OnStar Redlight

[sturs6]

Has anyone else besides "nene" and "iconcls" had a problem with their OnStar light turning red and staying red? OnStar told me when I called that I needed to take the car in but it was good to know that the service still worked.

This has been touched on in one of my other threads but was off of the subject of that thread so I thought since there were others having this problem I would post a new thread about it and see what has been done.

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: sturs6
Yep, had the same thing happen to me. Took my car in for the XM install last week and that went fine. Was so interested in the XM, that I forgot about other variables in the car. Next evening, I noticed my on star light was solid red. Did what you did, called in and was told by on star that I had to take it in to the dealer. Did that the next day whereupon the dealer did a review of the maintenance and also called on star. The service tech told me that they corrected the problem (the light is again a too bright green!) and that the tech was told to "reset a battery within the on star system" and that on star then "reset this particular system for this car"? In any event, it does does seem to be working properly. As I'm headed off on a long trip, I sure hope it continues to work. Hate to be out in bum, you know where, central U.S. with no service.
Looks like a trip to the dealer!

:addict: FEVR :addict:

[iconcls]

I'll be picking mine up tomorrow from the dealer, I'll post what the service ticket reads.

[iconcls]

"Cause: Shorted Battery"

Fix: "Remove and replace Telematics battery"

So far, so good, I'm back to steady green on my OnStar LED

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: Icon

Thanks for the update. Confirms what Schaumburg Audi tech told me too. However, they did not "change" my battery, only removed and reset the system. Said they'd have to order and change it if it winds up malfuntioning again. I'm interested in the other work you might have had done that might have caused this malfunction. I think mine was related to the install of the XM (both systems have the transducers/transponders in the shark fin I believe) Did you have any other electrical service performed?

LOL on the S500's.. What a boring guy I was!!!! :D :D :D

:addict: FEVR :addict:

[sturs6]

:0: Good to hear that you got your ride back and that everything is a ok with it. I am hoping mine is the same problem. How long did you have to leave the car?

[nene]

I will call the dealership and make sure they have a battery ready to install. Maybe I can even do it myself.

[iconcls]

FEVR,
You bring up a good point, I noticed my solid red OnStar light shortly after the install of my XM tuner. Now, if it was red immediately after the install, I can't say, because, well, I'm so spaced-out half the time it takes me "awhile" to notice things:)

sturs6 and nene,
I dropped off the car and was expecting to just have them "throw" the battery in and I'd be on my way. But, the SA said it was actually a bit involved and this was their first time goofing with the OnStar system and they needed some time, so he gave me a loaner.

Sidebar: Don't go from an RS 6 into a B6 A4 3.0 and FORGET you just left about 300 hp at the dealer and attempt to merge into briskly moving traffic. DOH!


They were not even sure where the Telematics stuff was; in any case, the car was ready the next day.

[sturs6]

Sidebar: Don't go from an RS 6 into a B6 A4 3.0 and FORGET you just left about 300 hp at the dealer and attempt to merge into briskly moving traffic.

iconcls,
Thanks for the sidebar.

I am having the Sirus Radio put in the day I bring it for OnStar service so that was not my problem.

[sturs6]

I brought my RS6 in this week and had to leave it for two days while I drove a 1.8T Q. The only thing about this was that I had to leave the car for two nights after I tok you guys advice and told them what the problem was and asked them to order the part and also the Sirus radio part so that I would not have to leave it over night but they did not.
Oh well it is back now and and the light is shining brighter than ever. But they did not order the Sirius part so now I have to bring it back when it comes in because I told him I am not about to leave it over the weekend.
:cheers:

[iconcls]

My "repaired" OnStar LED has gone back to solid red:(

[Bauer]

You know.....I just noticed it, mine is red too? Didnt even think it was a problem. Cone to think of it....I dont ever remember it being green, XM or not. Well time to call the dealership:cheers:

[sturs6]

iconcls& Bauer,
I am sorry to hear about that from the looks of some previous replies I have a feeling that I could quiet possibly be back at the dealership in a few months. This time I know what the problem is so I will not have to leave it over night.

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: All
Just an addendum that my OnStar light is still green and system working fine. No problems across the country and working fine in Tucson after 1800 mile journey. Did have two occurrences of failed driver side low beam when turning the car on and turning on the lights. Once after a car wash and the other random after a dinner out? Turning car off, pulling key and waiting approx 1 minute reset the system and the headlight went back to working? Happened early after my arrival. Any other experiences?
:addict: FEVR :addict:

[sturs6]

After bringing the car in to have the Phatnoise installed the service department called and said I had to choose between Sat or Phat and I chose Phat...
Well after the Sat had been installed a few weeks ago the OnStart light became red again, some of you understand... anyway after they uninstalled the Sat and installed the Phat the light turned green again. <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/27/27_4_2.gif' border=0></a> Now I have a green light and a Phat system.

It is kind of like Christmas in the car with the red and green lights.
<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_2.gif' border=0></a>

[GmbHouse]

I want a red light. That green is annoying at night. Let me know how to do it.

[JAXRS6]

Started green, then red, took to dealer who said new back-up battery was needed. They ordered, later installed, green ever since. End of story.

New story: Tomorrow will be fourth day at dealer, three of them waiting for plugs.

Oh, well ... at least I've got a loaner.

[sturs6]

GMBHOUSE,
I can help you with the green light issue but it will cost you...
Go to your dealer and ask them to install the Sat radio system of your choice and you will instantlly get a red light and your OnStar service will still work.

[rs6w]

Yea mine has gone red too. System worked and onstar said to reset the system by holding the onstar button, but that doesn't seem to help...

Ah I suppose I should call the dealer...

[sturs6]

RS6W,
Did you have sat radio installed or did it just turn red. I would try to call the dealer and have them order you a new OnStar backup battery so you do not have to leave it over night.
:addict:

[iconcls]

4 days ago I went back to solid red. For those keeping score, the dealer has "fixed" this twice now, usually last a few weeks--solid green--then back to solid red eventually. It does match the interior better though. :)

[rs6w]

Originally posted by sturs6
RS6W,
Did you have sat radio installed or did it just turn red. I would try to call the dealer and have them order you a new OnStar backup battery so you do not have to leave it over night.
:addict:

No sat radio installed (phatnoise about a month ago).

Good idea though on ordering an OnStar backup battery though.

[JAXRS6]

...ask about the back-up battery for Onstar. It has its own, mine went bad but everything has been fine since it was replaced (green).

If you really want it red, I suppose you could ignore this, but then if something happens and your car battery isn't functioning & neither is the Onstar backup ... well, you may be stuck if you're sans a charged cell phone or in an area with poor signal.

[iconcls]

Originally posted by JAXRS6
...ask about the back-up battery for Onstar.

Both of my prior 2 fixes were installing a new back-up battery and as I said, for me, that fix only seems to last about a month.

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: all
To add to the mystery and contradict my previous post on the subject, mine went solid red again on way back from Tucon just prior to T'giving. I posted under "rattles thread" that I had this continual hiss from the onstar speaker in the b pillar. Anyhow, the dealer changed my battery for the second time and the system worked for two days, the hiss returned, the light went red and in one day more, the whole onstar system stopped working (try no lights, interesting in the cabin :). Anyhow, the dealer tore and replaced the whole system. The tech at Schaumburg Audi tried all the combinations, x/m, nav, etc to see if wire crossed, but ultimately believed it was the system itself that had the problem. Only had it working two full days now, but will keep you updated as necessary. Great service from Schaumburg Audi. Very accommodating and urgent in their solution. Pleased so far!
:addict: FEVR :addict:

[sprint Blue]

My Onstar just went red on me today. I called onstar and they told me to to bring it into the dealer to be checked out. Is this going to be a monthly thing according to some of your experiences? I agree that the red does match the interior better than the green. Think I'll leave it red.

[nene]

I debated, debated, and debated some more. For a while there I thought I was going crazy with so much debating by myself (just kidding of course).

I did go to the dealership for the XM install, and I did not mention the On-RED-Star to the tech master. I really like it red better, as it works with other ambient ligthing already in the car.
If I see that the On-RED-Star seems to be crapping out, as if I really use it often anyways, then I'll call the dealership to check it out.

Until then...I'm happy wearing RED!

[JAXRS6]

Earlier I suggested that replacing the backup battery was the simple solution, but after reading these latest posts I checked and my red light is back on too -- about 6-8 weeks after it was replaced. So I called Onstar, who said I need to make another trip to the dealer. Think I should take a sleeping bag? I already feel like I've been living there at times, most recently with performance issues (three trips) but earlier for leaking radiator, a blemish on my hood which required an additional three trips to a body shop, the Onstar issue, etc. -- all since August.

