Voice Control/Bluetooth microphone not working

**BottomScratcher** · 08-08-2013, 11:21 AM

I've definitely got gremlins. First the map scale decides to change everytime I start the car, and now the microphone has stopped working. A couple of times over the last week my phone hasn't automatically connected, so I've done it manually only to find that the preset phone numbers on the satnav have been wiped. Now the phone connects OK, but I cannot be heard when making/receiving calls. I tried the Voice Commands, and after "Pardon" I try again only to hear "Cancel". It's obvious that the mic isn't working. I've done soft resets, and pulled the head unit out, but the block connection appears OK (Everything else is still working normally). The BT unit hasn't been touched, but I'll check that connection later today.

I had a dodgy satnav antenna replaced recently, and the dealer said that they had "cleared several faults" that appeared when they connected VCDS. I'm not a great believer in coincidence. Does it make sense that something is amiss with the coding?

**kamold** · 08-08-2013, 12:01 PM

Yes does sound like the coding may have been changed on the RNS. The mic may have been coded out.

**BottomScratcher** · 08-08-2013, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by kamold

Yes does sound like the coding may have been changed on the RNS. The mic may have been coded out.

Thanks kamold. Grovelling PM sent.

**BottomScratcher** · 13-08-2013, 08:26 AM

After kamold kindly had a look at the coding for me (thanks again!) it was throwing up a fault of an open circuit on the microphone, so not a coding issue. I had checked the connections on the mic, head unit, and BT unit, but it was time to get the trim tools out again. I found that one of the white plastic in-line mic connectors on the harness didn't look right. After pulling off the tape that was on it I found that the commercial enterprise that I had previously thought had done a good job of the BT install had chopped off one of the male connectors, inserted the wires into the back of the female connector, and taped it up. With the head unit having been in and out a few times over a couple of weeks while dealing with the dodgy satnav antenna the wires had simply come away from the wires that they were never permanently joined to. Open circuit.

OK, the connectors must have been incompatible, but it wouldn't have taken long to do a proper job by soldering the wires together, and then insulating them from each other. Even a couple of dry crimp connections would've been better than what had been done. To call the workmanship amateurish would be insulting to amateurs. While investigating I also found that the overhead mic connection looks like it's been greatly "modified" with a Stanley knife. That is a mystery as my car had the mic fitted ex-factory as part of the satnav voice control system. My estimation of the workshop concerned has been greatly diminished. So, after identifying the problem a $2.75 2-pin connector from Jaycar, and 10 minutes of my time was all it took to rectify the fault, and do what should've been done in the first place to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

**Hillbilly** · 13-08-2013, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by BottomScratcher

After kamold kindly had a look at the coding for me (thanks again!) it was throwing up a fault of an open circuit on the microphone, so not a coding issue. I had checked the connections on the mic, head unit, and BT unit, but it was time to get the trim tools out again. I found that one of the white plastic in-line mic connectors on the harness didn't look right. After pulling off the tape that was on it I found that the commercial enterprise that I had previously thought had done a good job of the BT install had chopped off one of the male connectors, inserted the wires into the back of the female connector, and taped it up. With the head unit having been in and out a few times over a couple of weeks while dealing with the dodgy satnav antenna the wires had simply come away from the wires that they were never permanently joined to. Open circuit.

OK, the connectors must have been incompatible, but it wouldn't have taken long to do a proper job by soldering the wires together, and then insulating them from each other. Even a couple of dry crimp connections would've been better than what had been done. To call the workmanship amateurish would be insulting to amateurs. While investigating I also found that the overhead mic connection looks like it's been greatly "modified" with a Stanley knife. That is a mystery as my car had the mic fitted ex-factory as part of the satnav voice control system. My estimation of the workshop concerned has been greatly diminished. So, after identifying the problem a $2.75 2-pin connector from Jaycar, and 10 minutes of my time was all it took to rectify the fault, and do what should've been done in the first place to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

Hopefully you made the installer aware of the poor workmanship and asked what in the way of compensation they would offer.

**BottomScratcher** · 14-08-2013, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Hopefully you made the installer aware of the poor workmanship and asked what in the way of compensation they would offer.

It's a minor inconvenience sure, but given the poor workmanship in the way of butchery done to a couple of the connectors, and the shoddy way wiring was connected I doubt there's anything to be gained from talking to them. More to the point, I don't want them ever touching my car, or my wife's, again anyhow. One of life's lesson's that I eventually learnt, albeit the hard way, is that the best part of banging your head against a wall is when you stop.

**Nevermind** · 14-08-2013, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by BottomScratcher

I've definitely got gremlins. First the map scale decides to change everytime I start the car...

I have the same gremlin with the map scale. I also have one where it will randomly switch stations to Nova.

**kamold** · 14-08-2013, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Nevermind

I have the same gremlin with the map scale. I also have one where it will randomly switch stations to Nova.

That sounds like you have a wife/girlfriend

**BottomScratcher** · 16-08-2013, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Nevermind

I have the same gremlin with the map scale. I also have one where it will randomly switch stations to Nova.

Since the last FW upgrade I occassionally have radio channel switching on start up too. I had an interesting assosciation of ideas in reaction to your mention of Nova.

**ButterflyQueen** · 24-06-2015, 01:58 AM

I have a factory installed rcd 510 with 9w7 bluetooth module in a 2010 Tiguan, I purchased used. For some reason the microphone isn't working. All the functions except this work. My phone connects, and phone book appears etc. But whenever a call is placed or received no one can hear me. Any clue why this is happening? Could the microphone have gone bad? I took the microphone out to inspect it and it looks undamaged.