iDatalink Maestro RR Install Guide for Audi R8 (2008-2015)

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NOTICE: Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS) recommends having this installation performed by a certified technician. Logos and trademarks used herein are the properties of their respective owners.

Install Guide: 2008-2015 Audi R8

This guide covers the installation of the iDatalink Maestro RR Radio Replacement Interface and KIT-R8 Dash Kit for the 2008-2015 Audi R8. It retains key vehicle features such as steering wheel controls, amplifier, backup camera, and OEM satellite antenna.

Programmed Firmware: ADS-RR(SR)-AUD1-DS

Products Required

iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 Radio Replacement Interface
iDatalink Maestro R8 Dash Kit

Optional Accessories

K40 Electronics (Radar Installation Guides available via link)
ESCORT
Head Unit Adapters: ACC-HU-PI01, SON1, KEN1, KEN2, ALP1
SXV300 Satellite radio tuner

Additional Resources

Maestro RR2 Programmable Outputs Guide

Support and Information

Need Help?

Phone: 1 866 427-2999

Email: maestro.support@idatalink.com

Video Help: Provides installation, product information, and vehicle-specific videos. [QR Code for Video Help]

Verify Flash: Provides last flash information, steering control configuration, and vehicle information. [QR Code for Verify Flash]

Weblink: Software to program the module. [QR Code for Weblink]

Installation Instructions

Disassembly

Using the supplied radio keys, insert into 4 slots on the radio and remove the factory radio, then disconnect the wiring harness and antenna connections. (Refer to Figure 1.1)
Slide both driver and passenger seats to the forward most position. Remove the four (4) 9mm bolts securing the rear trim panel and remove the panel. (Refer to Figure 1.2)

Dash Kit Assembly

Unbox the aftermarket radio. Install the metal brackets provided with the R8 kit to the aftermarket radio using the screws supplied with the aftermarket radio. (Refer to Figure 1.3)
Place R8 Bezel onto the radio and secure it with the six (6) Phillips screws provided with the kit. (Refer to Figure 1.4)

Make Connections

If using a head unit adapter (sold separately), connect the HRR-R8 harness to the adapter and skip to step 2. Locate the aftermarket radio main harness. Cut and remove the black 20-pin connector from the HRR-R8 T-harness and connect the wires, as shown in the wiring diagram, from the aftermarket radio main harness to the HRR-R8 T-harness, matching the wire functions. Note: Only connect the purple/white wire to the radio's reverse input to avoid module damage.
Route the supplied reverse camera extension cable along the center console to the reverse camera module. Disconnect the reverse camera feed from the module and connect it to the camera extension cable.
(Optional) The KIT-R8 includes a satellite radio antenna extension. This is only needed if installing the aftermarket SXV300 radio tuner. Run the extension along the center console to the satellite radio module, disconnect it from the OEM module, and plug the antenna into the extension.
Connect the R8 T-harness to the factory harness. Plug in the supplied antenna adapter to the factory antenna cable and connect the blue wire on the adapter to the blue wire on the R8 T-harness.
Route the OBD2 harness to the OBD2 connector located above the gas and brake pedals.
Connect all the harnesses to the Maestro RR module.
Plug the harnesses into the aftermarket radio, including the backup camera RCA cable, the antenna adapter, USB cables, microphone, and the 4-pin Data cable. Note: On Pioneer radios, ensure that nothing is plugged into the W/R port.
Plug the six (6)-pin connector into the R8 button bar. After checking for proper operation, press the radio into the dash cavity, ensuring the locking tabs snap into place.

Wiring Diagram

This section details the wiring connections for the Maestro RR module and the aftermarket radio.

Step 1: Wire Identification

The following wires are part of the R8 T-harness:

WHITE - LF SPEAKER (+)
WHITE/BLACK - LF SPEAKER (-)
GRAY - RF SPEAKER (+)
GRAY/BLACK - RF SPEAKER (-)
GREEN - LR SPEAKER (+)
GREEN/BLACK - LR SPEAKER (-)
PURPLE - RR SPEAKER (+)
PURPLE/BLACK - RR SPEAKER (-)
BLUE/WHITE - AMP. TURN ON (+)
BLUE - POWER ANTENNA (+)
BLACK - GROUND
RED - ACCESSORY (+)
YELLOW - 12V (+)
ORANGE - ILLUMINATION (+)
PURPLE/WHITE - REVERSE LIGHT (+) Note: Only connect to radio reverse input or module damage will occur.
LT GREEN - E-BRAKE (-)
PINK - VEHICLE SPEED

Note: If not using a Maestro Head Unit Adapter, cut and discard the connector.

Connection Steps

Step 2: Connect the backup camera module. Route the reverse camera extension cable along the center console to the reverse camera module. Disconnect the reverse camera feed from the module and connect it to the camera extension cable. For optional satellite radio tuner (SXV300), run its extension along the center console to the satellite radio module, disconnect from OEM module, and plug antenna into extension.

Step 3: Connect the R8 T-harness to the factory harness. Plug in the antenna adapter and connect its blue wire to the blue wire on the R8 T-harness.