This is beginning to piss me off. It reminds me of my 1972 Jag XJ6, which I bought new; it was a great car when it ran right. Unfortunately, that wasn't very often, so it belonged to somebody else within a year.

I'm beginning to think Audi KNEW this car was going to have a lot of problems. They also knew they were going to charge a big chunk of change. And, so, they decided to be extra nice to us, providing loaners on short notice only to RS6 owners & other favored treatment. But I'd rather avoid service visits than be treated nice when I'm there!

Yeah, I know -- high tech/high performance = more frequent problems, blah blah blah. But there's a limit. If the car wasn't ready, it should not have been brought to market. Besides, my 00 S4 also is a high tech, twin turbo, etc. Yet even though I bought it used with 15K mi, and it now has 47K mi, it has been to the dealer for problems less often than my 12K mi RS6 IIRC.

Are the rest of you having lots of other problems too, or is Onstar the only one? Anyone out there with more than 5,000 miles and NO problems?

[jgun81]

I have a headlamp washer that's not working
Going to dealer soon.
And I also have onstar red light problem which I do not
really care as long as it works.

[Bauer]

JAXRS6-

Sorry to hear of your frustrations, I have had just about 0 problems. My onstar light is red but I prefer it that way. The only other issue I have is the breaks squeak a little but that was from Randy Pobst taking my car from 140mph to 40mph in a bout 30 ft several times(Audi nationals). Also I have noise in the wheel well when driving up hill slowly and turning. It only happens once in a while. Both of these items have not really bothered me and I am going to wait untill the next service to get them handled. Oh and 8300 miles on the car and loving every minute.

I am sure the gas thing didn't help, but you really can't blame Audi for that one. Time at the dealership nontheless.:cheers:

[JAXRS6]

Bauer, you're right, I shouldn't blame Audi for bad gas -- if it turns out that was the only cause of performance problems. But even with the car now running better, my 0-60 is 5.6 -- almost a full second off Audi's factory figure of 4.7. I may try another 0-60 soon with cold weather coming, but the point is that two or three tenths off their time might be OK; nine is not IMO. Especially since the "talent" factor of shifting is all but gone with an automatic.

jgun81, the Onstar back-up battery is important only if something happens to the car battery -- that's true. But one of the posts above also mentions lights going out after letting the Onstar problem linger.

[Bauer]

JAXRS6-

Your 0 to 60 is way off...something has got to be going on there.:( . Have you always had these 0 to 60 numbers? I believe others on this board have had boost leak problems which are easily solved. Normally a loose hose or such. Good luck.

[noushy]

Hello guys,
My onstar finally went to red after exactly 3 weeks of owning the car and driving only 1200miles. Anyways, the system works according to onstar, just that it needs to go in to the dealer. I love the security of it, but boy it sure seems like a typical GM product.

Jaxrs6, I met some of the local A4 guys around birmingham today, they all seem to get a kick out of your lifestyle. I guess i would not mind being in florida either, out of this miserable cold. Could not get a decent set of snows for my rs6, so it is going to sit in the garage most of the time. Good thing for the X5. Anyways email me, would like to keep in touch with the Audi car guys in the detroit suburbs.

[jgun81]

I know that this issue was discussed long times ago, but I came up with some new info.
Went to the dealer this morning to fix the onstar red light,
service guy told me that there was a fault code which needed
to be cleared. Other wise, it could burn the battery out.
It's back to green :D
But i am not sure how long it's going to last.

[Aronis]

Hi all,

My On-Star Light went Red this past week.

As with all of you, On-Star said its working properly, just go to dealer to have it checked. 4 hours each way NOT

So, I fired up VAG-Com and got this error:

VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 4B0 035 195 N
Component and/or Version: symphony II NP2 0260
Software Coding: 00221
Work Shop Code: WSC 07936
2 Faults Found:
65535 - Internal Control Module Memory Error
08-10 - Control Limit Surpassed - Intermittent
65535 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
08-10 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent

Of course I am waiting for Registration for my new version of VAG-COM. The older version gave me this message:

2 DTCs Found:
65535 - No Errors OR Control Module Malfunction (ambiguous: sorry!)
08-10 - Control Limit Surpassed - Intermittent
65535 - No Errors OR Control Module Malfunction (ambiguous: sorry!)
08-10 - Control Limit Surpassed - Intermittent


I could not reset the code with the older version either....

Funny I also noticed an engine error code:

1 DTCs Found:
16840 - Evap Emission Control Sys: Small Leak
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent

This did not trigger the ON Board Diagnostics to warn me! On my A6 4.2 I had this error too, it was a loose gasket on my gas tank filler.

My RS6 gas cap is fine :( hopefully nothing else is wrong.

I'll let you know once I get my newer version of VAG-COM registered and activated if I can clear the On-Star problem.

Mike

[Aronis]

The module for the On Star is labeled Emergency Call.

The output was:

VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 8E0 035 616 A
Component and/or Version: Telematik USA1
Software Coding: 0002003
Work Shop Code: WSC 08102
1 Fault Found:
01531 - Emergency Battery
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded

Of course this cannot be reset without changing the battery.

So how often does this battery go dead? Was it a bad batch? Are other cars with Audi Telemetrics having the same problem?

Mike

[iconcls]

I'm back to solid red, Fourth time! My last repair even replaced the whole telematic unit; obviously, Audi doesn't have a lasting fix for this yet.

[Aronis]

I am waiting for my RS6 Bentley Repair Manual to come, hopefully today, so I can find out where the ()*&)(&%)*($ onstar battery is to change it.

Come on Guys, if the RS6 is not a Car Guy's Car, then I don't know what is....

Car Guys fix their own cars, surely we can change a battery ourselves LOLOLOLOL

Mike

I'll post the battery location once I find it.

PS, this is not an RS 6 issue, the onstar battery problem is accross GM cars as well.

Interesting side note, there are those who are tapping into the GPS part of the ONSTAR board to use the signal!

[sturs6]

Aronis,
More information on the Intresting side note if you have it.
Please
:addict:

[Aronis]

http://www.aimoo.com/forum/freeboard.cfm?id=421724&NoCaches=Yes

[iconcls]

Originally posted by Aronis
Come on Guys, if the RS6 is not a Car Guy's Car, then I don't know what is....

Car Guys fix their own cars, surely we can change a battery ourselves LOLOLOLOL


Sounds messy. ;) :)

[sturs6]

Mike,
There are to many popups there for me.

[Aronis]

Hey, Sorry about that. I did not see any popups.

I have Norton's Internet Security with POP up killer, which works quite well.

Also, Netscape has built in Pop-Up blocking which works well too. Thus I don't use IE unless it is a site which requires Interent Explorer, and unfortuately Microsuck has gotten web hosters to FORCE you to use iE to access content of their sites.....Good Old Bill, wonder if he drives and RS6 -NOT- probably a gold plated minivan. LOL

Mike

[sturs6]

Yes my pop up killer is at home so I wil look at it when I get back there. It looks like it may be an intresting site.

[Aronis]

18 - Emergency battery -A16-
In front passenger's footwell

Mike

[JAXRS6]

Mine went back to red again over the weekend for the third time, and the first two were caused by a failed backup battery. So I called my owner advocate & directed him to this thread; he said he'd take a look and forward as appropriate. (He also mentioned that some factory engineers spend time looking at these threads.)

I said this isn't a big deal from a daily driving standpoint, but that if the backup battery is down when it's really needed, Audi should probably expect a lawsuit. Example: Car goes off a cliff in some remote area & crashes; regular battery is diabled. Driver is injured & trapped & tries Onstar, but it doesn't work because the backup battery has failed.

I know that if my injuries were worsened by such a situation, I'd sue -- especially in the face of all the evidence here that this is not an isolated problem. It's happening over and over, and AoA needs to figure out why & fix it before someone gets stranded & perhaps dies from injuries because AoA is not paying attention.

If the problem turns out to be caused by Onstar itself, which is a GM product, that only adds a defendant to such a hypothetical lawsuit. GM being responsible, if that's the case, doesn't resolve a thing. I would sue both & let a court decide who's responsible.

BTW thanks, Aronis, for posting the data you found. I'm going in to my dealer anyway on Wednesday, to pick up a new ECM, so I'll take a copy of this thread with me. Maybe your findings will help them figure this out.

[Aronis]

The process of changing the On-Star Battery should be easy for us to do our selves. No one expects any back up battery to last for ever, not even a few years, so why make it something the dealer has to do! Especially once the warrantee is up! Its just a little battery.

I read the service manual on it, it is a bit involved.
Here is a quote:

In order to avoid unnecessary discharge of the emergency (back-up) battery, it must always be switched off prior to disconnecting the vehicle battery, and switched back on after the vehicle battery is reconnected.

