VIOFO A139P Boot loop / Freezing issue

[mobeigi]

Hi all,

Had my VIOFO A139P 2CH since Nov 2022 now. Running it with the official hardwire kit cable (Type-C HK3-C Hardwire Kit Cable) and VIOFO 256GB SD card.

My only issue to date was it would overheat during hot days when parked in direct sunlight. I resolved this fairly early on with a low-tech solution of buying a fan which I would take out and position right under the cam on hot days when parking, and I didn't have any heat issues since. I also don't drive too much so the unit hasn't been used much at all overall since the purchase.

About a week ago (and only 2 weeks out of 24 month warranty omg), my device suddenly entered a boot loop. Basically, it powers on, LED lights come on for a bit then it 'loses' power and restarts making the 'starting noise' again.

Here is a link to a video of the problem too:

New video by Mo Beigi

photos.app.goo.gl

Occasionally, I can get a lucky boot when it powers on and functions normally. But then after some time (maybe 2m, maybe 5m), it will either power off and enter the boot loop issue or simply freeze and become unresponsive (led lights stuck, no buttons work).

Things I have tried:

• Power cycle: Shutdown unit, remove cables, restart after 30m.
• Remove rear channel, and use only 1 channel.
• Using different power source (using USB cable from power outlet with appropriate amps / volt output directly) instead of hardwire kit.
• Formatting SD card (both via VIOFO app and PC).
• Upgrading to latest firmware.
• Cleaning device socket with air blower.

All of these attempts lead to same issues.

Oddly enough the issues appeared 'suddenly'. The previous 2 years of usage have been quite good overall.
I see this is a fairly common issue for a lot of people, anyone have any ideas on what the actual issue could possibly be? I saw someone mentioning its internal connections shorting out?

I have a new ticket with VIOFO opened, hopefully they can help me resolve this.

Thanks,
Mo

 

[Nigel]

Have you tried using a different SD card?

 

[mobeigi]

Have you tried using a different SD card?

No I haven't. I only have the 1 SD card which is on the recommend SD card list for the dashcam.
I could try some random spare SD card to see if it fixes the boot loop issue but I am doubtful.

 

[Nigel]

Cards do have a limited lifetime, so if you have been using a card for 2 years, it is sensible to try something random and see if the behaviour changes. If you only use it in 1 channel mode then most random microSD cards will work OK, doesn't need to be on the list of approved cards.

I'm not too hopeful, but it is something that needs trying.

 

[JardaB]

format the card first --- if possible with SD Card Formatter https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/

Then another card and format it occasionally

 

[vlgligor]

I have the same issue after short of 2 years of functioning. The camera reboots with or without the card being inserted, so the card cannot be the issue.