RNS Issue

I was taking a trip from Sydney to Newcastle on the weekend and for some unknown reason the RNS would keep turning off and restarting on its own.

At times the music would just pause and the screen would shut down and after afew seconds reboot itself, this happened 3-4 times within 10 mins. When the unit reset the GPS was non-existent and took several reboots for it to reconfigure itself. I was forced to turn it off for afew mins and then it seems that the problem was solved.

Has this happened to anyone else?

sounds worrying
could be either overheating or premature HDD failure.
Report it to your dealer service department so it can be documented in the event of needing relpacement when it dies.

Hey Avalasia,

Did this occur around the Wyong & Ourimbah areas on your way to Newcastle? It seems to be a bit of a dead zone or Bermuda triangle for the RNS units and has been documented on this forum before. Try a search. FYI I know of a few units (mine included) that play up in this area.

Check here
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad+spot&page=2

Yep this is a common problem, I travel up the F3 a bit & the RNS510 reboots every time I pass through Wyong just near the twin servo's. Frustrating but not sure if there is a solution out there?

Im unsure of the exact area where the problem occurred, i was too busy trying to make the RNS come back to life.

I have never had this problem in Sydney after 2 months so im guessing it might be a 1 off. If i ever happen to drive down the F3 again i will pay close attention to the area and see if it happens again.

Hi Guys,

Not a very good start. very dissappointing.

I went for a drive to newcastle and while i was out the sat unit kept freezing and then kept restarting. Also MDI stoped charging the iphone.

Took the car in and the unit was replaced. the unit they installed didnt produce any sound and was also faulty so i was stuck waiting another day for the car to be ready.

Ive had that installed for a few days and i noticed that the sound came through distorted a for a little while. It stopped and i thought it was ok.

I just went to show a mate the car and when i turned the ignition on the rns510 did not even power up. i connected the phone to the mdi and it didnt charge. Its booked in AGAIN on monday.

Very dissappointing to say the least!:(

ouch... well u can connect headphones to your iPhone :) and it got GPs ?... :) u all set

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mk6 GTI

Hi Guys,

Not a very good start. very dissappointing.

I went for a drive to newcastle and while i was out the sat unit kept freezing and then kept restarting. Also MDI stoped charging the iphone.



Took the car in and the unit was replaced. the unit they installed didnt produce any sound and was also faulty so i was stuck waiting another day for the car to be ready.

Ive had that installed for a few days and i noticed that the sound came through distorted a for a little while. It stopped and i thought it was ok.

I just went to show a mate the car and when i turned the ignition on the rns510 did not even power up. i connected the phone to the mdi and it didnt charge. Its booked in AGAIN on monday.

Very dissappointing to say the least!:(

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bad batch? good luck getting it sorted out once and for all...

Yeah best of luck. I have an intermittent problem where the neither steering wheel phone button nor the RNS510 phone button will mute the stereo when playing Media (I don't have Bluetooth yet). Happens maybe 50% - 75% of the time. Turning off the ignition or switching the source to Radio and then back again will fix it. They almost replaced the unit, but then VWA came back and told them to do some more testing on the electronics. If the unit button doesn't function, then it's certainly not the electronics. Ah well, nowhere near as bad as your problem, but shows the units certainly aren't infallible.

Yeah thanks guys..

It looks to me like its a electrical issue and not the rns itself. Arhhh very frustrating! Hopefully it gets sorted once and for all. Will let u all know how i go after monday.

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Originally Posted by Mk6 GTI

Yeah thanks guys..

It looks to me like its a electrical issue and not the rns itself. Arhhh very frustrating! Hopefully it gets sorted once and for all. Will let u all know how i go after monday.

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Good luck mate, i can imagine how it must feel. Such a great car you want to make the most of it everyday!

Apparently it's the maps....

It's a problem with pretty much everyones RNS510. When I'm around the central coast or driving on the F3, and north of, the RNS510 will freeze up, then restart, then when it restarts it freezes up again.

