RNS-E install to B5 S4

[SzeBen]

Hello guys, I know there are many topics on this with many dead links, etc.

I would like to go to this route first: I would like to buy a kit from ebay etc, which make the install really easy. Can somebody have some fitting set link which make the installing easy?

I found this, what you guys think?
https://www.amazon.com/Navigation-System-Adapter-Retrofit-Accessories/dp/B07YJWTCXM

Im located in europe, prefer EU, or Asia links. Also my RNS-E is from a B7 Audi.

[Darepoole]

Hello guys, I know there are many topics on this with many dead links, etc.

I would like to go to this route first: I would like to buy a kit from ebay etc, which make the install really easy. Can somebody have some fitting set link which make the installing easy?

I found this, what you guys think?
https://www.amazon.com/Navigation-Sy.../dp/B07YJWTCXM

Im located in europe, prefer EU, or Asia links. Also my RNS-E is from a B7 Audi.

That should work. I installed an rnse In my pre facelift b5 a4 which is a pita since preface-lift doesn’t have can bus. I have a write up here.

99 A4 RNS-E Help
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

That won’t be much help but it will if you are installing an aftermarket amp etc. I believe you will have to run the kline wire from the instrument cluster to a certain pin on the quad lock In order for the clock to sync but I could be wrong.


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[auditechnik]

You need K-line for diagnostic ability and to do soft coding and adaptation, etc.

The stock B5 radio connectors are missing the RFSL signal for reverse gear. The navigation will be more accurate if you run a wire from the backup light circuit to this line on the quadlock, particularly when you had just started the car, put the car in reverse and moved it before the RNS-E had time to lock on to sufficiently many GPS satellites to establish its location.

To get the clock to sync up, you need to connect the infotainment CAN bus from the instrument cluster to the quadlock. This means you’ll need a late production B5 with a digital clock in the instrument cluster. Earlier B5s don’t have an infotainment CAN bus, and the RNS-E will be crippled on the earlier cars, in bad ways.

But that’s not sufficient because the B5 cluster sends out clock info in binary format whereas the RNS-E expects BCD format. The result is incorrect time displayed on the screen. Over 13 years ago a guy named Bjarne created a date/time CAN message translator box that you connect between the cluster and the RNS-E. That box, called Bjarne’s CANGate (not to be confused with other CAN gateways), solved the problem. He sold a bunch of them but has stopped making more around 2010. They are almost impossible to find now.

Last year Stuart M. at https://rnse.pcbbc.co.uk made available RNS-E firmware updates with many new features. One of those fixes the clock format incompatibility, so a Bjarne CANGate is no longer needed.

Something more basic, though. The RNS-E was never equipped on a B5 from Audi, and any of them from another model will have a front panel shaped wrong for the B5 center console. You’ll need to modify it to make it fit.

You also need to have a double-DIN center console to fit the RNS-E. This means your original factory radio should be the Audi Symphony.

You need to soft code the RNS-E for a A6 4B (C5), which most resembles a B5 8D. The latter is not a configurable option.

If the RNS-E you have is a post-2010 “mk2” unit (with part number ending in 193 instead of 192), then there are additional complications. Ask me if that’s what you have.

Much of this is found in a document written by nsxjr, you should read this as it applies to the B5 too.

http://www.audipages.com/s8/RNS.pdf

If you have more questions, just ask and I’ll try to answer as best as I can.

Here’s my RNS-E in my B5 S4. My installation also integrates ColorMFA, Phatnoise Phatbox, Audi Bluetooth telephone module, Bluetooth audio, and reverse view camera.

[auditechnik]

I noticed that the radio antenna adapter included in that eBay kit has only one wire, the second connector in the diversity antenna system would be left unconnected. This not only affects radio reception, it will cause the RNS-E to throw fault codes.

The correct adapter should be this one:

https://www.kufatec.com/en/car-hifi/...to-rns-e-33403

In fact I suggest buying the quadlock adapter from kufatec too. There are several variants to choose from, depending on whether your car is equipped with/without Bose active amp and speakers, if you have a factory CD changer or Phatnoise Phatbox, if your car had the CD-based BNS navi system, etc.