Switching of emergency battery can be performed using VAS 5051 Vehicle Diagnostic Testing and Information System in mode "Guided Fault finding" or with VAG 1551/1552 Scan Tools (ST) as follows:

- Switch on ignition, connect VAG 1551/1552 Scan Tool (ST) and enter address word 75 - "Telematics" ("Emergency call module" may appear on display).

- Perform scan tool function 10 - Adaptation

- Select adaptation channel 08

- Press -Q- button to confirm input.

- Press button.

This should not be so involved!

I hope Audi does read these Threads.


Mike

[JAXRS6]

Thanks for the new info, Aronis, and you're absolutely right that "this should not be so involved!" Unfortunately many owners -- certainly myself -- aren't as technically smart as you are.

Sailing? I can tell you a lot about that. Journalism? That was my trade, so I'm no dummy there either. But start throwing computer language & codes at me, and I'm about as useful as stale bread. Maybe less, since stale bread is at least enjoyed by birds.

That's why people like me will almost always rely on a dealer. For others, tho, I'm sure your post will be useful. So I'm not complaining that you shared the info, just asking you to realize some of us don't have the smarts to use it. (And, thankfully, few of us have to deal with a 4-hour drive to the dealer!)

BTW when I printed out this thread for my dealer, it came to 15 pages -- even in the "printer friendly" format. Hopefully that will send them a message that this is, indeed, a widespread problem.

[Aronis]

I posted the Technical Jargon for a reason.

There is NO REASON to make it that difficult!

The Backup Battery should be a simple swap without any computer jargon needed!

Just put the Backup Battery in an easily accessible site and make it simple.

Audi Are you listening?

Mike

[iconcls]

Originally posted by Aronis
Audi Are you listening?

Mike


Sorry, LOL, I'm bettin' this is your first Audi. :)

[Aronis]

No Second....

Had two BMW's
now Two Audi's

1994 325 is with Mtech Suspension and Chipped
1997 M3 with Luxury Package
2000 Audi A6 4.2 with Sport Package
2003 Audi RS6

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by Aronis
The Backup Battery should be a simple swap without any computer jargon needed!

Amen to that, but iconcls is right: Although some Audi engineers may read some of these posts, I've seen no evidence yet that AoA is listening. They're polite (see my post re "Don't expect RS6 parts in US"), but the woman who called me in response to my letter to Len Hunt obviously had not read the whole letter. Her job was to placate me, not solve anything. She said she was "one of three" people hired to respond to correspondence, then quickly added that "we have other duties, of course." One of them, it seems, is "maintaining a communication barrier between owners and the CEO."

On the same day I sent my letter to Mr. Hunt (Jan. 30), I sent a copy of it to my owner advocate at the same address in Rochester Hills, MI, as he had instructed me to do. But when I spoke to him Monday he had not received it, even tho I got the reply call from the woman several days earlier. He said sometimes someone "intercepts" such correspondence to him. What does that tell you?

[Aronis]

It's really the On-Star Companies problem with the backup battery. They designed it, or were part of it. Motorolla is in the game too.

I just mystifies me why it did not occur to them to KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid, the project.....

Mike

[sturs6]

I had a Chevy Suburban before I bought the RS6 and it never had any problems. I never hada red light and never heard mention of a back-up battery. I wonder what is different about the RS6? Has anyone heard if other Audi Telematics users have had this same problem? I have not had aprobelm since my last fix!!! Knock on wood!!!

[Aronis]

I think the additional functions have to do with the ability to connect the V60 handheld cell phone to it!

It's a good system.

Mike

[sturs6]

Date Posted
12/23/2003 My First Audi by ccarlton
Style: 4 Dr quattro Turbo AWD Sedan Rating 8.3

Review: I'm very happy with this vehicle. I can only compare it to my experience driving an imitation NASCAR vehicle at Richard Petty's experience. It delivers on everything I ask of it. The only issue I have is with the Darn OnStar system.
This was from an owner review on Edmunds.com I do not know if this guy is on this forum or not but I think I know what he is dealing with in regards to his last statement.
-Stuart

[Bauer]

JAXRS6-

I feel your pain with the on star problem...I have just ignored mine so far.

As for a potential lawsuit, I ask a good friend (lawyer) of mine about you hypothetical situation with an accident and the on star failing. His respons was that there would be no case because the on star light did not cause the accident and rambled off a bunch of other stuff which I really can't remember:rolleyes: . His back ground is product liabilty and corporate law.:cheers:

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by Bauer
JAXRS6-
there would be no case because the on star light did not cause the accident

But my example doesn't blame the on star light for causing the accident. In the case I gave and my comment afterwards, I said I would sue if my injuries were worsened by the delay in help arriving, if the delay was caused by an Onstar malfunction -- and especially if I could show that Audi knew there was a problem & did nothing about it.

Example, starting with the same off-the-cliff incident: Say I'm the driver -- trapped, alone and bleeding, the car battery has failed and the Onstar backup battery doesn't work either. I'm in an area where, if Onstar worked, help could arrive in 30 minutes, but I continue to bleed for 12 hours, perhaps falling into a coma, before some hikers see me & help is summoned. I live, but due to blood loss I am somehow permanently disabled.

In such a situation, I might sue Audi and Onstar not because they caused the accident, but because the Onstar failure they knew about had not been corrected & as a result, help for me arrived in something over 12 hours rather than 30 minutes. Given the right testimony from a physician or two regarding the likely progression of injury due to blood loss, and perhaps my own recollection of trying to call Onstar, I think there's a case to be had.

[Bauer]

JAXRS6,

I am totally with you on this one...I would want to sue. I will have my friend go into futher detail and then pay more attention this time:D .

We sometimes have been known to get into some pretty heated debates:argue:. I saw him going into that "mode" and I was with him on vacation in Whistler / Blackcomb BC. Really didn't feel like getting into it at the time as I was having fun at the Irish Pub drinking:cheers:.........a "little" too much.

[JAXRS6]

Don't sweat it, Bauer -- no need to cause friction with your friend, who apparently would be on the receiving end of such a suit & may not want to talk about it much. Anyway, it's just hypothetical, and my goal isn't to sue; it's to get Audi's attention so they will correct the problem. Then no one would die or be permanently injured from this issue, no lawsuits would be needed, etc.

How would Audi know there's a problem? For one thing, I've told my owner advocate about it, directing him to this thread & asking whether & how AOA plans to respond. I have yet to hear back, but if it's anything less than an admission of the problem & a promise to fix it, I'm thinking about sending a copy of this thread to Len Hunt via registered mail.

[Bauer]

JAXRS6-

No friction...just good times...it is almost always in good hearted in nature. Sometimes can lead to some really good jokes as well. Also, he loves to talk...so talking about it is not an issue...sometime can't get him to shut up come to think of it:D :D

[JAXRS6]

Thanks -- I feel better now!
:D

I just sent email to AutoWeek about my beast. It may be too late, tho; not sure I met their deadline. I mentioned the Onstar backup battery problem ... among others, sadly. But I also spoke highly of my beast's performance & said I plan to keep it, hoping that the next 15K miles will be less problematical than the first.

[Aronis]

My onstar system works fully even though the backup battery is dead.

I was at a dealer in Nashua NH yesterday to pick up the XM Radio, forgot to buy the dam battery LOL.

I lived without ON-Star for 39 years, I can live with the idea that I could crash, loose the main battery and not have on-star come to the rescue!

The CAR is GREAT! Finally some dry road driving here in Massachusetts instead of way up state NY. Visiting Family.

See thread on XM Radio for more info.

Mike

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: all
Great thread and info. Regretfully, must report that during the 1800 mile (still a wonderful drive in the beast!) trek from Chicago to Tucson, the on star red light has returned to a solid red. I spoke to my dealer and advocate and wondered whether there is a link between heavy nav use and the drain of the on star battery? During the time the dealer changed out the whole system, not a single problem while local driven, but also, hardly any nav use too? Get on the road and in the first 600 miles, almost constant nav use, on comes the red. Just another of those things that make auto owners and lovers go hmmmmmm? As above, it was still a blast to drive cross country. I still love this car, delinquent, menace et al! :360: :360:

:addict: FEVR :addict:

[JAXRS6]

My back-up battery has failed three times & I have no nav. Sounds to me like RS6FEVR's failed due to length of use, not nav involvement, but of course I can't be sure; I only know that nav is no factor with me. I do now have Sirius satellite radio, but I didn't have it for the first two Onstar backup battery failures, so in my case I don't think satellite radio is a factor either.

[sturs6]

In your case Jax it is the factor. If you were to take off your sat radio, like I had to do because it could not be used with Phatnoise, you would find that the Onstar light would come right back on. Go figure...:idea:

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by sturs6
If you were to take off your sat radio... you would find that the Onstar light would come right back on.