Was told that apparently the fix will be in maps v3.0 and that because of this I will get them for free....

Stoney!

Experience to date with the the RNS510 — The audio and video functions work fine (once I fixed the zone setting, as delivered it was set for China.)

I've now had the unit for about 12 months, and I've used its satnav maybe a dozen times — might use it more if only I could trust it.

Mostly it gets you to where you intended, though not always by the most logical route.

However, had I known how many omissions there are on the maps, and how often it either can't find the address you're looking for or else completely misdirects you, I'd have kept the money and used it for something more useful.

Two cases in point: Sometime in the near future I'll need to go to a point near Briagolong (before you rush for your atlas, it's a small town in East Gippsland.) The RNS510's maps know nothing about not only the road I need, but also the roads leading to it. And no, these are not new roads — they've existed since at least the early part of last century.

Our shopping jeep (a Yaris) has a portable GPS for which I paid the princely sum of $120 (including maps) and it finds them all (to add insult to injury, the maps for both units are from Sensis/Whereis and allegedly the same major release.)

Second case: A few days ago I needed to go to the Manningham Leisure Centre in Doncaster Rd, Doncaster. Since I live in Kew, obviously I know approximately where the centre is, but I'd never been there and to avoid missing it in traffic I set up the satnav so it would warn me when I approached my destination.

All went fine — I turned into High St as directed and was told to stay on that road for the next 7K. Crossed the Williamson's Rd intersection and without warning was told to "Make a U-turn, Now!". Since this was manifestly wrong I continued on, only to receive repeated instructions to turn back.

I was in no hurry, so out of curiosity I eventually did as ordered and headed back the way I came. At the Williamson's Rd lights the machine instructed me to "Turn right, Now!' (as with the initial instruction, there hadn't been the usual preliminary warning, and the device wasn't lost — the onscreen display showed a right turn arrow and the name of the road I was expected to turn into.) Since I was in the left lane, I couldn't comply and went straight on, being then told once again to make a U-turn.

Eventually did so, expecting to be told to turn left into Williamson's Rd, but this didn't happen and once across the intersection the whole cycle started again.

This time I ignored the instruction and continued on, being told at every intersection to turn back. Went on a couple of blocks past the Leisure Centre and turned back.

As I approached it again from the opposite direction and pulled into the right turn lane (the entrance is light-controlled) the machine piped up with "You have reached your destination" which of course I already knew — once again there was no prior warning that the end of my journey was near.

This doesn't exactly engender confidence in the product, and someone unfamiliar with the area could have been in real trouble (maybe even still going round and around...)

Next time I went up Doncaster Rd I set it up again, plus took the el cheapo unit with me. The RNS510 did exactly the same thing again, whilst the little Mio found the Leisure Centre with no difficulty.

The car's due for its first service shortly and I'm going to suggest that the shortcomings of the device be fixed under warranty — wonder how far I'll get?
Maybe they'll give me the new software.

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Originally Posted by Idle

Our shopping jeep (a Yaris) has a portable GPS for which I paid the princely sum of $120 (including maps) and it finds them all (to add insult to injury, the maps for both units are from Sensis/Whereis and allegedly the same major release.)

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Yeah - this is what I don't get. It's not just VW with this issue, it's pretty much every major car company with their built in GPS. Why is it that they're getting a far inferior "selection of streets" than the portable GPS manufacturers?

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Originally Posted by Mk6 GTI

Hi Guys,

Not a very good start. very dissappointing.

I went for a drive to newcastle and while i was out the sat unit kept freezing and then kept restarting. Also MDI stoped charging the iphone.

Took the car in and the unit was replaced. the unit they installed didnt produce any sound and was also faulty so i was stuck waiting another day for the car to be ready.

Ive had that installed for a few days and i noticed that the sound came through distorted a for a little while. It stopped and i thought it was ok.

I just went to show a mate the car and when i turned the ignition on the rns510 did not even power up. i connected the phone to the mdi and it didnt charge. Its booked in AGAIN on monday.