[SzeBen]

Thank you guys for the reply!

Unfortunately, I didn't set the notification correctly and didn't notice the replies, so I ordered the amazon one. Also ordered the kufatec antenna as you recommended.

I have a digit clock cluster, MK1 navigation. Also, the only thing I know, how to make a fancy faceplate. :D

I have a few questions:
1. I read through roughly on the pdf what you showed me: so with this kit, I still need to do the 1.1.1 connecting to CANbus part.
2. How can I do the software update with the link that you provided? (very cool btw, by that someone making it as a hobby)
3. After the soft update, do I still need to do soft code with the B7 navigation? If so, what are the steps for that?
4. Do I need anything else? The reverse part I saw on the PDF as well.
5. I have a question about Bluetooth as well. I saw the factory solution in the PDF, but its looks easier to buy an aftermarket something like this (not this, just to show:https://www.ebay.com/itm/17485569599...EAAOSw2spbJbGL)

[Darepoole]

You need K-line for diagnostic ability and to do soft coding and adaptation, etc.

The stock B5 radio connectors are missing the RFSL signal for reverse gear. The navigation will be more accurate if you run a wire from the backup light circuit to this line on the quadlock, particularly when you had just started the car, put the car in reverse and moved it before the RNS-E had time to lock on to sufficiently many GPS satellites to establish its location.

To get the clock to sync up, you need to connect the infotainment CAN bus from the instrument cluster to the quadlock. This means you’ll need a late production B5 with a digital clock in the instrument cluster. Earlier B5s don’t have an infotainment CAN bus, and the RNS-E will be crippled on the earlier cars, in bad ways.

But that’s not sufficient because the B5 cluster sends out clock info in binary format whereas the RNS-E expects BCD format. The result is incorrect time displayed on the screen. Over 13 years ago a guy named Bjarne created a date/time CAN message translator box that you connect between the cluster and the RNS-E. That box, called Bjarne’s CANGate (not to be confused with other CAN gateways), solved the problem. He sold a bunch of them but has stopped making more around 2010. They are almost impossible to find now.

Last year Stuart M. at https://rnse.pcbbc.co.uk made available RNS-E firmware updates with many new features. One of those fixes the clock format incompatibility, so a Bjarne CANGate is no longer needed.

Something more basic, though. The RNS-E was never equipped on a B5 from Audi, and any of them from another model will have a front panel shaped wrong for the B5 center console. You’ll need to modify it to make it fit.

You also need to have a double-DIN center console to fit the RNS-E. This means your original factory radio should be the Audi Symphony.

You need to soft code the RNS-E for a A6 4B (C5), which most resembles a B5 8D. The latter is not a configurable option.

If the RNS-E you have is a post-2010 “mk2” unit (with part number ending in 193 instead of 192), then there are additional complications. Ask me if that’s what you have.

Much of this is found in a document written by nsxjr, you should read this as it applies to the B5 too.

http://www.audipages.com/s8/RNS.pdf

If you have more questions, just ask and I’ll try to answer as best as I can.

Here’s my RNS-E in my B5 S4. My installation also integrates ColorMFA, Phatnoise Phatbox, Audi Bluetooth telephone module, Bluetooth audio, and reverse view camera.

I forgot to mention I found a can-bus emulator from aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002330324724.html
It worked perfect. I provided a wiring diagram in my thread I provided earlier.


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[auditechnik]

I have a digit clock cluster, MK1 navigation. Also, the only thing I know, how to make a fancy faceplate. :D

Great, you’re off to a good start.

I have a few questions:
1. I read through roughly on the pdf what you showed me: so with this kit, I still need to do the 1.1.1 connecting to CANbus part.

Yes.

2. How can I do the software update with the link that you provided? (very cool btw, by that someone making it as a hobby)
3. After the soft update, do I still need to do soft code with the B7 navigation? If so, what are the steps for that?

The steps are at the rnse.pcbbc.co.uk site. Basically, you download the firmware image from that site and burn a CD or DVD with it. Insert this disc into your RNS-E and it will update itself.

