Symphony stuck on PHONE

[Penryn]

Hello, I just acquired a 2001 S8(266,000 miles and running great!). The previous owner put a new battery in before turning over the keys to me. Thankfully I had the code and was able to get the SAFE mode unlocked. Issue now, I turn on the system, BOSE comes on, then a few seconds later PHONE. I can’t get anything else to happen.

For reference, the car has the phone cradle but never had a cellular phone( at least not in the last 20 years).

I have scoured the internet and read about the telephone mute wire on the back of the deck. I ordered the removal keys, took the deck unit out and disconnected the wire. No change, still PHONE on the screen. My next question is where do I go next?

*Do I need to use the VCDS to change a setting? ( I haven’t purchased the VCDS yet but I will).

*Can/should I locate and remove or disconnect the telephone module? If so, where is this located?

Thank you in advance!

Cole

[steamship]

Originally Posted by Penryn

*Do I need to use the VCDS to change a setting? ( I haven’t purchased the VCDS yet but I will).

*Can/should I locate and remove or disconnect the telephone module? If so, where is this located?

Not familiar with either the Symphony unit or the phone module, but check out the following PDF from the D2 Tech Dump post, starting at page 59. It gives information on its location and removal. It's worth unplugging it just to see the result, before you start delving into other options.

Service Manual Radio telephone and navigation system.pdf

EDIT: When you do get VCDS, have a read through the following PDF as well:

Service Manual Radio Telephone and Navigation System Self-diagnosis.pdf

[HPsauce]

Hello Cole and welcome, lovely looking S8.

Most people here are in UK (some in Europe) where the RNS navigation system was very common and popular, so experts on the Symphony system are few and far between.
That said, I "think" the connectors are largely the same so maybe someone will get some inspiration from studying that?