B5 S4 w/ 8v A3 Steering Wheel - Possible to get Buttons to Work? Aftermarket Headunit

[CJ_]

Hello,

I've spent some time trying to get my RNS-E fully integrated into my B5, but the lack of support now days has me rethinking my decision.

I've been trying to get my steering wheel buttons to work and I'm not sure it'll ever happen (trying on 2010+ RNS-E with 8v A3 SW). Theres a few other things that don't work like OEM, and its driving me crazy.

Lately the thought has crossed my mind to ditch the OEM RNS-e and dive into the world of aftermarket head units. I really like the idea of bluetooth music and smartphone integration, Just really wish I could keep the looks of the RNS-e.

Does anyone know if this is possible to get the buttons to work on an aftermarket head unit? So far the Pioneer App radio 4 and NEX units have caught my eye.
Do any headunits like to communicate better with the audi steering wheels? as that would be a big factor in my decision.

Another question I have, have any of the new radios been able to send track and Nav info to the cluster?

Below is a picture of my wheel and current RNS-e setup

[HUFset]

You have the wrong buttons, need the correct SCM(from 8V A3) and in theory a PAC unit between SCM and Head Unit. I’ve collected all the audi parts. But still haven’t hooked it all up yet. I also think that you need to wire in a CAN Gateway in order to get push to talk and a bluetooth module working. I don’t think the aftermarket HU allows you to cut any corners since you need the extra PAC unit.

[CJ_]

You have the wrong buttons, need the correct SCM(from 8V A3) and in theory a PAC unit between SCM and Head Unit. I’ve collected all the audi parts. But still haven’t hooked it all up yet. I also think that you need to wire in a CAN Gateway in order to get push to talk and a bluetooth module working. I don’t think the aftermarket HU allows you to cut any corners since you need the extra PAC unit.

Hm, so it wouldnt be as simple as hooking up an aftermarket steering wheel control adapter? Such as:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541SWI...BoC4JMQAvD_BwE

[HUFset]

In addition to everything else. The HU needs to be able to read CAN signal coming from steering wheel and SCM.

[CJ_]

In addition to everything else. The HU needs to be able to read CAN signal coming from steering wheel and SCM.

I see, so the steering control adapters read can signals, not the actual button presses. What exactly is a PAC unit?

[HUFset]

The steering wheel sends LIN or CAN signals to the radio. The B5 radio is k line so none of that communicates. By adding an aftermarket HU you will need that PAC unit for it to understand those signals. You are adding two steps to getting your wheel to fully work.The only person I know that has an RNSE and steering wheel working is DolphinV8 and he wants to sell the instructions. That other thread we are in is close to solving it. I think It actually is solved just need to add that PAC unit and wire it all up.

[CJ_]

The steering wheel sends LIN or CAN signals to the radio. The B5 radio is k line so none of that communicates. By adding an aftermarket HU you will need that PAC unit for it to understand those signals. You are adding two steps to getting your wheel to fully work.The only person I know that has an RNSE and steering wheel working is DolphinV8 and he wants to sell the instructions. That other thread we are in is close to solving it. I think It actually is solved just need to add that PAC unit and wire it all up.

What SCM do you have or have tried?

Looks like if I have any chance of getting the buttons to work on this steering wheel, I'll need an SCM that will accept LIN 2.0 signals. I found this on ross techs website:

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...odule_Versions


On a side note, I just bought some stuff to start bench testing the whole setup and I'm going to use an Arduino with a CANBUS shield to see if I can simulate MFSW commands to the RNS-E.

[HUFset]

I have two different SCMs in theory to support both types of buttons. You are definitely on the correct path with that document. I pulled a few last summer from junkyards using that document. The only issue I’m have is wiring them up.

[CJ_]

I have two different SCMs in theory to support both types of buttons. You are definitely on the correct path with that document. I pulled a few last summer from junkyards using that document. The only issue I’m have is wiring them up.

After some more research, It looks like it should be no issue to get the 8v (highline buttons with '< >') out to the steering control module. But the RNSE might not recognize these CAN signals converted from the LIN 2.0.
There may be hope in aftermarket radios by using a PAC unit as mentioned above.

Im still determined to get the RNS-E working. As a bonus, I would really love to use the other buttons to control my Color MFA that I have coming in. This will be part of my bench prototype