Very dissappointing to say the least!:(

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You're lucky it's under warranty and not an a overseas unit. Would still be a minor inconvenience but not that bad.

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Originally Posted by nau

ouch... well u can connect headphones to your iPhone :) and it got GPs ?... :) u all set

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That's a crap solution for the car.

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Originally Posted by coreying

Yeah - this is what I don't get. It's not just VW with this issue, it's pretty much every major car company with their built in GPS. Why is it that they're getting a far inferior "selection of streets" than the portable GPS manufacturers?

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this is the main reason i decided not to add the sat nav system in my car. The tom tom does a great job and fits neatly under the dash.
It is sad what you get for all that money, and like mentioned, its not just VW

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Originally Posted by JohnA

this is the main reason i decided not to add the sat nav system in my car. The tom tom does a great job and fits neatly under the dash.
It is sad what you get for all that money, and like mentioned, its not just VW

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Don't get me wrong, the RNS510 is more than just sat nav, and I will be getting it anyway. In my MKV GTI I had the old DVD based navigation unit and although it wasn't as detailed as the portable units, it's much more convenient and looks much nicer than having a portable unit around. I think portable units look WAY out of place in any quality car...

^Agree. Looks a lot more classy than having suction mounts and cog lighter cables everywhere and i find it a bit hard to chose a place on the windscreen that doesn't obscure the view.

The RNS 510 is probably one of if not the best in dash sat nav on thr market. The Audi version costs considerably more and leaves all in dash after market systems for dead.

Hey Guys,

I dropped the car off and the advised me that V3 maps have been released and they will be installing it for me.

Ill let you know how i go!

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Originally Posted by G-rig

^Agree. Looks a lot more classy than having suction mounts and cog lighter cables everywhere and i find it a bit hard to chose a place on the windscreen that doesn't obscure the view.

The RNS 510 is probably one of if not the best in dash sat nav on thr market. The Audi version costs considerably more and leaves all in dash after market systems for dead.

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i don't have mine on the windscreen. I have it under climate controls. Fits perfectly in there with the lid open. No cables seen and very neat. Has bluetooth built in also.

I would also say there are much better aftermarket indash units on the market which already come with bluetooth and full speed ipod control at a much cheaper price

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mk6 GTI

Hey Guys,

I dropped the car off and the advised me that V3 maps have been released and they will be installing it for me.

Ill let you know how i go!

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fingers crossed it fixes your issues

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnA

i don't have mine on the windscreen. I have it under climate controls. Fits perfectly in there with the lid open. No cables seen and very neat. Has bluetooth built in also.

I would also say there are much better aftermarket indash units on the market which already come with bluetooth and full speed ipod control at a much cheaper price

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Yes but this unit really does integrate elegantly..

I love it .. when it WORKS! lol

As you noted it sounds like it something faulty prior to the nav unit. Hopefully it is sorted for you soon.

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Originally Posted by JohnA

i don't have mine on the windscreen. I have it under climate controls. Fits perfectly in there with the lid open. No cables seen and very neat. Has bluetooth built in also.

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I think it's more dangerous looking down that low at nav/iPhone while you're driving comapred to normal dash height. The nav in the BMW are even higher at the top of the dash, close to where you are looking in front of you.

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I would also say there are much better aftermarket indash units on the market which already come with bluetooth and full speed ipod control at a much cheaper price

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Like which ones? Not many that work properly or interface as well, plus you have to factor in the canbus steering wheel controls, dash facias etc. The eclipse AVN's aren't bad but I had a full alpine setup and all the addons cost a lot as well as being very buggy and crappy user interface (ie no scroll bars to look though phone contacts, wasn't syncing missed/placed/dialed calls etc).

Most built in Bluetooth would be quite basic and doesn't offer the same level of use.

