Some installation questions

S4 GTR said:

I recently ordered an US RNS-F unit and would like to clear up some questions before getting my hands dirty.

My Car - 2005 S4 Avant, Bose, XM (not using it), Color DIS, standard wheel.

1. Do I need to un-plug the battery before installation?
2. Do I need to do any wiring to get the DIS to show NAV info beside VAG?
3. I see some detail installation pics for the installation on an A6. It seems difficult to get behind the dashboard for some "wiring" I guess... Do I need to do that in my S4?
4. Should I put the GPS antenna out (on the dashboard panel) or under the panel?
5. What if my dealer not willing to do the VAG for me? But if they do, do you know how much it cost typically?

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Everybody who works professionally on cars recommends to disconnect the battery but I suppose many of use have installed the RNS-E in a B6/B7 without doing so. Just make sure the ignition key is removed.

No wiring changes are required in a A4 B6/B7 if you get the 8E0 C/D/E/F units. Some VAG-COM recoding will be required if you don't have navigation right now. You may still want to remove your instrument cluster to place the GPS antenna there, or try it from below as I did.

I had it first on the dashboard (easier to install) and later moved it behind the instrument cluster and the difference is maybe one satelite more when installed on the dashboard. I didn't like the look, that's why I put it behyind the instrument cluster.

if your dealer doesn't want to do the VAG-COM changes, maybe there is someone close who has a VAG-COM. On the other hand, having a VAG-COM can be quite useful even after installing the RNS-E, just to check for errors or reset the service reminder. I still think that it's worth the money. If the dealer does it I would expect it doesn't take more than 30 minutes at whatever hourly rate the dealer has.

1. Do I need to un-plug the battery before installation?

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-- officially you should always disconnect the battery when anything electrical.. unofficially i have installed and reinstalled mine several times without disconnecting with no issue..

2. Do I need to do any wiring to get the DIS to show NAV info beside VAG?

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-- no wiring is required, just VAG..

3. I see some detail installation pics for the installation on an A6. It seems difficult to get behind the dashboard for some "wiring" I guess... Do I need to do that in my S4?

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-- on an A6 you need to get the GALA signal behind the instrument cluster.. for an A4 speed is gotten over the CAN, but you may still remove the cluster to place the GPS antenna..

4. Should I put the GPS antenna out (on the dashboard panel) or under the panel?

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-- most have placed it behind the instrument cluster.. for more info check this LINK

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..

5. What if my dealer not willing to do the VAG for me? But if they do, do you know how much it cost typically?

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-- you can probably find a friendly Audi/VW enthusiast with a VAG-COM near you http://www.steve-hall.com/cgi-bin/VAG-Locator.pl

hope that helps..