Using Factory GPS Antenna for CarPlay

[svt]

My 03 S6 came with an aftermarket headunit that I don't like so I bought a Jensen to replace it with that has CarPlay, but it it requires an GPS antenna to utilize it. Originally, it was a Symphony II system with factory navigation and the other components appear to be in-place still. I'd like to use the factory GPS antenna that came with the car to plug into the new headunit to keep an OEM-ish look. I bought wiring from Enfig Audio to allow me to do this, but where can I access the GPS antenna? Is that in the rear near the hatch, where the navigation system is? Thanks.

[jbain2]

There should be a fakra connector in the console where the head unit was. If not, you are going to have to tap into it from the factory navigation. Honestly if you are going to use CarPlay I’d just install the aftermarket GPS antenna for the Jensen radio and rely on the GPS from you phone and whatever map app you run through CarPlay.


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[Avantly]

IIRC C5 nav antenna comes from the antenna module on passenger side trunk. You can get fakra extension cables from the likes of Amazon that seem to work reasonably well; Keep in mind that this RG174 cable has rather notable loss per distance (as compared to thicker coax) at GPS frequencies so you should minimize the length; Assuming you are buying pre-made cables you'll probably end up with an extra half meter or so and this should be coiled with a bend radius of no less than ~1/2" and zip tied (but not zip tied so tightly that it crushes/deforms the surface of the cable).

I've had good luck re-using factory BMW/VAG GPS antennas for aftermarket headunits and GPS receivers. The primary concern is making sure that the antenna is powered; Generally the head units will always provide the necessary power via voltage bias on the antenna line and I haven't had any issues with voltage incompatibility yet.

[svt]

Is the antenna module on the driver's side in an avant? That's where the navigation system is located.

[Avantly]

The antenna amplifier(s) are in the D pillars in back (not 100% sure exactly where on the avant but they are back there somewhere). You leave them in place and just use the existing fakra connectors. I guess if you were running a fakra to the front you could unplug the GPS one at the amp and route from there but I've always just routed from the back if I need antenna in the front.