RDS TMC no longer working in UK

[RAB999]

Anyone got a fix for a problem with MMI system traffic messages having stopped flowing?  The Info menu for a few months now says no messages are available.  This screen used to list all the RDS radio traffic incidents and the clever and helpful bit was this flowed through to the dynamic route planning app.  

This came as standard with my Black edition A4 2012 Sport - so no paid subscription.

I've read that the Trafficmaster provider of this data has stopped supplying the data.  Surely there are other providers. Dealer doesn't seem to have a fix for this problem and doesn't even recognise it.  Audi Digital online referred me to the dealer.

Please don't say just use a standalone nav app or mobile device!  Thanks.

[Steve Q]

I'd recommend a diagnostic check to see if any fault codes flag up. Or definitely speak to Audi to see if they have in fact stopped the update. 

[RAB999]

Thanks. @Steve Q but you seem to have overlooked some of what I already described - I've already tried to ask Audi (about what I now think is a known issue) - so far, all parts of the organisation plead ignorance!

I've been doing some more research on other VAG owners group sites where this topic gets more mention - seems that Audi owners don't use the messaging about traffic issues via the MMI via RDS but perhaps through standalone internet connected devices.  The reason I posted here is because I already asked the local dealership if they know of the issue and so far they don't.

 

As I said I tried Audi Digital too - useless!

 

It seems that many people with different VG group vehicles have noticed this problem during 2023 as the provider of the data to VAG vehicles audio systems, Trafficmaster has stopped providing the data service. 

 

This means that with the current coding Audi (and other similar models) cannot receive RDS data in the UK.   There is another provider in the UK data market, I have learned, Inrix, but the format of their data differs from Trafficmaster so that a straightforward switch-over is not possible.

 

I wonder why Audi / VAG are ignoring even acknowledging this problem?  In the same way there's no need for dealerships to charge for pointless investigative work if these conclusions from owners are correct. I think it's disgraceful that for example my local dealership is still willing to charge for meaningless investigations but VAG group have no proper solution.

 

I see @Steve Q that you're a moderator - does this site have links to the manufacturer - if so, does that mean that you have contacts within the VAG group and are able to pass issues on such as these?  Thanks in advance.

Edited August 11, 2023 by RAB999

[Steve Q]

Apologies I'd missed that you've already contacted the dealer. Funnily enough I've been discussing a similar situation regarding modern car electronics failing and not being replaceable. The manufacturers enjoy building in obsolescence. I'm wondering if the cheapest option for you is to fit an aftermarket head unit with android auto etc. 

[Hillbilly23]

I have the same problem with my 2009 Audi 2.0tdi le mans Avant. I have been through every channel possible in talking to Audi and they have NO intention of changing to the remaining supplier which is INRIX. Needless to say my next car will NOT be an Audi!!

[Steve Q]

Sorry to hear of your situation. The only thing I can think of us changing to an android auto etc touch screen 

[Hillbilly23]

3 hours ago, Steve Q said:

Sorry to hear of your situation. The only thing I can think of us changing to an android auto etc touch screen 

Yes that is a way around the problem but as I do not own a smart phone it would mean buying one then buying a car play or android head unit. Will just manage without but an very unhappy with Audi UK's attitude on something that cannot be that hard to fix.

 

[RAB999]

Worst of all Audi don't acknowledge this issue. AND they still want to charge people for supposedly investigating what they should already know. DISGRACEFUL! 

Why should the customer be faced with more expense!

 

WHERE IS THE OFFICIAL SOLUTION?

[Steve Q]

15 minutes ago, RAB999 said:

Worst of all Audi don't acknowledge this issue. AND they still want to charge people for supposedly investigating what they should already know. DISGRACEFUL! 

Why should the customer be faced with more expense!

 

WHERE IS THE OFFICIAL SOLUTION?

That is a disgrace. One that needs to go to watch dog or trading standards 

[Hillbilly23]

1 hour ago, RAB999 said:

Worst of all Audi don't acknowledge this issue. AND they still want to charge people for supposedly investigating what they should already know. DISGRACEFUL! 

Why should the customer be faced with more expense!

 

WHERE IS THE OFFICIAL SOLUTION?

The problem on the MMI3G B unit is that the location tables in the maps are for Trafficmaster not INRIX. So new maps with INRIX location tables would be needed assuming that the TMC supplier could be changed over in the head unit. Only other solution is to reinstate the Trafficmaster service which simply will not happen. I know that mobile phones etc can be used but the whole point of having a built in navigation system is that you do not have to use one. 

[Hillbilly23]

1 hour ago, Steve Q said:

That is a disgrace. One that needs to go to watch dog or trading standards 

I have contacted Watch Dog several times with no reply.

[Hillbilly23]

1 hour ago, Steve Q said:

That is a disgrace. One that needs to go to watch dog or trading standards 

I even contacted my MP who passed on the problem to the Department of Transport but no joy there either.

[Steve Q]

The only other one I can think of is the motoring ombudsman 

[ChrisB9]

Yes, seen the same problem.

As the Sat Nav is pretty rubbish anyway, what are the android auto etc touch screen which might be useful? Presume someone's done a swap and shared it on here previously?