, having been working fine before and I get the "please connect device" message - unplugging and reinserting usually sorts it for me (sometimes I need to do it a few times tho).

It is rather annoying. Dirt does seem a likely cause - I hope you get it sorted & please update if you do  2014 Freelander 2 TD4 Manual Dynamic
1956/7 88" Series One Land Rover
1956/7 88" Series One Land Rover - undergoing restoration