Update on my nav issues. I went in for my 5k maintenance and mentioned the Nav issue again (2nd time). I also mentioned donb4325's situation and resolution to his issue. They only said we will take a look. Got the car back and said they couldn't replicate the issue, and that it was working according to factory specs and did not do anything (aside from telling me that my MMI firmware was the "latest and greatest" which wasn't the case as it was a 2012 MY. Bottom line, they told me if they can't replicate it, there's no way for them to diagnose the problem, and therefore they can't do squat.

I did some double checking on when my issues occur. It occurs only when I have google overlayed maps on, whether it be online or cached already (removing SIM of course). It may not be constant but intermittent(the freezing). And I also observed that the google maps accuracy is slightly off a few yards compared to the built in maps during nav (e.g. I just crossed the intersection and my nav shows I am just approaching it). Again I'm comparing all to the built in maps.

Of course I'm beginning to second guess myself if this is actually how the Nav with google overlayed maps work. Do you guys see any difference with the google overlayed maps nav compared to using the built in maps? Do you notice some "freezing" and then catching up to the current position? There might be an argument that the freezing may be due to the data connection, but I've tried using the cached maps, and my area has relatively good reception (Near NYC).

If it isn't the case, I would appreciate any recommendations on what I should do next to hopefully resolve this issue. Thanks!

Thanks again for everyone's help!

 

I hate the dealer "we can't replicate" response - it's a cop out to not have do dig into an issue and leaves us (the people who paid a lot of money for their vehicles) figuring stuff out on our own.

My suggestion is to take a video of when issues occur (cell phone will probably do, most of these can take video these days) and bring that with you to your next visit to the service department. That will make it a lot harder for them to deny that there is an issue. Also, go there armed with MMI version information (ask someone here for a screenshot of their newer MMI version) and demand that they update you to that version, vs. them telling you you have the latest and greatest already). Be friendly, be courteous, but don't let them bullsh*t you into leaving without at least an attempt to resolve the issue for you. Get your sales guy involved if this is the dealership where you got the car.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply Austin A6. Sorry for the late reply, got a little busy and Sandy kinda sidetracked me. I still have to go back for a known issue and I will try again. I was thinking also of calling AOA maybe they can help too?

I did try taking a video but it was too shaky. LOL. Unless I really suck at taking videos. One thing I did notice though, is that it definitely only happens during google overlays, including just cached (and no active downloads) google overlays. Thanks again for the suggestion!

 

fcd - I just got my my2012 back from its 5000 mile service, and I reported my issue almost identically as what you did, only I think mine was much less prevalent than yours. I would see the NAV screen "stutter" most of the time, and on two or three occasions outright freezes (that required me to reboot MMI).

When I checked in, my service advisor was cautious, but optimistic. Net, they found the TSB (I did not give it to them), and it pointed to an MMI update. When I picked the car up, the NAV is MUCH smoother. I've only driven it for an hour, so I cant comment if the freeze issue is solved, but I suspect it is.

Details are in my 5000 mile warranty service items threat... including the TSB and new MMI version. I also captured my NAV level - not sure if that changed or not.

The "cant replicate" line is just wrong. I know that my dealer probably could not replicate it either, but definitely took my word.

 

This is due to warranty work requiring a thrown code or first hand "seeing". Its not the dealer's fault, blame bean counters and lawyers. Dealers aren't allowed to trouble shoot any more.

 

I don't think that was the case for me. There was no code thrown for my MMI - it would appear that they simply searched the TSBs, and found something that at least loosely matched the symptoms I described, and then updated the MMI. IMHO, its largely about the attitude of the dealer/service department. It was abundantly clear on my 5K service appointment that they were VERY interested in making sure I was very happy with both the car, and my service experience.

Now having said that, I think there is truth to your statement - Service (not just cars) has become an exercise in training lower cost resources to do the work - which lends itself to a very "reactionary" approach. Pull a code, determine the failing MODULE, replace it. It requires less training, and while the parts cost might be higher for the repair, the labor cost is lower (no skilled diagnosis). Less training is required, and the people are generally less expensive than a skilled diagnostician. I see this approach in IT every day.

But I still believe the "cant reproduce" is a weak, client unfriendly answer. It says either I don't believe you, or I have no authority to act. Fortunately (for me anyway), my service team did not take that approach. +1 for them. They have earned my ongoing business even though they are over an hour drive away for me (and there is another dealership 20 minutes from me).

Jeff

 

Quick update on Nav issues: Haven't had the chance to go back to the service department as I have been busy. The dealer did try to fix it by resetting the map data back to default settings. It seemed to work as I haven't had issues with "stuttering" lately. This fix may work for some of you having this issue. However a new problem I have encountered lately, is the screen actually freezing and not returning back to normal during navigation. Map would freeze and remain frozen, but you can see the route directions on the left side of the screen still showing real time nav directions. It doesn't happen consistently but has happened more than 3x the past month. I plan to go to the service department soon to try to have them update the MMI and also install side assist sensors, and check squealing issue. Will update you guys if I get the chance to go to the service department. Thanks

 

If you have HD radio stations in your area, ideally with a correspoding FM station, just show them how bad HD radio sounds compared to FM. Until sw 0566, HD was almost unusable, sounded mono with no dynamic. Now with 0566 (or newer) HD sounds high definition. Depends on the radio station of course but fixing this requires installign new MMI software.

 

AudiA4B6US, I actually have relatively good HD reception where I live. I'm no audiophile however and can't distinguish a big difference between the sound of the HD stations to the regular stations (although I can hear squeaking noises -referring to "squeal" post). I will use it though for added ammo for them to hopefully update the MMI. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

I was recently at the service department to fix a definite issue with the car (side assist failure) and possible fix to my nav issues. A few days prior to my appointment, I did call AOA and inquired about my nav issues and also re: MMI update. AOA mentioned that upgrading the MMI is VIN specific and is also up to the dealer, although they did say if there was any other issue, that I should contact them. So basically AOA didn't say, go right now to the dealership and we will tell them to update the MMI.

Fast forward to my service appointment. After leaving the car to have it serviced and mentioning the nav issues and back up camera freeze, the service tech told me that he has coordinated with AOA re: my nav and back up camera freezing. AOA reportedly directed him to the possible fix or bulletin which involved updating the MMI. Not sure if he intiated the call or if it was noted in my file that I contacted AOA. Anyway, issues with updating the MMI resulted in them actually having to change the F5 module, which is essentially what they did to donb4325's car. Apparently updating the MMI multiple times failed and to my understanding caused damage to the F5 module.

In the end, they installed a new F5 and updated the MMI to 566. The nav at this time seems fixed and there is a noticeable difference. Vehicle tracking in the nav screen is much smoother. Now unfortunately, we can't tell whether an update was enough to fix the issue, or the F5+Update was the main fix.

I have to commend my service tech too. I intentionally did ask for him as my sales guy recommended him to me. Then again, not sure if that call I made to AOA had an effect to it, but overall his approach and attitude were positive and very helpful. His approach was "let's see what we can do about it" instead of "can't replicate it, sorry."

Thanks again for everyone's help.