GPS Reception Questions for Sti-R+

[djrams80]

I originally had my 9500ci's and STi-R Plus's GPS antennas mounted on my black dash, but I found that they got hot there on sunny days and would malfunction if I had my car parked in the sun for a long time. Then, I remounted it at the top of the windshield, on the right side of the mirror, behind the tint strip. Works like a champ up there and never malfunctions due to the heat. It's mounted with the top side facing in towords the cabin of the vehicle, but still works fine.

[monkeyf15]

To the OP: I also have a 2010 S4, along with an STI-R+, LI dual, and V1. My recommendation for the GPS antenna is under the back deck. If you open the trunk, you'll see several holes on the passenger side, near the subwoofer (which is on the drivers side). If you put the antenna, magnet side down, on top of the metal deck it will look up through the plastic package shelf. I get perfect sat lock on within about 30 seconds every day.

[ahkim]

Monkey - Thanks for the suggestion. Did you run the wire yourself? Was it difficult to run it back there?

Do you have tinted windows? My car came with tint and I dont know if it's metallic or not. I would think that metallic tint could attenuate the signal.

On another note, I have the GPS receiver on top of the hood right now and it worked great for a day. But all day today, I cannot get a GPS lock or speed. It's been overcast all day, can that kill the GPS signal? I'm wondering if the GPS unit itself may have been damaged.

[monkeyf15]

Yes, I ran it myself. Not hard at all - just take your time and use a trim tool to help persuade it if needed.

However, if the antenna won't get a signal even on top of the hood unobstructed then you might have an issue. Clouds shouldn't affect he signal that much.

[ahkim]

This morning I got a beep and the message "GPS ERR". Seems like something is not right. Anyone had this error before?

Monkey, when you ran the cable to the back, did you run it by the feet or head? Did you have to remove the rear seat at all?

[AvsBest]

This morning I got a beep and the message "GPS ERR". Seems like something is not right. Anyone had this error before?

Monkey, when you ran the cable to the back, did you run it by the feet or head? Did you have to remove the rear seat at all?

Try it on the roof for a second. If it doesn't work there, you know you have a problem with your GPS ''puck''

[corkguykev]

It sounds like there is something wrong with the GPS unit on your STi-R Plus TBH mate . I reckon you will have to send it back.

[monkeyf15]

This morning I got a beep and the message "GPS ERR". Seems like something is not right. Anyone had this error before?

Monkey, when you ran the cable to the back, did you run it by the feet or head? Did you have to remove the rear seat at all?

I'd agree, definitely something wrong with your antenna. I ran the cable under the lower door sills by the feet (just wedge it in with a trim tool). Then up along the passenger side rear seat (no need to remove the seat). If you lower the setback you can see a small gap between the metal compartment beam and the fiberboard that sits in front of it. Use some strong 3M tape to secure it up and over then right onto the metal cross race of the door itself. I'll try to take a picture, but if you lower the seat you'll quickly see what I mean.

[ahkim]

This morning I got a beep and the message "GPS ERR". Seems like something is not right. Anyone had this error before?

Monkey, when you ran the cable to the back, did you run it by the feet or head? Did you have to remove the rear seat at all?

I'd agree, definitely something wrong with your antenna. I ran the cable under the lower door sills by the feet (just wedge it in with a trim tool). Then up along the passenger side rear seat (no need to remove the seat). If you lower the setback you can see a small gap between the metal compartment beam and the fiberboard that sits in front of it. Use some strong 3M tape to secure it up and over then right onto the metal cross race of the door itself. I'll try to take a picture, but if you lower the seat you'll quickly see what I mean.

Thanks for the tips. I'll give Bel a call this week to get a replacement.

[EscortRadar]

Be careful with the GPS module's cable. It's a coaxial cable like cable TV uses but much thinner. If you put a very sharp bend in it or kink it too much then it can short out internally.

Another issue that I have seen that can cause intermittent GPS issues is where your system is getting power from. Many modern cars have highly regulated circuits for their systems/accessories. These will only supply enough power to operate the accessories on the circuit. If the STi-R Plus doesn't receive enough power (2A max, typically less then 1A) then it can act like it's working but the GPS will lose signal. If you do not see any damage to your GPS module's cable then I would try a temporary 12V direct connection to the car's battery or another known good source of 12VDC (just be sure it is fused so you don't accidentally weld anything). We use rechargable packs to test on cars with installed systems.