My experience from the investigations I've done into this, as well as looking at friends aftermarket integrated units mirrors what G-rig has stated. In addition, the maps on them also seem to be lacking in the same way the car manufacturers maps seem to be. There really seems to be some "two tier" map system happening, where Tom Tom/Navman/Garmen are getting the complete maps and the car manufacturers/aftermarket integrators are getting "condensed maps". It's frustrating. It's one of these things I wish there was some consumer watchdog that actually proactively looked into these things.


oh, and +1 to a Nav system installed below the level of the climate controls being dangerous...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mk6 GTI

V3 maps have been released

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Well hopefully this time, it'll work!! what dealer are you going to?

Are you sure?! V3 maps?! MAKE SURE YOU GET THE MAPS DVD WHEN YOU LEAVE THE place! some people forget to get that from the dealer!

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Originally Posted by G-rig

I think it's more dangerous looking down that low at nav/iPhone while you're driving comapred to normal dash height. The nav in the BMW are even higher at the top of the dash, close to where you are looking in front of you.

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I don't look down at the screen. Once i set my destination when i leave home, i just listen to the voice commands. Hasn't failed me yet and gives plaenty of warning.
That been said, you can still custom mount them higher and run the cabling internally. Have doen it on all my other cars and is a very easy job.
However this is all personall preferance.

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Like which ones? Not many that work properly or interface as well, plus you have to factor in the canbus steering wheel controls, dash facias etc. The eclipse AVN's aren't bad but I had a full alpine setup and all the addons cost a lot as well as being very buggy and crappy user interface (ie no scroll bars to look though phone contacts, wasn't syncing missed/placed/dialed calls etc).

Most built in Bluetooth would be quite basic and doesn't offer the same level of use.

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A dash facia is aroubnd $80 and canbus around $180 then one of the new pioneer 7" touch screen units with parrot bluetooth built in, suna traffic management and full ipod control, as well as USB and aux in.
Have used one in my friends car a few times now and never had an issue with it pairing with my phone nor with the sat nav.
Sure you lose on the MDF dissplay, but i can live with that.
Aftermarket units are also better suited to adding amps and subs later down the track if this tickles your fancy.

Again all personal preferance and i am not here to argue, just my point of view and my choice which i feel is the better option for me

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Originally Posted by l3lazin

Well hopefully this time, it'll work!! what dealer are you going to?

Are you sure?! V3 maps?! MAKE SURE YOU GET THE MAPS DVD WHEN YOU LEAVE THE place! some people forget to get that from the dealer!

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Guys,

I just spoke with the dealer and as i thought there was a power issue. It was a power cable that was loose. And they have loaded V3 maps and taken it for a test drive and all seems fine. I hope this is the end of the problems!! Ill pick it up tomorrow morn..

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Originally Posted by Mk6 GTI

Guys,

I just spoke with the dealer and as i thought there was a power issue. It was a power cable that was loose. And they have loaded V3 maps and taken it for a test drive and all seems fine. I hope this is the end of the problems!! Ill pick it up tomorrow morn..

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That's very promising!

JohnA agree with you as well there are pros and cons to both. Shame there aren't more all-in-one head units to chose from. Some seem quite bad with their GUI and screens.

Northfield mentioned there is a new all-in-one alpine coming out but they are the most expensive anyway. I do like how easy it is to plug in cameras, iPods cables and enabling video in motion compared to oem stuff though.

The signal is a bit better with aftermarket units but not that much and better speakers/amps make more of a difference. A processor and aftermarket HU would be best for SQ. My Arc minis can accept high level input so is very easy and works and sounds great.

Hi All,

well its been three days and all seems ok with the RNS510. I hope it stays that way!

As i mentioned in another thread, the service department also loaded V3 Maps which is I was happy about! The customer service was great!

Did they give you the V3 disc.

Glad to hear the unit appears to be working now.

I doubt the dealer would give you the DVD if they are doing the updates for free. That's just as good anyway.

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Originally Posted by G-rig

I doubt the dealer would give you the DVD if they are doing the updates for free. That's just as good anyway.

