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Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 1:35 am
by JJJ
Hi guys,
I'm planning to send my rns-e off to get it repaired. My question is, can I still drive it without throwing all kinds of codes or worse?
I've read that in a TT the airbag will throw a code.
Can't find much info on this, perhaps somebody knows.
Thanks
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 9:24 am
by MikeFish
I haven't had an RNS-E in my car for years (got an aftermarket stereo) and not had any error codes.
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:47 am
by coffey555
My amp started kicking out white noise at full volume so I had to remove the standard radio for a few weeks whilst waiting for the new one to turn up from Germany.
No errors or warning lights visible on the dashboard whilst driving around without it.
Fuel economy drops though, as you will find yourself using the engine note to keep yourself amused.
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 11:14 am
by FaisalJ
MikeFish wrote:I haven't had an RNS-E in my car for years (got an aftermarket stereo) and not had any error codes.
+1 (not for years though)
How much is a repair costing? Could be a good time for a change instead?
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 11:35 am
by PetrolDave
JJJ wrote:I'm planning to send my rns-e off to get it repaired. My question is, can I still drive it without throwing all kinds of codes or worse?
I've read that in a TT the airbag will throw a code.
In a TT it will throw a code because the front passenger airbag warning light is on the extended RNS-E front panel.

On the A3/A4/R8 the airbag warning light isn't on the RNS-E so this problem won't happen.
BTW why not replace the RNS-E with a 2010+ version which has a higher resolution display and faster processor plus will accept SDHC cards (up to 32GB) and will work with an AMI for a decent iPod interface (or a hard disc)?
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 2:41 pm
by coffey555
JJJ wrote:Hi guys,
I'm planning to send my rns-e off to get it repaired. My question is, can I still drive it without throwing all kinds of codes or worse?
I've read that in a TT the airbag will throw a code.
Can't find much info on this, perhaps somebody knows.
Thanks
As it happens I swapped my RNS-E out for a 2010+ version when the amp blew as I initally thought it was the head-unit that had failed.
As a result I now have the old RNS-E unit in a box in the spare room.
How much will it cost to have your one repaired? Pretty sure I could sell you my spare one for less.
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 3:23 pm
by R1RS4
Just a quick question re updating to a 2010 version, can you then use the whole post code search on the satnav?
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 5:56 pm
by JJJ
Good, seems logical that one could drive without one. Thanks for clearing up the difference with the TT.
I found these guys in Germany
http://www.navidoc.de/_navigation/audi_ ... aratur.htm Seems reasonable for a laser replacement?
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 6:02 pm
by PetrolDave
R1RS4 wrote:Just a quick question re updating to a 2010 version, can you then use the whole post code search on the satnav?
Nope, full postcode is not a feature of any version of genuine Audi firmware.
You CAN buy a copied DVD that does support full postcode search, but with that comes all the usual caveats of using a copied DVD (harder to read than a pressed DVD so decreases lifetime of the laser diode and might not be readable in cold and/or damp weather). I've been helping people with RNS-E problems since 2004 and as well as experiencing the cold/damp problem myself have helped dozens of people replace failed laser diodes - the vast majority of which were people using copied DVDs. Caveat emptor...
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 6:52 pm
by Surrey Sam
2010 RNSe is still a worthwhile upgrade without the 7 digit postcode feature.
Going back to the original version it becomes very apparent how slow it is. Watching a Trups LED/DRL kit burn is more fun, or you could always park on the roundabout after missing your exit whilst the unit recalculates the route!
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:00 pm
by PetrolDave
Surrey Sam wrote:2010 RNSe is still a worthwhile upgrade without the 7 digit postcode feature.
+1
I love having a 250GB hard drive with all my music...
Re: Can I drive without a rns-e?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:57 pm
by R1RS4
Does seam crazy the post code set up, hence the reason I am using my IPhone for satnav, know what you mean Sam happened many a time
I will move to the new set up after I have done my clutch, cheers Dave
Ps I know there's been lots on here about the upgrade, so hope to do that one myself
