Audi and Bluetooth

I have the hands free bluetooth system in my Audi A3 and it was working fine with my older 2.5G iPhone(3.0 OS). I upgraded to the 3GS phone and ever since I have had problems with the bluetooth randomly disconnecting. When I turn the car on I get the 'BT on' chime and then randomly while driving it will go to 'BT off' and then sometimes will turn back on but sometimes a restart of the car is necessary.

Has anyone else experienced this in an Audi or in any other vehicle?

thanks!

Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Aug 6, 2009 6:39 AM

24 replies

Sep 7, 2009 6:11 AM in response to bbbobbb

I have this problem with my jaguar XK. I never had any problem with dropouts on my 3g but get it frequently on the 3gs. However I noticed the other day that the dropout occured exactly the same time that the 3gs was connecting to a free wifi zone that I was driving past.

I have now tried turning the wifi off when driving and so far no dropouts. Any one else experienced the same?

sbuxton Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 10, 2009 7:43 AM in response to sbuxton

So..I went to Apple and they replaced the phone. Twice actually as the first replacement died a few hours after getting it. But...the replacement phone did not fix the problem entirely. That said it is better as I can go a few days without the issue cropping up and when it does the bluetooth is only off for a few seconds and comes back on. Before it would happen every time I got in the car and I had to restart the car to get it to reconnect. It also appears that the 3.1 update did not fix the issue as I had it happen to me today and I did 3.1 yesterday.

sbuxton Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 10, 2009 7:44 AM in response to justspurs

I have not noticed the wifi thing...but I will try that as maybe that is why I have not noticed anything for a few days at a time. SOmetimes I turn wifi off. Interesting.

sbuxton Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 15, 2009 11:30 AM in response to justspurs

So I tried the wifi fix and indeed it does appear to solve the issue for me. If I leave wifi off I get no bluetooth dropouts.

So far I have two work arounds that work in my car at least.

1) Leave the phone plugged into a charging source
2) Make sure wifi is turned off

If I do either of those two things my bluetooth stays connected.

Sep 18, 2009 9:30 PM in response to sbuxton

Yep, yet another poor victim. Only happened to me when I updated last week with the new iTunes update and iPhone patch. The one that mentions fixing 3g/wifi/bluetooth issues. If you have the choice, don't do the update.
My Audi A3 (2007) Bluetooth worked fine and now, same symptoms as others, BT dropping out and even worse, the phone powers down, goes to sleep and locks itself to a black screen. Have to force a reset to reboot phone. Tried a total restore of phone through iTunes, no remedy. Apple support say you can't go backwards to the previous software. Seems that Audi will have to update or create a patch to catch up. Pain in the boot if you ask me.
Appointment next week with Genius Bar. If enough people do this, or even contact support, then maybe Apple will create a patch/fix....please!

Nov 16, 2009 6:15 AM in response to thepicturedesk

I have the bluetooth connection dropping problem as well, in my Audi A4 (2007). I've called my operator, they can't help me, I try and call Apple but I can't even get passed the automatic menu, the last message being 'contact your mobile operator for this'. They ask me to contact Apple.

And on the Apple site there's no form or email or whatsoever to state your problem. At least not that I can find.

scyoung

Level 1

0 points

Nov 16, 2009 6:17 PM in response to superbarre

I have a 2009 VW and a 2010 VW both with factory installed bluetooth. I have the same problem with my 3GS. I've been to the "Genius" bar, they replaced the phone twice. Still have the problem. The last visit they told me to consider buying a pre-paid cellular phone to use in the car since the iPhone wouldn't work.

Nov 23, 2009 12:46 PM in response to sbuxton

I do not have an Audi, but since the latest update my phone had been disconnecting from most of my Bluetooth devices. It usually reconnects but its irritating. I hope this gets fixed soon. As others have posted, leaving the car charger plugged in, fixes the problem. Problem is, my earpieces to the same thing. AS long as I am talking they stay connected.

Dec 6, 2009 4:49 PM in response to sbuxton

I thought I was going crazy! I just upgraded from a 3G to a 3GS. I have never had this problem before the 3GS, and now it randomly just disconnects on me. It's VERY frustrating.

This is in a 2007 Audi A4.

I had a Samsung SGH-U600 and the iPhone 3G before this, both of which worked perfectly with no dropouts.

I hope Apple fixes this problem soon. I guess for now I will leave the WiFi off. 😟

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Audi and Bluetooth