Audi Navigation GPS Issues: Troubleshooting Guide

Hello experts,

I've been having a problem with my Navigation Plus RNS system in my Audi A6 (manufactured in 1999, still without TMC) for a few weeks now.

No satellite is being found, but the connection to the GPS antenna seems to be okay (since there's no error code; if I unplug it, an error code appears).

I removed the navigation system (it turned out to be a replacement part already), opened it up, and discovered that the GPS receiver's circuit board connector was hand-soldered – which suggests there was likely a GPS issue years ago. Unfortunately, re-soldering didn't fix anything; I'm only getting 0 out of 25 satellites.

Are there any experiences with this problem?

Is it possible that the GPS antenna is faulty, even though the connection diagnostics indicate a successful connection?
Are there any documents available for the system (such as measurement and repair guides) that allow users to test the system themselves?

Thank you for your feedback!

It is often the antenna itself that is causing the problem, even without any error messages being stored.
I think the same thing will happen to you.
Simple test with a 'mobile' antenna... just plug it in, that's all.
Place the antenna on the roof and wait...

Hello,

Thank you for the response.

You probably mean an identical replacement part when you say 'mobile antenna.' Or are there any alternatives, just for testing purposes?

I mean something like that:

[GPS antenna - Fakra connector - Audi - VW - Comand APS - MFD2 - RNS2 - RNS]

'Get one from an aftermarket navigation system by Blaupunkt or a similar brand.'

Should every Bosch service center have one on hand to quickly connect it?

Thank you!