The day the music died

[neilos100]

Well....driving back from Stansted today the radio makes a few loud thumping noises then a squawk then dies along with MMI display.
Got home and had a look in the boot and low and behold!....yep, the tailgate washer pipe is dripping a nice stream straight into the electronics box! :mad:
Can they be dried out or is it deffo a new one?
Bugger bugger Bugger!


Sent from my phone...

[gupsterg]

Sorry to say I think it may be frazzle mate :( ... one of the mares of owning an Avant and as you know I'm an owner of one as well :Blush2: ...

Due to your location you maybe able to get CP removed from second hand module easily at Link:- Diagnostic equipment of Audi VW Specialists Centre in London (http://www.audivwsc.co.uk/diagnostic-equipment)

[Brycie]

I'd imagine Gup's right. These gadgets just don't like water & I've never been able to recover a wet phone fully.

If you want to give it one last shot as salvaging though, I do remember seeing reviews of a bag that you can put wet mobile phones in & it worked pretty well. I don't know how big the amp is or what sizes these bags come in, but if it works for a mobkle, it may work for your kit.

What a pita that design is though, and these things are never cheap.

[neilos100]

Thanks guys .....thought that maybe the case. Is there a fuse its connected to at all? May try and give it a dry....had a new baby last Wednesday so cash a little tight at the moment.
But what a stupid bit of design....the leak was coming from the connector which is located directly above the electrics....:banghead: how hard would it have been to move the joint a couple of inches? Vorsprung Durch Teknik.....? Really?

Sent from my phone...

[Brycie]

Congratulations Neil.

[Guest 2]

Neil, is your car still under warranty?

Congrats on the baby - say goodbye to your sleep! :D

[ChA6dders]

Which componants exactly get affected can someone take a picture of them I was wondering if theres are any preventative measures like putting a bin liner over them or a suitable size piece of tarpulin

[neilos100]

Thanks but nope...car has done 120000 miles now and is nearly 4 years old....didn't buy it from Audi either although has full ASH. Will have to scour eBay or give Gups link a try.
I guess it will need coding too.....:(

Thanks for the congrats.....used to having no sleep....I work in a hotel! :D
Sent from my phone...

[gupsterg]

Congratulations on the new baby :fing02: ...

When I'm scanning cars on AT the facelift ones look like this...

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg629/gupsterg/MMI/Boot.jpg

My view/reading somewhere was they solved this problem by moving the MMI rack/components... the above has MMI 3G non HDD...

Probably no help now but I've been considering doing a MMI rack cover for some time but other things have kept me busy :Blush2:...

My recent issue with water under carpet again has made me decide I must install a water/moisture sensor there and near rack... I'm thinking there must be a wrap or device which could be attached along pipework's length to detect a leak :confused: as the fabric loom tape does get wet... maybe a inline pressure gauge/alarm http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/confused.png ...

I found AC 6mm (1/4) condensate pipe sleeves the factory pipework... Link:- 06mm (http://www.ryanairconspares.com/reinforced-braided-hose-pipe-tube-inch-bore-p-190.html)(1/4) (http://www.ryanairconspares.com/reinforced-braided-hose-pipe-tube-inch-bore-p-190.html)reinforced hose 30m
(http://www.ryanairconspares.com/reinforced-braided-hose-pipe-tube-inch-bore-p-190.html)
http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg629/gupsterg/Bucket%20load%20fun%20A6%20Avant/DSCF5013.jpg

The Audi piping is bigger, so I warmed AC piping with hairdryer... it self seals around the rings on cooling... I did pop two clamps either side just to be safe...
IIRC I used either small jubilee clips or these 441 995 973 C ...

The 441 995 973 C also fit over the factory joins... here it is fitted to the one under the floor on mine...

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg629/gupsterg/Bucket%20load%20fun%20A6%20Avant/Rearwasherpipework1.jpg

[neilos100]

This is the inside of the left cubby hole in the boot....you can see the offending joint at top where I've peeled.away the insulation.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/06/ypa7ete2.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/06/9eheba6a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/06/rujupeqy.jpg

I'm wondering maybe I should take this opportunity to get a unit with DAB.....IIRC all the wiring for aerial is already in place in the Avant. Then would just need coding?
Neil

Sent from my phone...

[neilos100]

And would this be the unit I need? AUDI A6 2008 MMI 3G RADIO DAB UNIT TUNER 4F0035061 A BRACKET 4F0907368 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-A6-2008-MMI-3G-RADIO-DAB-UNIT-TUNER-4F0035061-A-BRACKET-4F0907368-/251183433459?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a7bb306f3)

[ChA6dders]

So from your photos Neil would it just be a case of covering up the exposed componants with plastic taped to the insulation material then any water that might drip just runs off down the plastic & not into the electrics

[MFGF]

My view/reading somewhere was they solved this problem by moving the MMI rack/components... the above has MMI 3G non HDD...