Yes, you will still need to do the soft coding and adaptation (for not just the RNS-E, but also for your instrument cluster and the Bluetooth phone module if you use the Audi one). You do these with VCDS (aka VAG-COM) which is special diagnostic software and cable that plugs into your car’s OBDII port. See https://www.ross-tech.com for purchase info if you don’t already have it. It’s a really useful tool for the VAG family of cars. Or, you could find someone with VCDS to help you.

4. Do I need anything else? The reverse part I saw on the PDF as well.

There is a pin on the RNS-E quadlock for Bose. If your car is Bose-equipped then you need to connect that line to ground, otherwise leave it unconnected.

5. I have a question about Bluetooth as well. I saw the factory solution in the PDF, but its looks easier to buy an aftermarket something like this (not this, just to show:https://www.ebay.com/itm/17485569599...EAAOSw2spbJbGL)

I dont know about the aftermarket unit, but the Audi one works seamlessly with the RNS-E. The RNS-E will show your phone’s contacts, call history, last dials, missed calls, etc., and let you make calls from those lists. It also shows you a Bluetooth signal strength icon on the screen, and display supplemental info on your instrument cluster DIS when a call is in progress. The level of integration is fantastic.

The Audi Bluetooth phone module can be purchased used on eBay for not a lot of money. The car has pre-wiring for most of it in the trunk/boot, and the nsxjr PDF I linked tells you how to add the additional CAN bus and K-line wires and make an adapter cable. In my case, my B5 S4 had the old BNS navi system, which was located in the trunk below the tool box and CD changer, so the car had wiring for that which includes CAN and K-line, so I just used those signals from the BNS connector instead of having to run wires to the A pillar connector station. I then installed the Bluetooth module in the box that the BNS once lived in.

Here is a pic, the box with the Audi logo contains the Bluetooth module, above it is the Phatnoise Phatbox which replaced the CD changer.

[Darepoole]

The Dension GBL3AI2 is a good option as well. You are able to use forward and back track. You can accept and decline phone calls as well. The Denison gateway would maintain steering wheel controls and display song names.


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[auditechnik]

By the way, here is a list of Audi Bluetooth modules. I used the 8P0 862 335 R version which works great for the U.S. you’ll want to choose an EU version for Europe.

http://www.tikan.org/ti/audi/autiq/a...h_versions.pdf

[rkern]

I might have to look into installing the OEM BT module. I've been searching for alternative. No issues connecting and streaming anything from the phone?

[Darepoole]

I might have to look into installing the OEM BT module. I've been searching for alternative. No issues connecting and streaming anything from the phone?

Not sure if you are asking me or not but the denison products are amazing. The Denison gateway has integration into the oem phone directory everything it’s definitely better than an oem Bt module fo sure.


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[auditechnik]

I might have to look into installing the OEM BT module. I've been searching for alternative. No issues connecting and streaming anything from the phone?

I have no problem with mine. Have used it with several generations of iPhones.

[rkern]

Reading through both the Denison and the OEM adapters, it seems as though you need steering wheel controls for them to work properly. Is that true? I don't have those.

[Darepoole]

Reading through both the Denison and the OEM adapters, it seems as though you need steering wheel controls for them to work properly. Is that true? I don't have those.

From what I was told it’s possible to use without steering wheel controls but I’m not positive. I believe you just lose those features but I think somewhere it said the gateway needs to see those things to work properly. The Denison GBL3AI2 is an alternative for cars that don’t have steering wheel controls or a gauge cluster display. It has less features than the gateway most importantly loss of oem telephone functions but it’s the one I have for my preface-lift a4 and it is works great. I would call Enfig audio and ask him. He’s an authorized Denison dealer great guy. I’ll look back at my emails with Denison and see what they said.


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[auditechnik]

I don’t have steering wheel controls but the Audi Bluetooth module works just fine. I think with such controls you may get “dial by voice command” feature but I’ve not seen it in action.

[Darepoole]

I don’t have steering wheel controls but the Audi Bluetooth module works just fine. I think with such controls you may get “dial by voice command” feature but I’ve not seen it in action.

