Software Update

CDE-172BT/175BT ˜ 1/4

Software Update Procedure

Introduction
˜ This installation manual is designed to take you through the step-by-step installation of the firmware version
v1.5 update for the CDE-172BT and CDE-175BT. Please familiarize yourself with the owners manual (found at
www.alpine-usa.com/support) and if you still have additional questions please call 1-800-TECH-101.
˜ This firmware update corrects issues with the following:
Pandora control for iPhone and Android phones.
Noise issues when the high pass filter is used.

Caution!
˜ Do NOT turn off vehicle’s ignition or head unit’s power switch while updating. Some modern vehicles may
shut down the ignition (ACC) if the engine is not running for some time. If you are not sure if this applies to
your car, leave the engine running while the update is in progress.
˜ Do NOT remove the USB flash memory while updating.
˜ Do NOT press any buttons while updating.
˜ Do NOT update while driving.
˜ Failing to follow any of these cautions could cause damage to the head unit.

Step 1: Format The Flash Drive

1-1 Only flash drives formatted to FAT32 can be read by the head unit. This means that your flash drive can
not be formatted to anything else including NTFS, exFAT, etc.
1-2 In Windows the drive can be formatted by right clicking on the drive in file explorer and selecting format
as shown in the pictures below.
 Software Update
CDE-172BT/175BT ˜ 2/4

Step 2: Copy The Audio Update Files To The Flash Drive

2-1 Extract the downloaded files using a program like WinZip to your computer. If you don’t have a program
that handles zip files on your computer you will need to install one.

2-2 Once extracted you will see a folder named CDE-175BT_172BT_v1500. Inside that folder is a file called 18A_
Entry_CD_BT_v1500.u88. Copy just that file to your flash drive by copy and pasting or dragging and dropping the
file. The pictures below show the file on the flash drive. Note: You can NOT change the file name. The head unit will
not recognize the file if you do.

Notes:
*Do NOT store any other files on the flash drive. If there is anything on the drive besides the update file it
will not read correctly.
*Certain manufacturer’s USB memory may not work. If so, try a different manufacturer’s USB memory.
 Software Update
CDE-172BT/175BT ˜ 3/4

Step 3: Copy The Update Files To The Head Unit

3-1 Turn on the vehicle’s ignition to power on the head unit. Do NOT turn off the igntion or the power of the
head unit while the system is updating!

3-2 Press and hold the SLEEP button for at least 3 seconds to put the head unit into sleep mode. The display
will show the clock when the head unit is in sleep mode.

5:15 PM

3-3 Press and hold the SETUP button for at least 3 seconds to get into the setup menu.

GENERAL

3-4 Use the Rotary Knob to select GENERAL in the setup menu. Once in GENERAL select FIRMWARE, then FW
SXM/DAB
UPDATE, and finally UPDATE YES USB
MIC SWC

FIRMWARE
ANTENNA PRE OUT
FW UPDATE UPDATE YES

POWER

3-5 The display will show INSERT USB. Plug the flash drive into the USB connector on the front of the head unit.
After the flash drive is inserted the head unit will display PLEASE WAIT.

INSERT USB

3-6 The update process will start automatically. This process should take about 2 minutes. The display will show
the percentage of the process. The head unit will reboot when the update has finished.

55%

3-7 To display the firmware version of the head unit go into SETUP/GENERAL/FIRMWARE/FW VERSION. The
head unit will display M 15 / S 36.

M15 / S36
 Software Update
CDE-172BT/175BT ˜ 4/4

Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
1 The downloaded software was not
Refer to Step 2. The .zip file will need to be
unzipped first using your program of choice
unzipped.
(for example, WinZip, WinRAR, Izarc, etc).
The flash drive should be freshly formatted
There are other files on the flash (refer to Step 1) and the only files on it
drive. should be the downloaded files as shown in
Step 2.
Head unit will not read flash
memory. Make sure only the file that is shown in step
The file name was changed. 2 is copied over and the name is exactly as
shown.
Make sure the port is working correctly by
plugging in an iPod or flash memory with a
The USB port was installed
few MP3’s on it and seeing if it will play the
incorrectly.
music. If that’s not working then there’s no
way for the update to work.