Gup, the HDD nav facelift cars still have the radio unit behind a panel on the left in the boot. Non-HDD cars do not have this (and have an indented trim panel giving more boot space, as shown in your pic). For HDD MMI High cars, there is still the distinct possibility of getting the radio wet :)

Cheers!

MF.

[neilos100]

Mine's non- HDD....radio unit still in boot.......:D

Sent from my phone...

[neilos100]

So from your photos Neil would it just be a case of covering up the exposed componants with plastic taped to the insulation material then any water that might drip just runs off down the plastic & not into the electrics

Yep....something simple like a plastic bottle opened up an attached to the area above the radio unit.....as you say then at least the water won't ingress into the unit but run off into the boot area.

Sent from my phone...

[gupsterg]

ahhh! I see they've got rid of rack and moved some modules but still one in firing line :aargh4:

The clamp part no should go over that join is about 30p IIRC... I then taped over it as well... like you say maybe an opportunity to upgrade to DAB unit... maybe worth a try to dry and refit... my child submerged HTC in water... bowl of rice for 3 days, all good now ;) ...

Aerials are in glass will do PDF's if you PM external email can send, any other concerning trim removal/wiring setup can do aswell, will/can check P/N's of parts...

Not looked into 3G retros as a 2G owner... but I'm sure info must be out there or PM to A8 Tech / CraigyB...

[neilos100]

So, thanks to Gupsterg who has been unbelievably helpful, I've decided to try and go with the DAB upgrade. All I need are the part numbers for the DAB amplifier and wiring loom for said amp. I have found someone who can supply most Audi parts very close to where I live but he needs numbers! So can anyone help?

Neil

[neilos100]

I think this 4F9 035 225S
is the part number...can anyone confirm please? DAB antenna amplifier for 2009 A6 Avant

Neil

[gupsterg]

Sorry was gonna PM yesterday but got delayed :Blush:...

I would go with rev "AM"... 4F9 035 225 AM as that has Aux.Heater (Webasto) + DAB where as rev "AK" only have DAB... price for both types is same £35 ish...
All the facelift signal amps have 3 pin connector to window just like on pre facelift so I'm assuming it will wire in like the pre facelift one as well.... Link:- VW AUDI Forum - VWAF (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?131820-Digital-Radio-DAB-Retrofit-Avant-MMI-2G-HIGH&p=712557#post712557)
(http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?131820-Digital-Radio-DAB-Retrofit-Avant-MMI-2G-HIGH&p=712557#post712557)
So current shopping list...

DAB Radio Unit 4F0 035 061 B or4F0 035 061 D (not sure which best:sad6:)
Signal amplifier 4F9 035 225 AM

C Pillar insert nut for amplifier WHT 000 011
Screw for amplifier N 106 569 01
Wiring for amplifier to window aerial pads 000 979 009 E
Connector for wiring 1C0 973 119 B

Signal amp to radio unit you will need female Fakra both sides (Z type/Neutral coding) the one I used was a 6 metre length and was more than ample (eBay)...

Now if look at this thread Link:- Question DAB Radio retrofit (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?83889-DAB-Radio-retrofit&p=436322#post436322)

The retro will be same for you as MMI is same design...


Yes it can be added and you need to replace the full radio control unit plus add the aerial and change the long code for 5f as well as overcoming c/p and updating the radio sw revision to fall in line with 5F or seek craigyB index (http://www.tclsatnav.com/) services as this is not a diy job, also depends on the p/n of the 5f control unit

So the highlighted bit means your MMI control unit and radio unit is going to need same rev/compatible software on each besides the coding change within control head to use DAB in new radio unit... the last bit advise the P/N of control unit need to be certain one as well...

You need VCDS scan which will get you P/N & software revs of current kit you have...

[neilos100]

Brillian Gup.....thank you....will have to find someone local around here with VCDS.....I think Big Col is my closest....will drop him a PM.
What is this auxiliary heater about?
Neil

Sent from my phone...

[gupsterg]

What is this auxiliary heater about?

Here's some info concerning aux.heater ... Link:- Parking Heater (http://www.parkingheater.co.uk/products/parking-heater.html)

Someone enquired recently for retrofit by an approved installer... Link:- Audi A6 Heater - Page 4 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?139135-Audi-A6-Heater&p=760105#post760105)

[Guest 2]

In our climate we don't need an aux heater!

I know we get cold winters but not cold enough to warrant a aux heater imo

[gupsterg]

I agree Chris... that is is just for information and as queried by OP... not a suggestion to buy... the signal amp for DAB is £35... signal amp for DAB & webasto is £35 as well...

So why not fit the amp with both?