Step 4: Route the OBD2 harness to the OBD2 connector located above the gas and brake pedals.

Step 5: Connect all harnesses to the Maestro RR module.

Step 6: Connect the main harness to the aftermarket radio. For Pioneer radios, ensure the W/R port is empty.

Step 7: Plug the six (6)-pin connector into the R8 button bar.

Radio Wire Reference Chart

This chart provides wire color references for various aftermarket radio brands when used with the iDatalink Maestro RR T-harness.

R8 T-harness Wire Description	Polarity	Wire Color on Maestro T-Harness	Wire Color on Alpine cable	Wire Color on Kenwood/JVC cable	Wire Color on Pioneer cable	Wire Color on Sony cable
Illumination	(+)	Orange	N/A	Orange/White	Orange/White	Orange
Reverse Light*	(+)	Purple/White	Orange/White	Purple/White	Purple/White	Purple/White
E-Brake	(-)	Lt Green	Yellow/Blue	Lt Green	Lt Green	Lt Green
VSS (vehicle speed sensor)	(DATA)	Pink	Green/White	Pink	Pink	Pink
Power Antenna	(+)	Blue	Blue	Blue	Blue/White	Blue or Blue/White

Head Unit Adapter Wiring (Optional Accessory, Sold Separately)

ACC-HU-ALP1 Wire Description	Polarity	Wire Color on Adapter	Alpine Radio
VSS (vehicle speed sensor)	(DATA)	Green/White	Green/White

ACC-HU-KEN1 Wire Description	Polarity	Wire Color on Adapter	Kenwood Radio
CAM	(+)	Green/Red	Refer to camera/radio manual
CAM	(-)	Green/White	Refer to camera/radio manual
Steering Wheel Controls	(DATA)	Blue/Yellow	n/a

ACC-HU-KEN2 Wire Description	Polarity	Wire Color on Adapter	Kenwood Radio
E-Brake	(-)	LtGreen	LtGreen
Reverse Light*	(+)	Purple/White	Purple/White
Steering Wheel Controls	(DATA)	Blue/Yellow	n/a

* Reverse light wire: Only connect to radio or module damage will occur.

Module Diagnostics

This section describes the LED indicators on the Maestro RR module and their corresponding diagnostics.

LED 1 Module/Firmware status	LED 2 (RR2) Bluetooth activity	LED STATUS	DIAGNOSTIC
[Red LED] or [Red LED]	[Green LED]	RED or GREEN flashing	LED flashes 1 or more times, either red or green, when a steering wheel button is pressed: normal operation.
[Red LED]		1 RED flash	Module has no firmware. Flash module using Weblink Desktop and log in. Do NOT use DEMO MODE.
[Red LED]		2 RED flashes	Problem detected. Consult troubleshooting table.
[Red LED]	[Green LED]	1 GREEN flash	After radio boots up: Normal operation.
	[Green LED]	3 GREEN flashes	Bluetooth is activated. Turns off after one minute: Normal operation.
[Red LED]	OFF	Normal operation (inactive).

Troubleshooting Table

This table outlines common problems and their solutions.

PROBLEM	SOLUTION
Gauges do not work, radio shows OBD2 Error 1 or Error 2.	Ensure OBDII connector is securely attached to the OBD2 connector of the vehicle. If you hardwired connections at the OBDII, check connections at the OBDII connector. Make sure the RED/BROWN wire is on PIN 6 and the YELLOW/BROWN wire is connected to PIN 14 of the OBDII connector. Do not use T-Taps. Soldering or military splicing methods are recommended. If anything else is connected to the OBD2 or CAN wires of the vehicle (programmer, throttle controller, insurance tracker, etc.), try unplugging it to see if gauges work. If gauges work without it installed, call tech support for options.
The light on the Maestro is blinking RED TWICE and the radio IS turning on.	Reset the RR. Ensure the 4-pin data cable is connected between the radio and the RR, and that it is plugged into the black port on the Maestro RR. The red and blue ports on the RR should be empty. Make sure the correct radio model and serial number were entered during the flash. Verify the radio's serial number entered during the flash matches what is listed on the radio screen. This can be found in the settings of the radio, listed as Device Id, Device Number, or Serial Number.
The light on the Maestro is blinking RED TWICE but radio is NOT turning on.	If installing a modular radio and it is not turning on, ensure the screen is secured and any trim pieces on the radio have been installed fully. Not installing these fully will prevent the radio from powering up and show a 2x red error as well. Test red and yellow wires for DC voltage at the radio using a multimeter. Contact support if no voltage on red or yellow.

Maestro RR Reset Procedure

Turn the key to the OFF position, then disconnect all connectors from the module.
Press and hold the module's programming button and connect all the connectors back to the module. Wait; the module's LED will flash RED rapidly (this may take up to 10 seconds).
Release the programming button. Wait; the LED will turn solid GREEN for 2 seconds to show the reset was successful.

Technical Assistance

Phone: 1-866-427-2999