I don't think so, because like I said, the first two failures occurred before I installed satellite radio. If it fails again, I'll try that, but I'm still not sure knowing it will prevent a problem that was occurring before I had satellite radio.

[Aronis]

While the two share the physical space for their antenni, the two systems are quite removed from each other electronically.

The radio's interaction with the onstar is to mute the radio/cd/sat when the phone is on...also digital info from onstar is shared if you have the super dupper V60i phone connected.

The simple addition of the SAT module in the trunk (no other parts need be added) should not have any effect on the ON-Star battery. I think the systems are quite remote. The onstar back up battery is located in the front passengers side, by the side kickplate. The SAT module is in the trunk on the left side behind the CD changer mount.

I don't think removing the sat module would do anything.

It would be nice if the battery could be changed easily, but its not really a problem.

How long have you lived without onstar? If you do crash and the main power goes out and you are in the middle of nowhere - I doubt the onstar would work anyway, it needs CELL PHONE tower to be effective.

More importantly is 'they' are selling an autoinsurance policy which is based on your driving record as taken from your ON-STAR ON BOARD SPY! They can track when you speed and how fast!

SOoooooo, let the back up battery stay dead! Limit 'their' invasion of your privacy. Who knows, maybe when your car is off, the backup battery powers the spy aspect and if the backup battery is dead, it on-spy can't talk to the 'man'.

Mike

LOL

[sturs6]

The only reason I said that the red light and the sat had anything to do with each other was because when they installed my sat radio the RED light came on and the battery was fine. They unhooked the SAT and the RED light turned GREEN.
And I am young enough to say that I have not lived without Onstar for very long. :D My last four cars had it. :p
:rs6kiss:

Ps. My light has gone RED again and this time I am not going to do anything about and I am proud of it.

[Aronis]

It would be nice to actually know exactly why your light (and mine) turned red.

Some perhaps simple cause may become a more problematic issue three years from now, if you keep the car longer term.

Hopefully, the issue will be resolved. I hope that is an A6 issue and not an RS 6 issue, since the shear volume of A6s with telematics will hopefully force a solution to be found.

Mike

[sturs6]

Mike,
My question is... Are there any A6 owners or any other Audi owners with Telematics having a problem or is it only on the RS6??
Some research will be needed for this one!!:idea:
:rs6kiss:

[Aronis]

I did not see much on Audiworld.com, only listings under the RS6 forum.

Mike

[JAXRS6]

Sad to report that my Onstar red light went on again a couple of weeks ago. At 17K+ miles this is the 4th failure, meaning the next back-up battery (assuming that's the problem again) will be my 5th. My AOA owner advocate is pressing for a response, rather than the usual passing on of info to engineers & never hearing back.

I notice this is the first post re this topic in over a month...despite this being possibly to be the longest thread here! Does that mean no one else is having this problem now, or is everyone just sick & tired of writing about it? I know I am!:vgrumpy:

[sturs6]

Jax mine had reoccured but I told the dealer not to worry about it. When I picked it up they said they fixed it and also re-coded the Telematics which I think he said came from a bulletin they received but do not quote me on that. Anyway it is fixed again for the fourth time for me.
:mech: :confused: :idea:
:rs6kiss:
-Stuart

[rs6w]

I'm getting mine replaced tomorrow....

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by sturs6
Jax mine had reoccured but I told the dealer not to worry about it. When I picked it up they said they fixed it and also re-coded the Telematics which I think he said came from a bulletin they received but do not quote me on that. Anyway it is fixed again for the fourth time for me.
:mech: :confused: :idea:
:rs6kiss:
-Stuart

So -- is it working now? For how long?

[sturs6]

It is working now... For how long? That is a very good question. I will give it 2 months. :rolleyes:

[sturs6]

This sucks!!!
Jax I did not even make it a week and I am all ready at red again. I am getting anoid with the problems on this car that they can not seem to fix. I am going in monday the 5th for another three time reocurring problem I guess I will get them to fix this again too.

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by sturs6
I am getting anoid with the problems on this car that they can not seem to fix.

Have you contacted your owner advocate at AOA? The more the merrier, I would suspect; squeaky wheel gets the grease, etc. If you do call your advocate, be sure to mention that I've had four Onstar failures & am working thru my advocate (Mark Kellums) to not just report the problem, as I've done before, but to get a response from AOA. Mark once told me he has 800 clients, so I'm sure our complaints get lost in the shuffle unless they come up again...and again...and again!

[sturs6]

The dealer called they are replacing the unit. My AOAdvicate called though and he said he was told that the unit has different modes and if they leave it in sleep mode it will turn red after a while but the battery will still be good.

Edited April 9:
The dealer replaced the OnStar Telematics Unit. The Tech said that it would solve the problem and they actually got OnStar involved and they are going to give me three months of service for my problems. I will cross my fingers and pray that this solves the problem.
:rs6kiss:

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by sturs6
The dealer called they are replacing the unit. My AOAdvicate called though and he said he was told that the unit has different modes and if they leave it in sleep mode it will turn red after a while but the battery will still be good.

Edited April 9:
The dealer replaced the OnStar Telematics Unit. The Tech said that it would solve the problem and they actually got OnStar involved and they are going to give me three months of service for my problems. I will cross my fingers and pray that this solves the problem.
:rs6kiss:

Very interesting! Did the dealer or AOA ever confirm or deny what you said in the first paragraph, about sleep mode leading to red light? What is sleep mode, anyway -- something that comes on when Onstar isn't used for a while? Or something else?

Nice that they replaced the entire unit; hope that works for good! Please keep us posted.

Wondering what giving you three months of service is about, tho. I assume you're still under warranty, so does this mean they'll extend it by three months? Just OnStar or the whole car? Did they say anything about miles vis-a-vis months? :vhmmm:

[sturs6]

The sleep mode was never brought back up.
OnStar said they would give me three months for free. so I am assuming like you said they will extend the free service three more months.
I am still on Green...

[dabull]

Attention: If you are working on your car and you have responsibly disconnected the battery, do not leave it disconnected for long periods. If you do you will discharge the Onstar battery and my understanding from Audi is that it is only good for a couple of discharges and then it has to be replaced. Sounds like they should have used a better battery? :addict: :eek:

[griff]

can you use other satellite modules with audi head unit and wiring?

[Aronis]

My light has been red since January, a month after I got the car.

I have not bothered changing the battery, and the red light is less blinding at night.

The unit works fully, phone etc....

Mike

[dabull]

Mike, I think that where you will run into a problem is if your cars battery goes dead, then you will not be able to use your Onstar to call for heip. :addict: :addict:

[Aronis]

True...

I have been driving for 24 years and never had to call for help! I have logged at least 300,000 miles on various cars (plus milage on other cars) and have never been in a collision with another car. I did go off the road in my A6 last winter (down the street from my house, due to ICE covered by 2 feet of fresh powder - where are your skies when you need them) funny the only time I have done that is in an all wheel drive car with four excellent snow tires..but the 2 feet of snow I was pushing at 18 miles per hour stopped me without damage LOL.

If you are in a very remote area, it is doubtful that the cell system will pick up your onstar call.....otherwise a hand held cell phone will work fine.

This is the first car I have own which has ON-Star, and I hardly use it! I use the cell phone function only and the voice dialing SUCKS.

For 20 cents they could have included a dial pad....maybe 24 cents.....perhaps as high as a buck......but nooooooo...

Mike

[eph94]

Originally posted by Aronis
This is the first car I have own which has ON-Star, and I hardly use it! I use the cell phone function only and the voice dialing SUCKS.

For 20 cents they could have included a dial pad....maybe 24 cents.....perhaps as high as a buck......but nooooooo...

Mike

Good point. And I also haven't quite figured out how to mimick the different number tones with my voice when I call home on the Onstar phone and try to access my voicemail. Sometimes when I am already ON the phone I need access to a dial pad. The Onstar phone, though, does get much better coverage than my T-Mobile GSM cell phone here in New England.

[eph94]

I just joined the red light club. :D

[Aronis]

Originally posted by JJV-MA
Good point. And I also haven't quite figured out how to mimick the different number tones with my voice when I call home on the Onstar phone and try to access my voicemail. Sometimes when I am already ON the phone I need access to a dial pad. The Onstar phone, though, does get much better coverage than my T-Mobile GSM cell phone here in New England.

I am not quite sure what to call it.

Weak Engineering?
Lazy Engineering?
Inept Engineering?
Rude Engineering?
Stupid Engineering?
Downright Embarasing Engineering?

On-Star I believe is a US product? There is NO reason why for pennies more they could not have included either a dial pad or at least the option of adding a dial pad. Simple Numerical Dial pads have been around for, what, 25 to 45 years!

On-Star Get you Head out of Your A$$ and add the dam dial pad.

