Google Earth Thread

[GlynH]

Widespread problem methinks.

My 2011 4.2TDi Google Earth displayed the restarting screen but never loads.

Talking to two friends who have 2013 & 2016 S8's they also have the same problem.

Maybe Google have changed their API and Audi have not updated their systems to suit?

Be interested to find out what the issue is and when it will be resolved...

-=Glyn=-

[Markr]

Looking at a couple of other places there are two thoughts at the moment, first that there is an upgrade going on, and secondly a catastrophic failure that they are working to restore. Consensus seems to be the latter as it was without any warning and no current timeframe to restore service, but as I understand it is is affecting everyone with this generation of MMI Nav with GE in ANY Audi (don’t know about other marques though).

[GlynH]

It doesn't appear to be affecting much other than the A8/S8 as I asked the Master Tech here at Northampton Audi this morning and only this morning he setup Google Earth display in a different model Audi.

I can't remember which model he was referring to but as I expect to see him before I leave I will ask the question.

Also as my car is in having the MMI updated then by default I will probably end up with factory settings and that in itself might be enough to prod GE back into life...we shall see.

My problem was that my MMI 3G+ was only ever displaying 2G even though I have an O2 4G capable SIM in it. I realise it will never obtain a 4G connection but before it was updated last time it did apparently display 3G although that was with a GiffGaff SIM.

The Master Tech here was going to try his GiffGaff SIM in my car as he knows it picks up 3G/4G in suitably equipped cars parked outside.

I would love to have a 4G/LTE connection and would gladly source a new 5F module but nobody can confirm that it would work in an A8.

Doesn't stop it being at the top of my retrofit list though!

-=Glyn=-

[paulrstaylor]

Originally Posted by GlynH

It doesn't appear to be affecting much other than the A8/S8 as I asked the Master Tech here at Northampton Audi this morning and only this morning he setup Google Earth display in a different model Audi.

I can't remember which model he was referring to but as I expect to see him before I leave I will ask the question.

Also as my car is in having the MMI updated then by default I will probably end up with factory settings and that in itself might be enough to prod GE back into life...we shall see.

My problem was that my MMI 3G+ was only ever displaying 2G even though I have an O2 4G capable SIM in it. I realise it will never obtain a 4G connection but before it was updated last time it did apparently display 3G although that was with a GiffGaff SIM.

The Master Tech here was going to try his GiffGaff SIM in my car as he knows it picks up 3G/4G in suitably equipped cars parked outside.

I would love to have a 4G/LTE connection and would gladly source a new 5F module but nobody can confirm that it would work in an A8.

Doesn't stop it being at the top of my retrofit list though!

-=Glyn=-

What year is your car? I had a new 5f fitted as the very early ones whilst technically supporting 3g, only supported a single waveband that has now been phased out in the UK for 4g services - hence would only ever connect at 2g speeds, as a hardware limitation.

Audi eventually picked up the tab for a new latest revision 5f to be fitted (about £3k), there isn't a D4 compatible 5f that supports 4g.

However the radio is a sub-component in the 5f unit, so can be changed (not by Audi, aftermarket). I had a price (£100's) to put a 3g radio in my old 5f, not sure if there are any 4g ones but it is possible (I couldn't find the right form factor at the time, probably need an adapter card).

Also potentially fit a 5f unit from an A6/A7 that would support LTE - but then I suspect you would have other issues....

[GlynH]

Hi Paul,

Car is 2011 if that makes a difference?

The previous owner told me it used to display 3G before it was software updated by Audi to overcome a Bose sound issue which was a TSB I believe although I cannot confirm that with any certainty of course.

The whole MMI was then software updated to current spec.

It has displayed 2G ever since apparently...certainly I have only ever seen 2G displayed.

I did read that in the US Audi were fitting new 5F units in areas where one of the mobile telephone providers had phased out a certain waveband but never knew that was the case in the UK also?

I would be interested in hearing the history of your 5F replacement at some point in the future in case it might be something I might be able to take up with Audi with a view to a possible replacement although I won't be holding my breath!

Was it the case that your 5F just stopped working altogether or like mine only ever displayed 2G?

I have punted Hazzy Days & Richter Sport on the off-chance that they might offer a 5F/4G solution but drew a blank.

I would also like to see if the cluster software might also be updated on the off-chance that the Lap Timer might work. It appears in the Menu scroll but cannot be accessed. Audi themselves are not prepared to update it beyond the original software and then only if there is a problem. I can understand why but it doesn't stop me asking their Master Tech here at Northampton every time I see him!

That was the second thing on my upgrade/retrofit list.

Foot-operated boot opening was the third but I drew a blank there also!

Thanks & kind regards,.
-=Glyn=

[paulrstaylor]

Was it a 2011 build or a 2011 registration? In any case, my guess would be that it was a coincidence that the networks changed their spectrum usage around the same time.

Hazzy Days can do the radio swap, I think. Mine was covered as the car was approved used and they had no choice, they don't have a US style replacement scheme and their "computer says no serviceable parts in the 5f" approach doesn't suggest they see it as an option.

[Glync]

Glad I found this thread I thought mine was b*ggered too!
I read a few issues in the states but not much in the uk
Mine just says restarting and sticks there
Let me know if anyone gets theirs sorted and what to do if and when we need to do anything.
Cheers Glyn