Bought RNS 510 on ebay but can't get it working

[mhh]

I bought my daughter a new Golf 118TSI last September. I paid $1300 for a RNS 510 on ebay as soon as I got the car. I had the unit installed but couldn't get the map working. My local dealer (Solitaire in Adelaide) somehow got the map working but the performance of the unit has always been a problem. Specifically, the satnav takes about 20 min each time it starts to find enough satellites to know where the car is. As a result, it is pretty useless. This week the car went back to Solitaire for the fourth or fifth time but still no joy. Instead, I was told by the service advisor that because the car lacks the sharkfin antenna, the RNS 510 will never work properly. I'm not sure what to do next. I've asked a friend with a car hifi shop to take a look at it but he's not a VW expert so I'm not overly optimistic. On the way to drop the car off today, the map disappeared - this hasn't happened since the map was first fixed by the dealer.

Anyone had similar dramas?

[buzuki]

it may have something to do with where the sat nav aerial has been placed.

[mhh]

Yes, I've asked my hifi guy to try it with the antenna in different places to get the best signal.

It's cost me so much in lost time it would have been cheaper to buy a car with the factory unit. I couldn't resist the challenge - and the thought of a bargain.

[Ryan_R]

Someone else had a similar problem - they purchased a different brand antenna to plug into the RNS510. There's a thread about it on these forums somewhere.

[IN2VWS]

Where is the antenna at the moment?
Not sure about Golf's, but the antenna in my MY11 transporter is in the drivers side mirror housing.

[AdamD]

Solitaire's having a laugh. After all, they supply the RNS-510 as a genuine dealer-fitted accessory - the fin is not required. Having said that, some dealers actually install the antenna that comes with the RNS on top of the dash!

I've heard that placing the antenna directly above the unit inside the dash can yield good results... Have a read through the DIY install threads in here, and maybe PM Ryan_R - he installed his own and from memory knows the best locations for the antenna.

[FJ Steve]

my money is on a dodgy antenna...and next short priced favourite is the actual location of the antenna.

[Transporter]

my money is on a dodgy antenna...and next short priced favourite is the actual location of the antenna.

You may well be right. Shouldn't be difficult to buy a new antenna from the ebay.

[Ryan_R]

Most common place for the antenna to be retrofitted is above the RNS510 to the right, behind the air vents - there's a nice little cubbyhole that's almost designed for it. Couldn't find any pics but you should be able to feel it pretty easily.

[buzuki]

yeah we normally fit it somewhere in the vicinity of the dash crossbrace. Have never had a reception issue, i didnt even think it was ideal place but it works.

[mhh]

My installer says he's found a better place for it. I'll pick it up in the morning and let you know how he went. The issue has been the time it takes to get a signal so the overnight wait will be the acid test. Thanks for replies everyone.

[Transporter]

yeah we normally fit it somewhere in the vicinity of the dash crossbrace. Have never had a reception issue, i didnt even think it was ideal place but it works.

That's where I fitted, then Solitaire relocated it above the glovebox and still no good, it looks like faulty antenna.

[mhh]

My installer said the antenna had fallen down behind the head unit and was getting next to no signal. Now he's moved it above the air vents and says the signal is strong. We'll see.

[The_Hawk]

Mine is directly above the RNS but below the vents. I was going to move it above... But it ha always worked perfectly where it is. From my experience it has always just worked from pretty much the moment I turn the car on too...

[mhh]

I just picked up the Golf. It found 5 satellites in a few seconds. Result!

I think I might ring Solitaire shortly....