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gee...you've changed your tune since you wrote this in November 2009

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Originally Posted by G-rig

The dealer should be giving you the disc i would have thought, you're sounds like they are saving themselves some money and using it to install onto everyones new car.

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I agree..it's good that the unit is working and he has the latest software...but is the dealer doing the right thing via the software licence?

That's not necessarily changing your tune. With the purchase of a new car you DEFINITELY should be receiving a copy of the DVD. But if you're getting a "free upgrade", then that's a different topic. You do raise an interesting question in relation to the licencing though. I've never seen the licence so I can't comment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by G-rig

That's very promising!

JohnA agree with you as well there are pros and cons to both. Shame there aren't more all-in-one head units to chose from. Some seem quite bad with their GUI and screens.

Northfield mentioned there is a new all-in-one alpine coming out but they are the most expensive anyway. I do like how easy it is to plug in cameras, iPods cables and enabling video in motion compared to oem stuff though.

The signal is a bit better with aftermarket units but not that much and better speakers/amps make more of a difference. A processor and aftermarket HU would be best for SQ. My Arc minis can accept high level input so is very easy and works and sounds great.

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Greg, you shouldn't make assumptions. Why do you think the Alpine is the most expensive? compared to what? once again you jump the gun and have a crack without the facts. I know a LOT more than you do about Alpine (funny that)
Maybe you should wait until you actually see one before you jump to conclusions but I guess that's asking too much isn't it?

Now I'll wait for the ban due to "intimidation" and the mandatory 3 points.

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Originally Posted by GHW

Greg, you shouldn't make assumptions. Why do you think the Alpine is the most expensive? compared to what? once again you jump the gun and have a crack without the facts. I know a LOT more than you do about Alpine (funny that)
Maybe you should wait until you actually see one before you jump to conclusions but I guess that's asking too much isn't it?

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I'm not sure why they are, but I know they have the best LCD screens which could be a factor as well as being high quality. I was saying how i prefered it over stock as far as ease of ipod and camera plug in's if you bothered to read that part. It's still a fact that the other Alpine add-on's (ie bluetooth and nav) add up quickly but so does the VW ones.

btw Do you know if there is actually an all-in-1 nav unit coming out, similar to the eclipse AVN models? Would consider getting one if my OEM camera could interface to it.

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Originally Posted by GHW

Now I'll wait for the ban due to "intimidation" and the mandatory 3 points.

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Well... how about 2 points for "Excessive Pointless Posts"...

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Originally Posted by G-rig

I'm not sure why they are, but I know they have the best LCD screens which could be a factor as well as being high quality. I was saying how i prefered it over stock as far as ease of ipod and camera plug in's if you bothered to read that part. It's still a fact that the other Alpine add-on's (ie bluetooth and nav) add up quickly but so does the VW ones.

btw Do you know if there is actually an all-in-1 nav unit coming out, similar to the eclipse AVN models? Would consider getting one if my OEM camera could interface to it.

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Hmm..o.k, now the facts.
camera add-on is $349. Parrot based Bluetooth add-on (that I have never ever had a problem with in 4 phones unlike the countless posts with the 'oem" add-on) $349 iPod Video add-on FREE.
The last Navigation package with the 502 (the Million pixel screen you've mentioned - not a crappy 300, 000 pixel like oem) with the bluetooth, with the iPod Video interface and with a camera sold for about $2600 - $2700 for the lot. A most -bus steering wheel interface is about $200 and an oem quality facia kit about $129 so lets call the whole shebang $3k , how is that the "most expensive"
In answer to your other question, yes, I do know if there is a new system coming, I do know what it will sell for and no, I am not able to reveal that info, Northfield also do not have the full details yet.
The reason your comments get my back up Greg is a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and can be damaging when you imply something that simply isn't true or is incomplete.
Read my posts I never spruke aftermarket, people can make their own choices and oem is fine for most people (the above is simply to illustrate that Alpine is not the "most expensive" as you claim)
As to my uneccessary comment regarding banning, I'll cop that and admit it was uncalled for.