Yeah I’m not too sure


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[auditechnik]

I've written up an article about retrofitting the RNS-E into a B5. It's here:

http://www.tikan.org/ti/audi/rnse/

Your feedback is welcome!

[rkern]

I've written up an article about retrofitting the RNS-E into a B5. It's here:

http://www.tikan.org/ti/audi/rnse/

Your feedback is welcome!

Very well put together. You clear up some things that the NSXJR kind of gets confusing on. I did this with a MK1 RNS-E out of TT. The only thing I wish that was different is the SD card memory. I would have liked to use a bigger card to hold music. Not sure if it's a hardware issue or a software issue to get it to work with the other card.

One other question, have you been able to change the splash screen? I have seen with the Audrino software updates the screen can be changed, just not sure where that is done. I have looked in the coding with VCDS but that hasn't done anything.

[auditechnik]

Stuart M.’s firmware update lets you do that. You put a splash.bmp file on your left SD card (of a specific format), go into Engineering mode and enable it. To get rid of the watermark you need to purchase the feature pack from him. You then put the license file he provides on the SD card too.

[auditechnik]

Oh, and the 4GB SD card limit on mk1 RNS-E is hardware, but also imposed by the firmware.

[rkern]

In the release notes for new features, for a I think the Beech release, in paragraph 8.1.7, it talks about coding the start screen. I was assuming this was done with VCDS. I'll look into the feature pack.

[auditechnik]

VCDS is not necessary for the custom splash screen. Just get the latest beta release firmware and the feature pack. It works great.

Here’s my splash screen:

[SzeBen]

Thank you everyone for the ton of information. It was very helpful for me. Really glad to be part of this community.

I installed the rns-e unit (I did different things, thats along with it)I have two questions right now:
My S4 does not have one antenna which is needed according to everyone, so the ebay antenna cable the good for me, cannot find other antenna connector near the center console.

Other thing: the rns-e asking for pin code every time when ignition on. Is there a solution for it?

And I see that I can upgrade the software from sd card, my cd reader is dead. :)

@auditechnik, your PDF is really good I used it! :)

Thank you guys!

[auditechnik]

@SzeBen, is your CAN bus properly connected to the RNS-E?
A few ways to tell is if the RNS-E's pushbuttons backlighting should come on when you turn on your headlights. Also, the navigation map screen should go to night mode. With the ignition on, radio/navi info should show on your instrument cluster's driver info display (DIS).
Also, with VCDS, check the RNS-E for fault codes.

[SzeBen]

Thanks for the reply! Yes, the lights have come up, the navigation map is not working yet, asking for CD but didn't have time to fix this thing. My CD reader not working, needs to get an SD card. DIS I don't know yet, because for some reason the Washer fluid level warning came up after rewiring, so I have to fix that somehow (didn't move that cable in the gray connector, and fluid level at max). RNS-E right now giving one error about the CD reader.

I read that somewhere else a long time ago, but don't find it now, but someone said that the pin asking on ignition is related to my cluster, don't remember why.

[auditechnik]

...
I read that somewhere else a long time ago, but don't find it now, but someone said that the pin asking on ignition is related to my cluster, don't remember why.

There is no pin that the RNS-E use to "ask" the instrument cluster about ignition on status. It's the other way around - the instrument cluster sends CAN bus messages about the ignition being turned on (and off), which the RNS-E reads to turn itself on and off. Same as with other messages such as lights on/off, clock info, etc.

Make sure that the main radio power (Quadlock pin D15) comes from always-on 12V from the battery (terminal 30 in Audi-nomenclature). If this power is ever interrupted, when it resumes the RNS-E will ask you to enter the PIN again on the B5, because the B5's instrument cluster does not transmit the car's VIN number over the CAN bus. On later models, if the RNS-E is powered up and finds itself still installed in the car with the same VIN number as its previously remembered one, then it won't ask for the PIN.

[SzeBen]

Thank you! I will check it on this week.