Mike

[rs6w]

Considering OnStar is a GM product I have yet to see a GM car with a keypad.

As a matter of fact the only car I've seen with a key pad is the COMAND system in the benz.. (which has way better phone integration.)

[JAXRS6]

Personally I have no problems with the voice dialing. I don't use it too often but when I do it has worked well for me, and use of a dial pad seemingly would create a safety issue (i.e. distraction from driving). Unless dialing is done while the car is still...but at that point what's the advantage over a cell phone?

As for the unlikelihood of being stranded due to a good driving record, one's own driving record is only half of the formula. The greatest and/or safest driver in the world still could be stranded and incapacitated by an idiot driving the other way.

BTW I've had four Onstar light failures. Last time they changed the battery (again), so I'm not optimistic that the fix is permanent. Still working after two weeks, but failure after 1-2 months has been the pattern. If it fails again, maybe someone can advise me why I shouldn't contact the appropriate US government agency and suggest a recall. Well, maybe recall isn't the right word unless there's a fix, but you get the idea: start demanding some action due to the widespread and frequent nature of these failures.

[Aronis]

Originally posted by JAXRS6
Personally I have no problems with the voice dialing. I don't use it too often but when I do it has worked well for me, and use of a dial pad seemingly would create a safety issue (i.e. distraction from driving). Unless dialing is done while the car is still...but at that point what's the advantage over a cell phone?


Oh {pause} My {pause} God!


I can't believe you fell for that dial pad creating a safety issue BS! What about adjusting the temp, adjusting the radio, talking to the guy/girl sitting next to you, talking to the kid in the back seat, taking a sip of your coffee, looking down to see what time it is, looking down to see what speed you are driving at, looking out the side window as something, etc... What about the cop looking down to adjust his/her radar gun while driving, etc.

If used properly, dialing a cell phone while driving is as safe as any other thing mentioned above. An added key pad for the On-Star could be with adequately raised keys such that you could dial by touch without your eyes leaving the road.

Should we eliminate all of those distractions also? Perhaps the driver should be in a 'pod' all by him/herself?

Mike

[Aronis]

Originally posted by rs6w
Considering OnStar is a GM product I have yet to see a GM car with a keypad.

As a matter of fact the only car I've seen with a key pad is the COMAND system in the benz.. (which has way better phone integration.)

The Benz system is VERY NICE.

BUT..

It cost and arm and a leg and a few fingers....

To get the entire integrated system, you haved to add nav, phone, etc, it's about 8 or 9 thousand by the time you are done..

Ouch....I'll pull over and use a pay phone first! LOL

Mike

[rs6w]

Originally posted by Aronis
The Benz system is VERY NICE.

BUT..

It cost and arm and a leg and a few fingers....

To get the entire integrated system, you haved to add nav, phone, etc, it's about 8 or 9 thousand by the time you are done..

Ouch....I'll pull over and use a pay phone first! LOL

Mike

We had the integrated phone and nav in my wife's old E320 wagon. It was like $2500 US by the time it was all said and done.

[Aronis]

Wow, I had priced one when looking at an ML55, due to the need to have the upgraded this and the upgraded that to have the handsfree phone it was very pricey, perhaps the price has dropped.

Did that include the portable phone? Much like the one for the Audi, the premium is quite high!

Mike

[rs6w]

Originally posted by Aronis
Wow, I had priced one when looking at an ML55, due to the need to have the upgraded this and the upgraded that to have the handsfree phone it was very pricey, perhaps the price has dropped.

Did that include the portable phone? Much like the one for the Audi, the premium is quite high!

Mike

This was on a 2000 E320 so the price might have changed. I was thinking at the time the COMAND was like 1900 and the phone was 650...

[sprint Blue]

I'm red...................again :doh:

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by sprint Blue
I'm red...................again :doh:

Me too. Fifth failure. I'll be trying to reach the appropriate US government agency for recalls this week as a result. Also plan to call AOA, but they have blown it as far as I'm concerned (by not showing up with an AOA tech as promised for an appointment re Onstar several weeks ago).

As for dial pads, Mike, your suggestion of raised keys sounds promising. But I do believe cell phones in general, and dialing in particular, present safety issues. I'm not suggesting either be banned, but they are a distraction -- added to the many distraction opportunities already available, as you pointed out. But I would ask your question re banning all those in a different way; namely, if they're NOT distractions worthy of safety attention, then does that mean mfrs can keep adding to the pile with impunity? What about nav screens? DVDs? TV & other features that require the driver's attention? Where does it end?

If all of us would act responsibly, there would be no need to regulate any of this. Unfortunately, all of us don't do that.

[Aronis]

Here, Here, I am with you..

By the way, trying to get my Xbox to work with my Dvd screen so I can play while I drive....just kidding, don't have dvd in the car nor an Xbox.....LOL

Mike

[JAXRS6]

Talk about alphabet soup!:idea: But the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, part of the US Department of Transportation, is where they take complaints & consider recalls.

The call was surprisingly easy. The menu choice was early and obvious, and I talked to a live person right away. Took down my info & they're sending me a form to confirm what it is I'm complaining about. Should arrive in 7-14 days, at which point I look over the info, sign & approve it and return it (or not, if there's a solution by then). Info I needed for my call: Name, address & phone of dealer(s) trying to fix the problem; my name, address & phone; make & model & year & VIN.

Describing the problem was the hardest part. Finally got it down to a couple of simple lines saying the Onstar red warning light goes on, I take it to dealer, it works fine for two weeks to two months, then red light comes on again, I take it to dealer again, and this has happened five times since my Aug 03 delivery.

I kept the back-up battery out of my description because I'm not sure it's the problem. Something else could be shorting out an otherwise fine back-up battery in my opinion. If Audi knew what the real problem was, we'd have a fix by now, don't you think? So I limited my description to symptoms, rather than trying to second-guess what the real problem is. I also mentioned that Onstar is made by GM.

:mech:

If anyone else wants to make a similar call, the toll free number is 888.327.4236 Can't say for sure but it seems logical that the more complaints the NHTSA has about a particular issue on a particular car, the more likely they will be to give it some attention.

NEW INFO: Just talked to the Onstar guy from my car. He suggested I give this diagnostic code to my dealer: B1446. Has anyone else encountered or tried this?

He also seemed to think the red light might mean it could be difficult for Onstar to locate my vehicle "in the future," altho he knew right where I was today.

[sturs6]

I AM RED AGAIN :w: :w: <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4_3_5.gif' border=0></a><a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_2_110.gif' border=0></a>
It has been about one month since the Telematics Unit as a whole has been replaced and I was assured by AOA as well as OnStar that this would be the fix of all fixes. SORRY guys and gals wrong again. I will now have to bring the car back and cruise around in a 1.8t for another week.:incar: I should have just bought a 1.8t with a sport package... Jack I may have to call the number you gave. :vgrumpy:
-Stuart
P.S. The Toureg Diesel is looking better and better. :D

[rs6w]

Ah mine is still green knock on wood...

Though if it goes red again, I'll just wait till the next service interval. Not worth making a trip to the dealer just for that....

[btumble]

Well, I'm a little late to the party but add me to the red onstar light list. I think it has been red a while but until I read this whole thread (thanks for all the info) I never registered it as a problem. Onstar is working. I have neither sat radio nor nav. And I don't use the onstar phone. I'm going to call the dealer now. If they have anything enlightening, I will post.


btumble

[Aronis]

boy this thread is growing.

Anyone know if this is common to all A6's or just the RS6.

If it is the Telemetric's system then it should be an issue with all A6's and infact the same system is in the A4 and A8 line I believe.

But if it is a unique RS6 problem, than something else is underfoot here.

Mine went Red the first month I had the car, and I have left it that way! The phone works fine, on-star works fine, it's just the backup battery or charing system that is faulty.

Hopefully we will have an answer some day, but remember it's a problem in a low volume car line and we may not have a clear fix in our life time LOL.

Mike

[sturs6]

Originally posted by Aronis
boy this thread is growing.

...it's just the backup battery or charing system that is faulty.

Hopefully we will have an answer some day, but remember it's a problem in a low volume car line and we may not have a clear fix in our life time LOL.

Mike
Mike,
I do not know what could be the problem here. As I have posted before my entire telematics unit was replaced last month and I have since returned to red... this is the most confussing thing I have heard of. Acording to some the problem is only the RS6.
:w:
-Stuart:addict:

[Aronis]

Originally posted by sturs6
Mike,
I do not know what could be the problem here. As I have posted before my entire telematics unit was replaced last month and I have since returned to red... this is the most confussing thing I have heard of. Acording to some the problem is only the RS6.
:w:
-Stuart:addict:

Stuart,

That is very interesting, I wonder what is specific about the RS6 that could cause this problem? Is the battery voltage higher on the RS6 than the A6? I think it's 13 or 14 volts instead of the usual 12. Maybe this is a problem for the telematics system?????

