9W7 and iPhone4S drops Bluetooth Connection

[The_Hawk]

I had problems with my previous van that had the Pioneer AVIC fitted. It was hit and miss whether it would connect or not.
It put me off Pioneer for life.

While it's a bit of a pain, the rest of the system is passable and the bluetooth works a lot of the time without issue... I'd consider installing another RNS, but in the case of the Van I then need Bluetooth, MDI and RVC (and maybe a new steering wheel to control it all) which really starts to jack the retro fit price up.

[Piñata]

Just checking in to say the replacement iPhone has made a difference, the bluetooth dropout has only happened once in 7 days, instead of everyday, so at least it is better than before.

[Piñata]

Well the bluetooth drop out has happened about 4 times today, So the new iPhone hasn't helped so far. Another idea that I picked up from another forum is to totally restore the iPhone and setup as "a new iPhone" which may help... As I restored the last new iPhone from the previous backup which may have brought across the corrupt bluetooth profile.

I'll post back if any improvements as this may help others with the same issue.

[walbjj]

just to add, my iphone 4s has been working fine lately. the past few days ive been getting phone calls while driving and i hit the "OK" button with no issues. seems like its fixed i guess

[IN2VWS]

My iphone had been working flawlessly from day 1, until recently when I uploaded the current iOS.
It has only happened 3 times that I have noticed.....the iphone is connected to the RNS510, but when it rings, the call stays on the iphone and does not transfer to the bluetooth.
IMO, it is an iOS problem, not the VW/bluetooth problem, as it worked flawlessly for over 12 months.

[Piñata]

Yeah, I agree. It's the iOS 5.0 and 5.1 updates and the BTServer crashing in the phone.

When it stops to work, turn BT off and then on and then check on your iPhone the following :

Settings - General - About - Diagnostics & Usage - Diagnostic & Usage Data it says BTServer crash and other stuff. I even restored my iPhone to make sure it wasn't an old BT profile that migrated across but its the latest system for sure. I miss a call or two each day. So I am just going to try and live with it till the next update.

I'm surprised more people aren't complaining about it but best trick is to flick airplane mode on and off every now and then when in the car to make sure it stays connected especially if you use your phone for work etc.

[dibdib dubdub]

Just a bit of an update.

I've Googled this subject a little more searching for the differences between the 4S and previous models and found something which is likely to be the culprit.

4S introduces introduces Bluetooth 4.0. The iPhone 4S Is the First Bluetooth 4.0 Phone | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Whilst it claims to be backwardly compatible and connect with 2.1 Bluetooth devices (which previous iPhones used) we'll never know. 4.0 introduces a low power mode which also makes me a little suspicious that it goes into some sort of hibernation consequently dropping its connection.

Any ideas? Anyone want a 4S?

[Piñata]

Clutching at straws here, but it's something to try... I got the idea from dibdib dubdub's post about BT 4.0's low power mode, So I got the iPhone to play some music to the BT Audio even when I was listening to a CD or the Radio and it seemed to keep the BT connection alive for Phone calls. Will update if it drops connection whilst audio is playing to head unit.

[jasonsbradshaw]

Has anyone had any luck in finding a resolution to the matter?

[Piñata]

Yep, only "fix" so far is when you get in the car, set your music to stream via BT to the head unit, and I then choose CD, Radio or the stream to listen to whilst driving. You don't have to listen to the BT streaming, as long as it is streaming it stays connected, it's the only band aid fix I can find so far.

[jasonsbradshaw]

I have been using iOS6 Apple's next major iOS update that is released to developers for testing purposes. At this stage I still have this problem of not being able to connect. I have tried two different iPhones both the same problem.

My VW is 2008 model I hear the newer models (running I suppose newer tech in the car) do not have this problem. ??

[Whitegti11]

I was having the same problems with my 4s, no issues on my previous iphone 4. Phone is connected via the MFD but incoming calls wouldn't be picked up by the handsfree.
I deleted the bluetooth VWPHONE setting on my phone, reset to factory settings on the phone section of the RNS, then opened bluetooth on the 4s and searched for VWPHONE and connected from the phone. (Didn't use the MFD to search). Drove home last night and after 30 minutes idle called from my work mobile and the incoming call came through. Not sure if this has resolved it but will see in the next few days.

[Piñata]

Another update, went into Barloworld Springvale and spoke the nice guy there again and it looks like I have a BT "b" module under the seat. They are now up to "j" so I have organised for a replacement BT Module under warranty.

Fingers crossed. Least VW are now aware of the issue and the fix is to replace the module.

[Piñata]

Got the new "J" module fitted, still drops out after a while. Back to the drawing board...

[Whitegti11]

My original method worked for a while until I got a call from a number which wasn't in my phonebook. I had been testing by calling from my work mobile while personal was connected to bluetooth and was working but perhaps its linked to whether the number is in the phonebook or not? Will remove my work number and try later.