At least if at some point somebody wish to or not they can do without then scrapping the amp... I would prefer if someone told me that when buying something...

Its just like here Link:- Is 3.0tdi really so much better than 2.7tdi? - Page 3 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?140113-Is-3-0tdi-really-so-much-better-than-2-7tdi&p=767444#post767444)

We suggest get 07 onwards but all 04 onwards cars are not really going to have all faults are they?

[neilos100]

So, just ordered the DAB radio unit from Ebay....gave him an offer of £235 instead of the advertised £325 and the offer was accepted.....so very happy to have saved £90!
I ended up going for the 'A' version of the unit as the build date is very similar to that of my car. The unit was made in December 08 and the car was registered in February 09....I guess it doesnt follow but my way of thinking is that the software is more likely to be the same version if the build dates are as close as possible!?
Just need to order the antenna amplifier and other little bits from Virdee Autos.....the guy I've been talking to there has been really helpful and he has VCDS too so hoping he can do the coding for me and maybe get rid of CP if its there. May get him to do some other stuff if need be...still fancy needle sweep and rear lights on all the time.
Anyway...will keep you all updated!

Neil

[neilos100]

Gup,

Is this the Fakra lead you got for yours?
GPS 6m Antenna Extension Cable FAKRA Female - Female Code Z Adapter Pigtail | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GPS-6m-Antenna-Extension-Cable-FAKRA-Female-Female-Code-Z-Adapter-Pigtail-/110959432627?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item19d5b293b3)

Neil

[gupsterg]

Yep that's the type you need, I got mine from turbo_herbie (ebay seller got AMI from)... I'd also get some good fabric loom tape (Certoplast/TESA)...

In the DAB retro thread I did I think it show how I route it around plus trim removal steps going to be same for you....

I've been busy with stuff :Blush2:... I was going to PM you his mobile number IIRC he works/owns a retrofit outfit in London...

Maybe worth a shot to ding him... if his mobile has changed I may even have an email...

So thunderbirds are GO! :biglaugh:

[neilos100]

Smashing!

And yes, the countdown to DAB (not FAB!!) has begun..........

[neilos100]

So.....the radio unit arrived and is now fitted. All works well, satnav, and the sd cards work great. Amazingly it even shows the DAB on the MMI display....no stations yet except one....but then no DAB aerial yet. That did surprise me because I thought some coding would need to be done. The only issue at the moment is the radio...the sound cuts out for half a second then comes back for a couple of seconds then goes off and the whole thing repeats again .....is this the component protection kicking in?
Have also cut an empty 2 litre lemonade bottle and opened it up. Using it as a cover to stop any future water ingress.
18836
Admittedly not pretty but it's behind the cover anyway....

Neil
Sent from my phone...

[Guest 2]

Yep that sounds like the CP, Neil.

[neilos100]

Ok...at least I know now...it was expected. Have to run it in to Audi at some stage soon so will get it done then. just need to get the aerial bits and pieces then can at least listen to DAB...any idea if this will do the same with CP...ie cut out??

Cheers Chris,

Neil

[gupsterg]

I found when I added AMI, DAB they worked without the coding... so seems like 3G also exhibit this... I needed coding so errors/auto scan for diags would be correct...

The sound cut is CP like Chris said.... seen a thread where someone put in a CD changer without CP removal and IIRC same happened until CP removed...


just need to get the aerial bits and pieces then can at least listen to DAB...any idea if this will do the same with CP...ie cut out??

Hazarding a guess I think it will... once you have CP removed everything will be good...

My aerial wiring to DAB amp is still held on with fabric loom tape ;) ... not once had an issue with it :) ...

What a PITA the washer ruined the radio unit but at least you've resolved it :) ...

[neilos100]

Hmmm....just noticed I have sound only from the right channel...nothing from the left. CP also?

OK...just did a search...sounds like it may still need coding to the car ....someone else had the same issue with only half the speakers working.

Neil

[neilos100]

So.....component protection has now been removed and I'm very pleased to say that the radio and speakers are now working as they ought. Had the CP sorted by Peter at the Audi VW Specialist Centre in North Harrow. They use a fully licensed VAS system and it took around 15 minutes in total. Impressed with him and would certainly recommend.
Just waiting for the DAB parts to arrive and then should be listening to crystal-clear digital radio very soon! :D
Big thanks to Gup and everyone else for their help and support!
Cheers
Neil
Sent from my phone...

[ChA6dders]

Neil perhaps I'm being thick but what did you actually buy to sort this issue out? I have MMI basic+ which touch wood works fine I would like to add DAB cos I've only got a single CD player and would at least like more radio stations. cheers

[neilos100]

I just bought a new radio unit which goes in the boot. The old one which got wet was the standard analogue radio with the satnav and Bluetooth combined. It's the 3G version. The new one is exactly the same but with the addition of DAB. Depends on the year your car was built....pre-facelift cars have separate units for radio, satnav, BT and DAB if I remember correctly.
I got the used unit off eBay and the DAB booster is awaiting collection from a local parts supplier. I think the hardest bit will be removing trim to fit the booster and connect everything up but so far it has been a surprisingly easy upgrade.