The Generator and Battery are larger capacity on the RS6, but when I asked the dealer about this they said that if you order all the electronics stuff on the A6 they upgrade the battery to the larger capicity one!

It's a puzzle and interesting but thank goodness it does not effect the car's performance!

Mike

[JAXRS6]

AOA has been alerted to my fifth falure. I didn't mention my call to NHTSA, tho, because I have yet to file a complaint, or even see the papers required. But my AOA owner advocate is working hard to resolve this. I told him I don't regard this as an issue worthy of a lemon suit because a) it doesn't affect everyday driving, which is a wonderful experience; and b) it is a widespread problem affecting many owners over and over, and for that reason AOA should fix it rather than offering to "swap cars."

Everyone understands I'm not filing a lemon suit -- right? Not that I haven't thought about it, given my car's other issues, but it's running great now. What I'm doing with NHTSA is beginning the process of filing a complaint that could lead to a recall due to the OnStar red light failures. Or maybe not; I don't know. But my hope is that if AOA is not able to resolve this soon on its own, they might be forced to find a solution by the feds.:hahahehe:

One reason I'm in a hurry is the possibility of a 1500 mile drive in about 10 days. But even if there's no solution by then, a replacement battery should at least get me home. So -- no need to panic, really. But I would like to get this resolved, I have a suspicion it won't get resolved until AOA talks to GM, and I'm calling in the United Nations -- er, NHTSA -- to facilitate said communication. Because I suspect Audi won't make that call to GM unless they have to. :cool2:

[sturs6]

I went by my dealer this afternoon and it just so happens that a German Audi Tech is in town for some sort of audit and I am meeting with him tomorrow. I am going to print out the entire thread and try to get a total of those that have the red light issue. I think wha tI may do is start a new poll thread for US owned RS6's the polll would be <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_17_2.gif' border=0></a>...

[sturs6]

After talking to JaxRS6 a few days ago I wanting to find out a little piece of info from other owners.

Those with the redlight problem do you or have you ever heard a white noise type hissing sound coming from the B-Pillar on the passengers side?
Those of you without the problem have you heard this noise?
-Stuart

[Aronis]

No noise, just the red light...

Otherwise the on-star works fine.

You know, I was talking with a friend who bought a Saturn Vue, and the price for the On-Star option was $2000.00..I Could not believe that! For $2 Grand there should be a GD keypad to dial the phone numbers.....

Mike

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: Stu
In previous posts within this thread, I did mention that one of the first things I started to hear and investigate was that "hissing" sound from the b pillar, passenger side. My audi tech who is going through this issue with me and AOA told me that there is a delay while the system shuts down and that the speaker is still active for a short time. Actually, when mine (speaker) goes totally inactive, I hear a pop! :bigeyes:
So, I'm now on third week since the second total reinstall of a new system, and all is green :rolleyes:
A new, "simple" poll might help more quickly quantify the results for sure. :dance:

:addict: FEVR :addict:

[nene]

Took my car in for the 15K mile service.
Explained to them that the On-Star system was no functioning, and neither was the navigation. Both have been fixed, and my On-Star light is now green. Let's see how long that lasts.

Could it be that if you stay red for too long, as I was for over 7 months, the Nav will stop working? I'm waiting on the paperwork from the dealer to find out.

[JAXRS6]

[i]A new, "simple" poll might help more quickly quantify the results for sure.[/B]

Someone already started a poll, altho I see you're already in it. You seek a different approach, maybe?

http://www2.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4197

[sturs6]

Originally posted by RS6FEVR
:cheers: Stu

A new, "simple" poll might help more quickly quantify the results for sure. :dance:
:addict: FEVR :addict:

What do you want the poll to say? I will start it...

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: Stu

I forgot about the poll Jax mentioned above! :doh: I was thinking along those lines when I mentioned a "simple" poll and forgot about it.

:addict: FEVR :addict:

[JKN]

Question:

Did anybody think to have a dealer just rip the damn onstar thing out of the car? Is it possible?

I've got red now and I'm not interested in the 13 visits to the dealer like a bunch of you guys have done!

:confused:

JKN

[Aronis]

My on-star light has been red for the past 6 months, in fact since I had the car for less than one month!

There is no functional consequence of this since it is probably just the bad backup battery for the onstar. It works fully otherwise as a cell phone, etc.

Leave it red! Matches the interior better and is less blinding at night!

Mike

[JKN]

That's fine with me to leave it red. so, you've had no consequences?

I personally don't care what color it is, but I hit the onstar thing, asked the person on who answered "audi telematics..." and they said to go into a dealership asap to have fixed..

I presume they'd want to have the green light.. maybe it makes me feel more confident in their service...

Fact is, I don't care for the concept much personally... it just came with the car... I didn't have a choice..

thanks for reply

JKN

[Aronis]

I check my car with VAG-COM to look for error codes, none seen...so as long as the engine light does not show I think the ON-Star system is just over reacting to something else.

Thus the bad battery theory!!!!

Mike

[sturs6]

I have since had my third Telematics unit installed. I am green for now. I was told this one will not have any more problems. Why you may ask? They have gotten this one from Michigan and not from the parts bin somewhere else I am told. They also said Audi knows of the problem and this is why they have given me this "secret unit". I said they should know of the problem we have been complaining for months now.
I want to do a pole here because now that they have put this new unit in my white noise in the passenger Bpillar has returned which is what happened in the last two units and I think they may be connected but I wanted to see if any of you other redlighters have this problem. look for b-pillar noise for the pole
-Stuart

[JAXRS6]

My OnStar had its fifth red light incident in May, and I do want it to work if I ever end up in a remote area wreck that disables the car battery. So, I went to (FL) dealer, who finally had some factory help aside from "replace the backup battery" advice. This time the work order says 'INSTALL ONSTAR BUTTON AS PER RON H," who is the AOA rep for the area.

That was June 4 and the green light is still on. In fact it's a bit different -- not nearly as bright (and annoying) as before. Don't know if that's related to the problem, but the fact that something is different & it's still working is encouraging.

Also, I no longer get white noise from the passenger side B pillar, which was happening before I took it in.

Could it be they've finally found a fix?!?!:bigeyes:

Time will tell....

[noushy]

Sheesh,
I was hoping the second time would be it. The darn thing turned red again this week. I have to go deal with audi of rochester hills again. Hopefully this will be the last fix.
On another note, I will be adding my 19inch wheels next week. HRE informed me that 18inch would not clear the wheels like they thought it would. I have new tires coming too, if I can get the michelins in time, I will use them, otherwise I will be getting Rossos.

Noushy

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by noushy
HRE informed me that 18inch would not clear the wheels like they thought it would.

Who is HRE? Also, please clarify; not sure what you mean by "18inch would not clear the wheels."

I bought my beast at Rochester Hills and now that I'm back in Michigan, will be visiting there for 25K mi oil change in a month or two. I may hook up with Mr. Piggie, who has been visiting here after his move to Minnesota & may move back. Let me know if you'd like to get together; ditto anyone else in Detroit area.:thumb:

[noushy]

Sorry Jax,
I didn't mean to change the subject. HRE is a wheel manufacturer, www.hrewheels.com, check it out if you are interested. I wanted to upgrade to a modular wheel, but unfortunately the brakes are so large that they will not clear the HRE 18 inch wheel, need 19 inch or larger in a modular wheel. The factory 18 inch works because it is cast, 1 piece wheel with more space inside the wheel. As for the red light thing, it is going in again next week. And yes, I would like to try and meet up with all the rs6 folks in the Detroit area. You can email me at noushyk@hotmail.com and let me know what you guys have planned. Maybe we can even do a group write up or something.

Later

[App]

Well, I guess I'm really part of the club now, my Onstar red light :heart: came on today and won't go off. Does that make me a senior member? ;) Still, at least I got this thread back on topic :D

[sturs6]

For all of you new "Redlight District Member" Please find the poll Thread and register your vote. I am enjoying the running total.
Jack lets get that recall started... :thumb:
Poll Here (http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4197&highlight=onstar+poll)

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by sturs6
Jack lets get that recall started...
I was going to say no to this for now, since the recent fix attempt resulted in a less-bright green light and the Florida dealer replaced the switch rather than the backup battery on my last visit (June 4) -- per AOA's recommendation. I really had high hopes that that meant it was fixed. But NOOOO -- today it went red again. Sixth time!

SOOOO...should I file the form I was sent at my request by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is part of DOT (US Dept of Transportation)? Or should I wait and give my Michigan dealer one more chance?

I'm inclined to file because the Michigan dealer worked on this, too, early on.