I spoke with Stuart who creating or updating the free software for the RNS-E. He told me, unforunately, I need a working CD reader to upgrade the firmware, so that will be the second thing to do, after the pin code problem :)

[SzeBen]

One question: I saw that you wrote about the 32pin aux Bluetooth modul. I saw two version of this. One with a microphone, and one without it. Should I buy the microphone one? Does it matter for example for the oroginal Bluetooth modul?

[auditechnik]

Yes, need a working CD drive for firmware updates.

[auditechnik]

One question: I saw that you wrote about the 32pin aux Bluetooth modul. I saw two version of this. One with a microphone, and one without it. Should I buy the microphone one? Does it matter for example for the oroginal Bluetooth modul?

You don’t need the mic. This is for streaming audio, not for telephone. For telephone there is a separate module, to be connected via the car’s phone pre-wiring. The car has a mic already in the overhead condole.

[SzeBen]

Can anybody help me what I did wrong?

1. Washer fluid level warning constantly on. Tried to wire to ground from the grey connector pin 13, didnt worked. Jumped level sensor from reservoir.
2. Error from ecu and cluster:
Cluster:
01311 -information data bus
Ecu:
18058 - powertrain data bus

- - - Updated - - -

Jumping the sensor didnt work as well

[SzeBen]

One more thing in grey connector, I allready have wires in pin 5 and 6. Should i Just leave them hanging?

[auditechnik]

One more thing in grey connector, I allready have wires in pin 5 and 6. Should i Just leave them hanging?

Splice into them.

[SzeBen]

Hey guys,

I had some personal life issues, but now I would like to continue with this project.


Managed to make go the washer fluid sensor, and the Last thing left:

Can somebody help me what needs to be coded on cluster, and on the navigation

Its illuminate when I turn on the headlight, turns on when ignition on, turns of when off, but I cant make the dis to show radio info. Can somebody Tell me every possible solutions for that, what can be done under adaptation, and under recode?

Rns-e now storing 0 errors, only cluster but that one is telling that there is no communication with the engine.

Thank you for your help guys!

[rkern]

If you use this: http://www.tikan.org/ti/index.cgi?h=/ti/audi/rnse/
Go to item #10 and it tells you what to code for display

Reconnect the battery negative terminal and perform setup
Connect the VCDS between your computer and your car's OBDII port, turn the ignition on, and perform the coding and adaptation as described here:

RNS-E coding and adaptation

The B5 A4/S4 is virtually identical to the C5 A6 (type 4B) for these purposes. You should code the RNS-E for an A6, because the "A4" setting is for the B7 (type 8E/8H) platform, and won't work properly on the B5.

In addition, the instrument cluster needs to have its adaptation changed to make it show the RNS-E and telephone supplemental information in the DIS. To do so, in VCDS, connect to the 17-Instruments module, then click Adaptation - 10. In the adaptation window, select channel 062. The value should be the sum of the following:
+1 = Radio
+2 = Telephone OR Telematics (NAR)
+4 = Navigation System
+8 = Telematics (RoW)
The value should be 5 with RNS-E but no telephone module, or 7 with RNS-E and the North American version of the Audi Bluetooth Telephone module.
.

[auditechnik]

^^ That link should be: http://www.tikan.org/ti/audi/rnse/

[SzeBen]

Thank you for the information! The strange thing, the DIS shows Infos about the navigation. NO CD inserted or what was the text. But no radio info. When I get nearby the car, I will copy every code, and adaptation, so you can check what went wrong. :)

[auditechnik]

“NO CD” is radio info if your RNS-E is in “CD/SD” (NA) or “CD/TV” (EU) mode and no disc is loaded in the drive (or CD changer, if your RNS-E detects one). In “FM/AM” (NA) or “RADIO” (EU) mode the DIS should indicate the current radio band and frequency (e.g., “FM 105.1”). If you’re playing MP3 files on one of the SD cards, then the radio info should show the track name or the file name (configurable via SETUP). The track name is from the file’s ID3 tag, if it has such info.

[SzeBen]

Yep, I thought that too, but even if it's on Radio mode (I'm from EU), the top section does not show the info. I really screw up something :D