1. Product Overview
The AUTOTOP Wireless Carplay Android Auto Decoder Interface is designed to integrate advanced smartphone connectivity into your Audi's original MMI system. This module allows you to enjoy Wireless Carplay, Android Auto, Autolink, and Airplay functionalities directly on your car's display, enhancing your driving experience with navigation, music, communication, and more, all while retaining your vehicle's original features.
Figure 1: AUTOTOP Wireless Carplay Android Auto Decoder Interface and in-car display.
2. Compatibility
This decoder interface is compatible with specific Audi models and MMI systems. Please verify your car's system before installation.
- Compatible Vehicles: Audi A4 B8, A5, S5, Q5 (Model Years 2009-2016)
- MMI 2G Version: For Audi Concert / Audi Symphony systems. These typically feature a display without physical buttons directly below it.
- MMI 3G Version: For Audi Multimedia systems. These usually have physical control buttons located around the MMI knob.
- Not Compatible: Audi Chorus and Audi CD Changer systems.
Figure 2: Visual guide to identify MMI 2G (Low configuration) and MMI 3G (High configuration) systems.
3. Package Contents
Ensure all the following components are present in your package:
- CarPlay Module
- Power Cable
- LVDS Cable
- Antenna Cable
Figure 3: Included components of the AUTOTOP Decoder Interface.
4. Setup and Installation
Installation of the AUTOTOP Decoder Interface requires careful handling of your vehicle's interior components and wiring. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified professional.
General Installation Steps (Consult a professional for detailed instructions):
- Preparation: Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the car battery to prevent electrical damage.
- Access MMI Unit: Carefully remove the necessary trim panels to access the back of your Audi's MMI head unit.
- Connect Power Cable: Connect the provided Power Cable to the CarPlay Module and integrate it with the car's power supply, typically by tapping into the existing head unit wiring harness.
- Connect LVDS Cable: Disconnect the original LVDS cable from the MMI head unit and connect it to the CarPlay Module. Then, connect the provided LVDS cable from the CarPlay Module back to the MMI head unit. This reroutes the video signal through the decoder.
- Connect Antenna Cable: Attach the Antenna Cable to the CarPlay Module for wireless connectivity (Carplay, Android Auto).
- Secure Module: Find a suitable, secure location behind the dashboard to mount the CarPlay Module, ensuring it does not interfere with other components.
- Reassemble: Carefully reassemble all trim panels.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the car battery and test the system.
Warning: Improper installation can lead to damage to your vehicle's electrical system or the decoder interface. Seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any step.
5. Operating Instructions
Once installed, the decoder interface allows seamless integration of your smartphone's features.
Accessing Carplay/Android Auto:
Typically, you will switch to the decoder interface's display mode by pressing and holding a specific button on your MMI control panel (e.g., 'MEDIA' or 'NAV') for a few seconds. Refer to your installer or vehicle-specific guides for the exact button combination.
Key Features:
- Wireless Carplay: Connect your iPhone wirelessly to access navigation, make calls, send messages, and listen to music via Siri or touch controls on your car's screen.
- Android Auto: Connect your Android phone wirelessly to use Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and other compatible apps.
- Autolink / Mirror Link: Mirror your smartphone's screen directly onto your car's display, allowing you to view content not natively supported by Carplay or Android Auto.
- Airplay: For iOS devices, stream content wirelessly to your car's screen.
Figure 4: Examples of Wireless Carplay, Android Auto, Airplay, and Autolink in action.
Retained Original Car Functions:
The AUTOTOP interface is designed to work alongside your existing car system, ensuring no loss of original functionality:
- Original Car System
- Original Media Player
- OEM Factory Steering Wheel Control
- OEM Audio Speaker
- Reversing System (if equipped)
- Idrive Knob Control
Figure 5: Original car functions are retained with the decoder interface.
Navigation and Maps:
Utilize your preferred navigation apps (e.g., Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze) through Carplay or Android Auto for real-time directions and traffic updates directly on your car's display.
Figure 6: Navigation functionality via Carplay.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your AUTOTOP Decoder Interface, please refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Display/Black Screen:
- Ensure all cables (especially LVDS and power) are securely connected.
- Verify that you have switched to the correct input source on your MMI system (usually by long-pressing a button).
- Check car battery connection.
- No Sound:
- Confirm your car's audio input is set to AUX or the correct MMI source for the decoder.
- Check volume levels on both your phone and the car's audio system.
- Ensure the audio output from the decoder is correctly routed to the car's audio input.
- Wireless Connection Issues (Carplay/Android Auto):
- Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your smartphone.
- Forget the device from your phone's Bluetooth/Wi-Fi settings and try pairing again.
- Restart your smartphone and the car's MMI system.
- Ensure the antenna cable is properly connected to the module.
- Controls Not Responding:
- Verify that the MMI knob and steering wheel controls are functioning with the original car system.
- Check for any loose connections to the decoder module.
If problems persist after attempting these steps, please contact AUTOTOP customer support.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wireless Carplay Android Auto Decoder Interface |
| Brand | AUTOTOP |
| Compatibility | Audi A4 B8, A5, Q5, S5 (2009-2016) with MMI 2G or MMI 3G |
| Functions | Wireless Carplay, Android Auto, Autolink, Airplay, Mirror Link |
| Retained Car Functions | Original Car System, Media Player, Steering Wheel Control, Audio Speaker, Reversing System, Idrive Knob Control |
| Module Dimensions (L x W x H) | 26 cm x 21 cm x 8 cm (approx.) |
| Module Weight | 1.0 kg (approx.) |
8. User Tips
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website for any available firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest smartphone operating systems.
- Cable Management: During installation, ensure all cables are neatly routed and secured to prevent rattling or interference with other vehicle components.
- Initial Pairing: For the first-time setup of Wireless Carplay or Android Auto, ensure your phone is close to the module and follow the on-screen prompts carefully.
- Audio Quality: If experiencing poor audio quality, ensure your car's AUX input is clean and free from interference.
9. Warranty and Support
The AUTOTOP Wireless Carplay Android Auto Decoder Interface comes with a 1-Year Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use.
For technical support, warranty claims, or any questions regarding your product, please contact AUTOTOP customer service through your original point of purchase or the official AUTOTOP website. Please have your purchase details and product model information ready when contacting support.