One other thing I need to decide is whether to allow identification of myself to the manufacturer. The form letter I received from Alberto A. Jimenez says "The Privacy Act prohibits our agency from identifying you to the manufacturer without your permission." Jimenez is Chief, Correspondence Research Division, Office of Defects Investigation, Enforcement. On one hand, if I don't give permission, AOA may not see my report at all (tho I may call to make sure about that); on the other, if I do OK my ID, I worry a little that it could create problems for me at AOA, since I likely would no longer be considered a "loyal" customer.

It's going to take me a couple of days to gather & copy repair receipts and write my own letter, which will refer to & give the web address for this thread (unless someone here strongly objects). So there's time for input from other members here & I'd love to see some.

Meantime, anyone who wishes to contact NHTSA directly may do so toll free at (888) 327-4236 or http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline

And by the way, when I called a few weeks ago to request the complaint form, I was pleasantly surprised that the wait time was short & the person I spoke to was very helpful.

[sturs6]

Well I have got my third Unit installed now and it is still green it has been 2 weeks now. Audi sent me a new unit from a "secret" stock instead of the normal parts bin. I look forward to seeing if this is the fix. :vgrumpy:

[rs6_newyork]

@ 3900 miles, I joined the club! yay!

oh wait.. this isn't a good club..

prodiag DTC - low volt condition on backup battery.

Strangely the onstar button no longer works -- the one that gives you the menu like virtual advisor etc, only the emergency call button works (and the cancel button).

[sturs6]

Originally posted by sturs6
Well I have got my third Unit installed now and it is still green it has been 2 weeks now. Audi sent me a new unit from a "secret" stock instead of the normal parts bin. I look forward to seeing if this is the fix. :vgrumpy:
I am red again even after the "Secret stock". This and other problems I am ready to ask for a new one.

[JKN]

Mine turned red at 3.5K.. at 5K maintenance, I had them replace and it is now green again. I have to say, I prefer the red to match interior.

Does anybody know if the red light means anything from a pure function perspective? I seemed to be able to work the unit fine without the green light.. it's just that it was red..

Is that the same for other folks that it works anyway?

JK

[SpinEcho]

Originally posted by sturs6
For all of you new "Redlight District Member" Please find the poll Thread and register your vote. I am enjoying the running total.
Jack lets get that recall started... :thumb:
Poll Here (http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4197&highlight=onstar+poll)

The poll is closed when I try to vote. So I'll vote here. Do I have the dubious honour of being the first Canadian to report my red light? :(

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by JKN
Does anybody know if the red light means anything from a pure function perspective? I seemed to be able to work the unit fine without the green light...

I can't guarantee this is right, but the problem seems to be that something causes the OnStar back-up battery to fail. As long as you're running on your regular car battery, OnStar should continue to work. But if there's an emergency that disables your car battery and the OnStar backup battery doesn't work either, then you're stuck without the emergency communication OnStar is supposed to provide. That's the gist of what I've heard, at least.

Additionally, someone at OnStar once told me that the red light coming on means that eventually, OnStar would not be able to locate a vehicle in trouble.

[Hy Octane]

The onstar system software for 2003 models has a bug in it that can cause the unit to connect to onstar by itself and remain connected even after the engine is turned off, thus causing the unit to think power has been interrupted, so it kicks in the backup battery which becomes drained and voila, red light. This is also the source of the mysterious hissing sound from the b-pillar some were noticing.. Like a dead carrier.. Onstar has confirmed that this problem can sometimes be fixed with a reset, but probably will need to be replaced with an updated head unit .. Of course, onstar wont be telling you this unless you complain.. Now heres the extra bonus I found out about.. Onstar have developed a new unit for 2004 models that can be either digital or analog, which resolves the problem when analog disappears in 2008.. so, if you have a funky onstar unit, tell your service manager you want it replaced with a 2004 model.. I did this and will be getting it swapped out next week. HTH! :addict:

[JKN]

Funny...

There's going to a rush on 2004 headunits in the next week.. hope they have a bunch in stock!!!

[sturs6]

I will be getting my 4 head unit next month. How many will it take. I think there is a bigger unseen problem with certain cars and the problem will not get a fix. After I went red again I have noticed the hissing in the B pillar has queit again. In fact that is how I new the redlight was on.

[Robert Wendel]

Have to take my car in for the electrical recall in the am. I have been holding off on installing XM radio to avoid the "red" problem. Today my green went red. Had it happened after the recall service I would have blamed the techs!
I guess that is why there is the word coincidence.
Let's see if they can fix it.

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by Robert Wendel
I have been holding off on installing XM radio to avoid the "red" problem.

For the record, my OnStar red light went on before I installed Sirius, and it went on again after the installation too. Didn't seem to make a difference, in my case at least.

I'm now on my sixth fix. Entire new OnStar unit. We'll see. Haven't filed federal defect notice considered earlier, but may reconsider if this one fails.

[audirs6sport]

what EXACTLY is this onstar redlight problem?

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by audirs6sport
what EXACTLY is this onstar redlight problem?

The tiny OnStar signal light over the center stack is supposed to stay green; red means something is wrong. Red lights have led to back-up batteries being replaced by the dozens, but they keep failing after a couple of weeks or couple of months. My OnStar switch also was replaced, but another red light followed. So now I have an entire new OnStar unit. As for others, scroll thru the posts.

My OnStar has never completely quit working, but once or twice I was told they could not locate my vehicle. That obviously would be important if I was in a serious accident.

Does that mean something besides a failing back-up battery is causing the red light to go on? Maybe; since replacing the back-up battery has not solved the problem, something else must be causing it, eh? In any case, if we knew all the answers then there wouldn't be a problem! Maybe it's been solved by the 2004 model of OnStar, per post above. We'll see.

[audirs6sport]

so is this problem caused after you install an XM radio or phat noise?

:addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict:

[sturs6]

No though it can happen after sat radio is installed but again we are talking about a problem that is actually a false reading on the computers part.

[App]

Went in for the first OnStar redlight fix at 5,000 miles, it was green for about 900 miles and now it's back to red :heart:.

It's the battery again according to Onstar's diagnostics! The first one was the GPS antenna connection according to Onstar diagnostics but when I took it in, Audi said it was actually the battery that was at fault.

I suspect they have a design fault in the charging circuit for the backup battery or that something else is draining it when it shouldn't be.

No Sat nav, no XM radio, no Phat noise ... so I don't think they are in any way related to the problem. Don't hold off on getting XM Radio or Phatnoise just because you are worried about the red light - you'll get it anyway sooner or later!

So, when they replace the Onstar unit can you get the new 'digital one' with better voice recognition?

On a positive note, the red light does complement the rest of the instrumentation much better, maybe I'll reverse the LED when I finally do get it fixed so green = problem, red = normal :)

[sturs6]

After many trips to the dealer and with many Audi Exec's I have found out what our problem is.

The OnStar unit as we all know contains a backup battery that is used just as that for back up in the case of an emergency and a disconnection of the battery. It is also used in the case of a drop in voltage. The point at which the back up batter is kicked in is at 8.3 volts. Every time there is a drop in voltage below that number the backup battery kicks in until the problem is fixed or it dies. In my case and probably 90% (safe number) of the cases what happens is the voltage dips below that only for a fraction of a second and the battery is never actually used but the computer things the battery is used therefore it takes away one of its lives. The backup battery has 5 lives or five times to switch on before it dies. What happens in this case is the battery actually does not die but it is though to have died therefore we get a "red light".
What can be done is not to change the unit nor the battery but this timer that counts down the number of times it is switched to backup can be reset. It is that simple there is no leaving the car for days or even over night if you get in good with these guys they will probably allow you just to bring it back and the will do it while you stand there.

I hope all of this makes sense to everyone.

:cheers:-Stuart:addict:

[Robert Wendel]

Sounds good, but where is the timer? I have an appointment to have my "fix", but doubt that the shop will know this info or about this timer you have discovered.

rob:0:

[audirs6sport]

Originally posted by sturs6
After many trips to the dealer and with many Audi Exec's I have found out what our problem is.

The OnStar unit as we all know contains a backup battery that is used just as that for back up in the case of an emergency and a disconnection of the battery. It is also used in the case of a drop in voltage. The point at which the back up batter is kicked in is at 8.3 volts. Every time there is a drop in voltage below that number the backup battery kicks in until the problem is fixed or it dies. In my case and probably 90% (safe number) of the cases what happens is the voltage dips below that only for a fraction of a second and the battery is never actually used but the computer things the battery is used therefore it takes away one of its lives. The backup battery has 5 lives or five times to switch on before it dies. What happens in this case is the battery actually does not die but it is though to have died therefore we get a "red light".
What can be done is not to change the unit nor the battery but this timer that counts down the number of times it is switched to backup can be reset. It is that simple there is no leaving the car for days or even over night if you get in good with these guys they will probably allow you just to bring it back and the will do it while you stand there.

