Sat nav MMI help. No Satellites

[A6C711]

Okay, so I have seen there is forums with a similar problem, but they all seem to be for the C6.

I have a 2011 Audi A6 c7 2.0 tdi with the normal SD nav system, shark fin on the roof.

It was working fine, used it once or twice for different places. Then I tried to use it on the last two occasions and it's putting me about 5-10 miles away, and my dash says I'm 'off road'. An I have '0 satellites'. It's very frustrating...

So far I have tried MMI reset, parking up in an open area and resetting and turning the engine on and off, shouting at it and lastly blaming my Mrs.

Could it be my antenna? If so, can I change it out and how? Or any other suggestions/information would be great.

Sorry for the long post, just want all the info in.

Thanks

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[superswiss]

Not entirely sure which nav system you have since Europe has different versions and there are hardware differences as well, but this is a known issue over here with the US hardware. There's a piece of insulation that can get knocked loose and then the AC starts messing with the GPS chip in the MMI. Audi had to redesign the MMI head unit (5F module) and they started replacing them for customers who complained about this issue towards the end of 2014. I got mine replaced in my RS5 (same generation MMI as the C7) and it's been solid since. They also fixed some more software issues related to this in the latest firmware update, but again you guys have different firmware. So, not sure if you are experiencing the same issue, but chances are the European hardware has the same flaw as it is related to the overall packaging design.

[Soft]

I had to replace my shark-fin due to lack of connected satellites.
They said it was a common problem, all electronics inside was corroded.

[RAF_S7]

It will be the sharks fin antenna. Quite a common problem unfortunately.

When the MMI looses sight of the gps signal, it attempts to guesstimate your position.

Assuming you've not unplugged anything, replacement of the antenna is the solution. If you purchase from the dealer they come in primer, so you would need to paint. Alternatively keep an eye on eBay as they come up quite regularly.

[A6C711]

I had to replace my shark-fin due to lack of connected satellites.

It will be the sharks fin antenna. Quite a common problem unfortunately..

I had a small suspicion it could have been that, makes sense seeing as it's exposed to the UK weather and I imagine it's pretty sensitive inside.

Yeah I'll keep a look out on eBay an possibly on the breakers yards sites.

Okay, so it begs the question... How easy is it to wire/fit?

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[RAF_S7]

Its not difficult to change - however it is under the headlining.

Ive not changed one myself, so perhaps another forum member who has can chip in.

If your lucky, you can get to the unit via the rear interior light, if your unlucky, you may need to drop the headlining.

There are two types of antenna available (See the below link) Item #1 is used in Europe. Item # 4 is US market and includes satellite radio antenna.

http://etka.cc/audi/part_single/cata.../253429/lang/e

[A6C711]

Its not difficult to change - however it is under the headlining.

Ive not changed one myself, so perhaps another forum member who has can chip in.

If your lucky, you can get to the unit via the rear interior light, if your unlucky, you may need to drop the headlining.

There are two types of antenna available (See the below link) Item #1 is used in Europe. Item # 4 is US market and includes satellite radio antenna.

http://etka.cc/audi/part_single/cata.../253429/lang/e

That's not too bad. Obviously I would £ not to drop the h/liner as I have to start messing with the upper b&c post. I'll take a look when the weather picks up.

Another thought...

Could I whip out the mmi and attach an aftermarket unit to it, I'm an effort to get some signal. This would save the headline drop all together?

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[RAF_S7]

That's not too bad. Obviously I would £ not to drop the h/liner as I have to start messing with the upper b&c post. I'll take a look when the weather picks up.

Another thought...

Could I whip out the mmi and attach an aftermarket unit to it, I'm an effort to get some signal. This would save the headline drop all together?

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Yes there are plenty of non OEM solutions you can use as a replacement.

Just search on eBay for "GPS antenna FAKRA" - FAKRA is the special plug that Audi use to connect to the MMI.

[name.goes.here]

I had to replace my shark-fin due to lack of connected satellites.
They said it was a common problem, all electronics inside was corroded.

+1. Had my antenna replaced in February. If you do a search you will find the thread I posted discussing this problem, which is similar to the one you describe.

[A6C711]

Yes there are plenty of non OEM solutions you can use as a replacement.

Just search on eBay for "GPS antenna FAKRA" - FAKRA is the special plug that Audi use to connect to the MMI.

You sir are a legend, that will save me alot of time and money! Thanks

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[A6C711]

+1. Had my antenna replaced in February. If you do a search you will find the thread I posted discussing this problem, which is similar to the one you describe.

Was the replacement under warranty or did you have too pay for it, if so how much was it roughly?

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[name.goes.here]

Was the replacement under warranty or did you have too pay for it, if so how much was it roughly?

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Covered under factory warranty. Dealer needed to keep the car for a couple of days to order the part, paint it, remove the old antenna and install the new one. No idea as to the cost or time involved in replacing old with new, but can't imagine it would be an inexpensive fix if I was paying on my own.

The problem with mine was that the navigation was cutting in/out of satellite coverage. For about 1 year it was fine, then all of sudden the unit lost track of satellites and had the car positioned about 30 miles from its actual location. Dealer did a software upgrade which improved a few aspects of the MMI, but none of which had to do with navigation reception as a couple of months later the problem resurfaced. Dealer finally diagnosed as a faulty or defective antenna. Everything works fine since the replacement. I will note that a couple of other owners who had this problem actually needed a new navigation unit before the problem finally went away.

[A6C711]

New navigation unit! Fook that, I'll get a Tom Tom if it comes to that haha.

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[Ciprian_Chicano]

Hi!

I solved this problem very fast and it costs about 15 USD. I just changed the Antenna
with an AfterMarket one and is a DIY job. Here, in Germany it would have cost me to repair
at a Audi Center about 400 Eur.

Here is what I did.

https://youtu.be/twVFVEt3Lkc