I'm just wondering if I am missing something or not. When I place my phone in the car dock it does nothing. It does not launch any type of car home app, in fact it does nothing, as if it cannot even tell it is docked. Is this just me or are others experiencing this problem as well?

I've heard somebody else mention this and I do not know the answer for sure since I dont have my car dock yet.
However, let me ask you this.. is the charger plugged into the port on the back?

I tried plugging in the power cord and it instantly activated the car home. I can't believe that it won't recognize being docked unless it is plugged in. My other droids have never had this issue. I guess it is just a minor inconvenience.

from what I read, this dock does not have a magnet to activate dock modes. the device knows it's docked when the charger engages. dont know why they changed that

Are you using a case? I bought one because I was told they would fit now, it does. However, with the case on, it won't charge or initiate car mode. Without a case, it works just fine.

It looks like the Car Dock app is pre-installed as a system application that you can't run manually. IMHO it's a crappy application anyway, and I suggest getting Car Dock Home v3 from the market. The other thing you could do is root and use Titanium to change Car Dock to a user app.

Interesting information about the magnet (or lack thereof)...

Shadez,

Sorry but I have to respectfuly point this out.

" I mainly use it to watch tv while driving "

seriously?! I would not want to be driving around where you do friend. That is so not safe.

you missed the "J/K"

Oppps, yes, missed that. Sorry Shadez, my bad. Sounded scary though!

My bionic immediately goes into car dock mode when I place it in the dock whether or not I am connected to power. I don't have a case so I put the insert into the dock for phones without cases. If using a case you can remove the insert for more room. I'm using the Moto branded dock included in the Costco bundle.

I have the extended battery and for me the car dock works with or without the insert but with the insert I did have a problem one time with it not loading. I never had an issue without the plastic insert but the phone seems kind of loose in there without it but it didn't look like it would fall out.

Mine worked perfect with the dock insert in place and no case on the phone. Now i have vzws fitted silicone case and took out the dock insert to compensate for the case, i just have to push it down a bit harder when i place it in and it works fine.

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Are you using the stiff silicone, or the jelly one? I tried the silicone one, and I could not get it to charge or enter car mode. I think it may have had something to do with the power button. I noticed a little indentation on the silicone cover that was constantly being pressed.

It's too bad, I really liked the cover. Unfortunately, I had the same problem with the car dock, the laptop, as well as the home dock.

I think I can shed some light on this issue. I just did various tests because I have the same issue. I noticed if you completely disconnect the charger and insert the bionic in the dock the car dock opens 100% of the time. I'm using my car charger from my original Droid. Can any of you check and verify this also for I the few of you that don't have issues are you using old chargers or a new one? This could be a wire issue and not a phone issue.

I am using the stoff silicone see thru case with the checkered or hatched pattern on the back on the inside. Fantastic case fits great.

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Is it possible to use the phone in portrait mode when in the car dock? Mine stays in landscape even when I turn the phone portrait.

I also would like to know. Actually I'd just as soon no "dock" apps launched at all. I'm perfectly happy with a portrait mode phone holder/charger, and I'll run my own apps...... Just like with the OG Droid.