I hope all of this makes sense to everyone.

:cheers:-Stuart:addict:


So are they buying back your rs6? or no



:addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict:

[sturs6]

Originally posted by audirs6sport
So are they buying back your rs6? or no



:addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict:
If I so choose.

The timer may come up on the VAG unit I am not positive I can talk to the tech and find out though.

[rs6_newyork]

On a positive note, the red light does complement the rest of the instrumentation much better, maybe I'll reverse the LED when I finally do get it fixed so green = problem, red = normal :) [/B] I'm going to do this as well, on a dark freeway, the green light lights up the face of the front passengers. It is annoying as hell once you notice it.

[audirs6sport]

Me too. I "HATE" that green led lighting source, coming from the OnStar. Can anyone help me get that red light??

:addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict: :addict:

[SpinEcho]

And now for something completely different...

My red light issue is solved (for now). Dealer says it was an antenna problem :vhmmm: so they replaced the antenna and - tadaa! - green light. It will be interesting to see if this lasts...

[Robert Wendel]

Just got my car back from the dealer with my Onstar "fixed" for a second time.

This time my work order says "checked on-star system, found battery lower limit exceeded. Checked measuring block values and found the emergency battery voltage to be ok 19.3v. Called tech line with findings, talked to Dan Henderson contact #DH2005011112 advised of findings, rec to replace the on-star control module. ...... called on-star and changed registration and configuration to the new module. All is working to all factory intent at this time"

The work order also says "rebuilt module"....hopefully not one of the ones pulled from one of the cars having this problem.

So how long will I stay green?

[JAXRS6]

I'd give it two weeks to two months. At least that's been my experience over eight failures. Or is it nine? Honestly, I've lost count.:( Entire module has been replaced at least once, switch once or twice, battery replaced, battery reset or recharged....currently red & battery will be reset or recharged on my next visit for another purpose. Which isn't far away, with 35K mi service coming up within a month.

The good news is, my dealer says an entirely new unit, different brand I think, is on the way from Germany, due around March or so. On the other hand, my AOA owner advocate knew nothing about this. So I guess we'll have to wait and see.:rolleyes:

[sturs6]

I second Jacks statement 2 weeks to 2 months althought I did have one that only lasted one week.
Good luck with it though. Maybe one day AOA will have a final fix. If I am not mistaken the Onstar does not come on the new Audi's does it?

[eph94]

OK, I'm probably jinxing myself for posting, but what the heck...

I had the red light problem for several months over the summer and into the fall. I then left the country for 4 weeks, whereupon the car sat idle. When I returned in late October, the light miraculously turned green and it has been green ever since. How the heck did it fix itself, especially if we are hypothesizing that the unit was draining the backup battery? That battery should have run dry in 4 weeks of inactivity. Now the light is green! Weird...

For what it's worth,
Joe

[JAXRS6]

Originally posted by JJV-MA
OK, I'm probably jinxing myself for posting, but what the heck...

I had the red light problem for several months over the summer and into the fall. I then left the country for 4 weeks, whereupon the car sat idle. When I returned in late October, the light miraculously turned green and it has been green ever since. How the heck did it fix itself, especially if we are hypothesizing that the unit was draining the backup battery? That battery should have run dry in 4 weeks of inactivity. Now the light is green! Weird...

For what it's worth,
Joe

Wow, that IS a puzzle! You're saying that during the four weeks you were gone, no one started or drove your car? Did it start right up when you returned, or was the car battery dead?

:confused:

[RS6FEVR]

:cheers: all
Unlike JJV-MA, I also left my car garaged for six weeks Nov thru mid Dec, and still have a red light! :confused: :confused: Mine did not reset (but, car started fine with strong battery)? I've spoken to my dealer who said he's got three other beasts with the same problem and they hope to have some solution coming up in February? This supposed solution includes some entirely new system coming from Germany. In previous posts I've mentioned I'm on my 2nd full brand new system, at least four back up battery replacements and system resets. The last system install exhibited green for two months, then the b pillar pop/hiss started and the light has been red ever since! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I still love this car though.

:addict: RS6 :addict:
Ps. Spoke to NAVTEQ in Chicago today who said new 10 set NAV CD set available end of January. $249.00

[eph94]

Originally posted by JAXRS6
Wow, that IS a puzzle! You're saying that during the four weeks you were gone, no one started or drove your car? Did it start right up when you returned, or was the car battery dead?

:confused:

Started right up. No issues. It didn't even have flat spots on the tires! I was very happy to say the least.

[Aronis]

Has any dealer commented on weither this is only an RS6 problem or is it common to all 2003 A6 with Onstar????

Mike

[sturs6]

Originally posted by Aronis
Has any dealer commented on weither this is only an RS6 problem or is it common to all 2003 A6 with Onstar????

Mike
RS6 only from my understanding and research. I think it is because the battery is in the trunk because it is a voltage drop that causes the computer to think that the battery is dead therefore it turns on the "back up OnStar battery". When this occurs five times your light turns to the pretty matching color red. Then you take it to the dealer and they change the battery and all that needs to really happen is for that timer that counts down from five needs to be reset. :mech:

[nyrs6]

Add my dads RS6 to the onstar red light victims list.

Probably not going to do anything about it since we never activated it.

[nyrs6]

Originally posted by Aronis
Has any dealer commented on weither this is only an RS6 problem or is it common to all 2003 A6 with Onstar????

Mike

well i dont think Audi offers onstar on any 05 vehicle, so its probably every audi that has a problem.

[audirs6sport]

This OnStar redlight issue is pissing the "F$%^" out of me. Earlier today, just when I needed the onstar, it kept on disconnecting when there was an emergency need for help. For everyone who's got OnStar redlight issue and do not worry about it, I highly recommend you give it a second thought about it. Expect the unexpected... Just my 2 cents.

[nene]

I think the only time the On* system worked fine was when at the dealer they showed me the option.
Couple times I tried to use it on my own, it never connected. Thus, when it came time to renew it, I said 'no thanks'!

[Aronis]

I have been using the cell phone function of the ONstar system for a year, and it works flawlessly even with the red light...

Also, I have called OnStar a few times and it has always worked despite the light.

If I crash And the main battery Goes AND I am in the middle on Nowhere, it doesn't matter, there will probably be no Cell service there anyway for Onstar to call out with..

Mike

[SpinEcho]

This may have been covered in a previous post, but I'd be interested to hear from Mike or anyone else whether your OnStar phone button still works, even after your OnStar minutes are used up. Mine does, and I'm guessing it works through my phone in the armrest cradle. Can anyone on this forum without the phone still make calls with no remaining minutes?

[Aronis]

If you have the Audi Cell phone and is connected via the proper cradle, the phone button uses the Cell phone transmitter instead of the On Star Transmitter.

I would have hoped that the cell phone in the cradle would use the OnStar's full power cell phone instead, but from what I have been told it's the other way around. The Handsfree setup then simply uses the hand held cell phones phone number directory and memory and it's transmitter to make the call, thus a low 0.6 watt instead of the full 3 watt in the Onstar built in cell phone.

So if you have no Cell Phone minutes left (voice command 'Units' and then "Verify"), you should not be able to make cell phone calls using the white dot button, but I believe the OnStar emergency button would always work even if your account is closed. The Star Button would require an account.

I am not sure if the Onstar Unlook-my-doors-because-I-am-an-idiot thing works via the cell network or if the command is transmitted via satillite but I suspect it's all via cell phone network.

I wish this $85,000 car had a decent cell phone setup independant of the On-star with a handset and a numeric key pad.

Mike

[Jimmy]

Is there a procedure to code out the on-star back-up battery? I have the 01531 code now and it threw the MIL on.

I also have the 00862 code...open circuit on the antennae, hard to think the antennae is bad as the radio works fine still....and the new RNS-E has it's own puck antennae.

[hahnmgh63]

You can code out the Onstar (Telematics is what you are looking for). Also, the lithium battery backup is under the front portion of the carpet in the passenger footwell, inside a styrofoam/plastic holder and can be un-plugged and removed. I'll have to look up my coding in Vagcom as I removed mine 5yrs ago at least. I used the puck antenna for the RNS-E for a couple of years but then switched to the Sharkfin, no better reception I just figured why use and extra antenna when the car already has one installed. Once again, the Onstar module, down by the Onstar battery has a GPS antenna going to it. If you pull the carpet back further the GPS antenna goes under the floor on the passenger side, you can cut a couple pieces of tape where the GPS antenna is taped to a wiring harness and get enough slack to run it up the passenger side of the center console by where your knee would be and run it into the back of where your radio/RNS-E is.