[fritzner]

I hope to provide installation pics for an A4 to supplement Justin's excellent install write-up for A6/Allroad..

in this installment i will cover options for the GPS antenna.. i looked all over for a good spot that was easy to get to.. it ended up that behind the instrument cluster on an A4 is also a good spot..

1st, lower the steering wheel..
next, remove lower center trim (partially removed in pic).. it just snaps off..
side view

[siteimg:788b7caafc]100[/siteimg:788b7caafc]

top view

[siteimg:788b7caafc]102[/siteimg:788b7caafc]

there are (2) T-25 Torx bit bolts on the bottom just to the inside of the buttons (note where the tools are in the pic).. the bolts are fairly deep, dont worry about loosing the bolts, they cant go anywhere..

[siteimg:788b7caafc]103[/siteimg:788b7caafc]

once the bolts are loose the rest of the cluster just snaps out.. i had to use my fingernails and also wiggle it around a bit, but all in all it came out pretty easy.. a trick to remove the instrument cluster after the screws are removed is to remove the fuse clover, find someone with a skinny arm, and push it out from behind.. or if no skinny arm is available you can remove the lower panel.. a trick to reinstall the 2 screws is put a little glue that remains soft (like a glue stick) on screw driver..

**REMOVE KEYS FROM THE INGNITION AND PLACE THEM ON THE WORKBENCH, DO NOT TURN THE KEY ON WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS DISCONNECTED**

now reach behind the cluster and unplug the 2 connectors.. there is a latch on the connectors (pink latch on the green and black on the blue).. the latch must be lifted, then rotated -- then the connector will easily come off.. it is quite easy.. you can see the pink latch on the green connector in the picture..

[siteimg:788b7caafc]104[/siteimg:788b7caafc]

this picture also shows the area i will place the GPS antenna, on top of the beam to the right (further from the A-pillar)..

here is the GPS in place..

[siteimg:788b7caafc]106[/siteimg:788b7caafc]

from this location it is very simple to route to the radio..

[siteimg:788b7caafc]108[/siteimg:788b7caafc]

i have already updated my EU unit from SW 0060 to SW 0100.. adapters and DVD should be here today.. hope to finish install (and this write up) after this wknd..

there is some space around the center vent, but they are not as good as behind the cluster.. there are few pics of those area in the "Album" section under "Cables / Antennas / Adaptors for RNS-E"..

hope this helps..

 

[orijinyao]

thanks bro

this is great... just what i needed...

 

[orijinyao]

just wondering how exactly did you remove lower center trim?

i am just trying to be cautious and not break that piece...

TIA

 

[fritzner]

i used a small screwdriver (with some electrical tape to prevent scratching) and my fingernails..

the are 2 clips, one on each side.. none in the middle.. so focus on ends..

the instrument cluster itself seems to be clipped in too (along with the 2 screws).. same story there.. carefully pry it out with a small screwdriver and/or your figurenails..

or you could pick up a stiff plastic putty knife or similar..

good luck..

 

[AvanTTix]

i'm still working on my write-up but here's a pic of the tabs...

you don't need a screw driver really, just take a hold of the trim and pull it, it comes right out...

as for removing the cluster i would suggest removing the knee bolster, and then pushing the cluster out from behind... removing the knee bolster will give you that option... (pic write-up coming up on that too...)

 

[DC03B6]

What kind of satelite count are you getting in that location. I put mine in the same palce and am getting 0.

 

[fritzner]

do you have a open sky above the car??.. buildings, trees, etc can block satellites.. go out to the middle of a big parking lot and check.. also give it a couple minutes they dont show up right away..

i typically get around 5-6.. many others have reported the same number when mounted behind the cluster.. i believe it is the most popular spot..

 

[DC03B6]

It took about a day but now i am getting 7-8 connections. Thanks for the follow up

 

[jmavant]

can any 1 point me to a thread where pics work for a b6 rns-e install? Looking for pics inside cluster area. even a step by step.

 

[Dave.G6HNI]

can any 1 point me to a thread where pics work for a b6 rns-e install? Looking for pics inside cluster area. even a step by step.

I think I did download some detailed instructions from this site some time ago, I will try and find them an post the link here if I can find it.

OK I have found a detailed version for tha A6 Cluster, by NSR_JR, but it is identical to what I had to do on my A4 Cab Cluster, it is the file called RNS.pdf, it is almost certainly still available on NSX's site www.nsxjr.com along with a lot of other very useful guides, but here is the link to where it is on my site.

http://www.f1computers.f9.co.uk/Downloads_Audi/

The file FULL Installing_Sat_Nav_in_A4.pdf, also by NSX_JR I believe, is an excellent guide for all things RNS-E / A4 Installation including upgrading from 1 DIN to 2 DIN. Also checkout http://www.audiretrofit.co.uk/

Dave