Neil

Sent from my phone...

[neilos100]

Before my old unit got wet I was looking at this......
Highway 300Di - In-Car Digital Radio and Audio Adapter with iPod/iPhone/iPad/USB Control (http://www.pure.com/products/product.asp?Product=VL-61716)
Seemed like the best non-oem DAB and one of the neater looking ones too...

Neil


Sent from my phone...

[ChA6dders]

Before my old unit got wet I was looking at this......
Highway 300Di - In-Car Digital Radio and Audio Adapter with iPod/iPhone/iPad/USB Control (http://www.pure.com/products/product.asp?Product=VL-61716)
Seemed like the best non-oem DAB and one of the neater looking ones too...

Neil




Sent from my phone...

Thanks mate I've thought about this myself not sure how it would fit in with the fiber optic, MOST, MMI system, seems very difficult to add or integrate anything else to it other than the Dension GW500 which is alot of money

[rafletcher]

Seems it doesn't need to interface with the FO systems, looking at the "will this fit my car" on the Halfordss site. An interface block to feed the speakers and a signal filter for the antenna (presumably from the cars inbuilt antenna)

[neilos100]

The picture of it fitted is in an A6 C6 so it must fit. Halfords will fit it for you....
Otherwise get a second-hand DAB unit from eBay and follow Gupsters thread ...

Sent from my phone...

[rafletcher]

Doing a bit of digging on the pure unit, in some cars (where the head unit lacks a "line in" the aerial input is used - which means that you will lose all your analogue radio, and be DAB only. Not sure if this is the case with an A6, but given one bit of "essential additional equipment" is called an "Antenna adaptor" I suspect it might be, in which case, not so good.

[neilos100]

From my reading it seems that there is a pass-through for the FM aerial, thus allowing both. Look at their webpage under specifications and it mentions the pass through near the bottom.

Sent from my phone...

[rafletcher]

I did try (on the Pure site) but the link was broken to FAQ's , but a pass through would make sense - I think I'll check with Pure.

[neilos100]

Just going to give a couple of companies a little plug at this point. Both have been very helpful indeed with parts and removal of CP.

The parts came from Virdee Autos, in Park Royal, NW London. Thay can source any VAG part and are really helpful guys. https://plus.google.com/109072610801291375583/about?gl=uk&hl=en
The other is VW Audi Specialist Centre in North Harrow....did the CP removal for me even though he was actually already closed for Christmas. http://www.audivwsc.co.uk/
Both will be used again and get my recommendation.

Neil

[gupsterg]

On mine you can see the signal quality/info by going into the green service menu...

Mine is still fixed with the loom tape at window, never once touched it :) ...

Occasionally I've lost signal in bad area like out in the sticks but M4, London, towns never been issue Neil..

I know there is a green service menu on MMI 3G as well... Link:- Accessing the hidden 3G MMI Menu (http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4-a4-a4-cab-b8-chassis/121024-accessing-hidden-3g-mmi-menu.html#post1265527)

But be careful in there! I'll do some screen shots of mine... maybe Chris/MFGF or another member can advise on MMI 3G DAB section in green menu...

Here's the video of mine... car/aerial was overshadowed by my high roof van ;)...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBLm0n3XuTY&feature=youtu.be

[MFGF]

On mine you can see the signal quality/info by going into the green service menu...

Mine is still fixed with the loom tape at window, never once touched it :) ...

Occasionally I've lost signal in bad area like out in the sticks but M4, London, towns never been issue Neil..

I know there is a green service menu on MMI 3G as well... Link:- Accessing the hidden 3G MMI Menu (http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4-a4-a4-cab-b8-chassis/121024-accessing-hidden-3g-mmi-menu.html#post1265527)

But be careful in there! I'll do some screen shots of mine... maybe Chris/MFGF or another member can advise on MMI 3G DAB section in green menu...

Here's the video of mine... car/aerial was overshadowed by my high roof van ;)...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBLm0n3XuTY&feature=youtu.be

I can take a look in my C7 with MMI 3G+ if that helps?

[TheMatador]

Chaps, just found this thread and it looks like you've solved a problem similar to one I'm seeing. I've posted it here: Infotainment MMI problems (after car wash?) (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?144149-Infotainment-MMI-problems-(after-car-wash-)&p=796705#post796705)

Its not just the radio but the whole MMI seems to have gone a bit nuts.

Like the sound of the DAB upgrade - hope its still working ok!