Here is a possible and relatively cheap fix that may resolve some RT6 issues that can occur as a result of the internal MicroSD card starting to fail. Bear in mind that this may not solve your specific issue, but has been known to resolve boot lockups or the 'check in progress' error. Flash memory cards only have a finite lifetime until the NAND memory cells start to fail. When this happens, data can become corrupt, causing issues with the operation of the unit.
Disclaimer
Be aware that this guide may help you avoid replacing the unit in many cases where the MicroSD card has failed, or is failing. It is not guaranteed to work for everyone, as each vehicle is different and the RT6 units may have different issues and problems that this guide cannot help with. Further, because V2.86 of the firmware is a major upgrade, there is always the risk that it may reset the RT6 to factory defaults that can't be resolved with Diagbox in offline mode. Success can depend on the electronic architecture of the vehicle, and the version of the firmware you already have in the unit before the upgrade.
If you find that after the upgrade the system is missing some settings or the controls are not working properly, and you have attempted to restore your user data back via Mirascripts, then you may have to go to the dealership and ask them to re-install the RT6 as if it was being replaced from scratch and have it configured to the vehicle. There is always a risk and we take no responsibility or liability as a result of anyone using the information contained in this guide - if you choose to use it, you do so at your own risk.
Mirascripts Part A
Important Note: Mirascripts The process of updating to the latest firmware (2.86) can likely result in loss of configuration options, parking assistance, ability to change system language or other options. This can leave the system with limited functionality. It is therefore important that you copy your existing RT6 User data files from your original SD card and replace them when you have completed the upgrade.
The utility to do this is called Mirascripts, link below. I don't supply any technical support for Mirascripts, but the utility is very useful for the RT* units:
Link to Mirascripts
- Using the link above, you will need to locate the 'RT6_MiraScripts' zip file shown in the table on the website and download that programme.
- Extract the zip file to a blank USB key formatted in FAT32. Make sure only the contents of the zip file are extracted, not the actual zip file itself.
- On the USB Key, enter the CMD folder and delete all the 'CMD' files except the RT6_USERCOM.CMD, which should now be the only file left in the CMD directory.
- You now need to remove the hidden Windows Systems files that are created whenever you insert removable media like a USB key as these can interfere with the RT6. To do this make a note of the drive letter Windows has assigned to the USB stick you have used above to extract the zip file to.
- I have written a batch file that will do this for you. Open notepad on your windows PC and then press the 'Select All' option on the code window below to copy all the code and then paste this into notepad.
- In Notepad, from the File menu, choose 'Save As' and make sure you change the 'Save as Type' option to All Files *.* as shown below and save as 'Remove Sys Vol Inf.bat' (without inverted commas). Save it to a location you can easily find on your PC.
Code: Select all
@echo off set /p DriveLetter=Enter Drive Letter and ":" to remove System Volume Information Files and Folders. %DriveLetter% attrib -a -r -h -s "System Volume Information" Rmdir "System Volume Information" /q /s pause - When you have completed steps 1-3 and now need to remove the hidden system files, remember the USB drive letter and run the 'Remove Sys Vol Inf.bat' file you just created.
- It will ask you to enter the drive letter - so enter the USB drive letter, followed by a colon : , then press return / enter.
- This will remove all the hidden and system files, but be aware that every time you re-insert the USB key into your PC it will recreate these hidden files. So just run the file again to remove them.
- Now you can insert the USB stick into the USB port of your RT6 unit and start the vehicle. When the RT6 starts, it will look in the USB folder and will locate the script file and run it.
- When prompted, it will ask to execute the script, choose 'Yes'.
- The script will ask to launch the 'Write' command, answer 'No' to this.
- The script will then ask if you want to launch the 'Read' command, select 'Yes'.
- Allow the script to complete. It will then have copied the existing RT6 user files from the original SD card on the RT6 to the root of the USB key.
Upgrading the SD Card
The usual disclaimer applies - do this at your own risk:
You will need:
- The latest firmware CD from your dealer (should only cost a few £s), as it is only a firmware update. The latest firmware version is 2.86B, but I know that V2.86 was part: 9691894880.
- You'll also need a Torx 8 screwdriver bit.
- A new Class 10 8Gb MicroSD Card, (although some people have successfully installed a 16Gb card to cope with the larger map updates)
- A USB flash drive for Mirascripts
BSI Reset / Battery Disconnect / Reconnect Procedure
| Essential - disconnect the battery (detailed above) and carefully remove the unit from the vehicle. Undo the 5 screws circled. | Remove the screws from the top cover and remove the tamper proof seals (this will void any warranty you may have). |
| Caution: Fragile ribbon cables attached underneath CD Unit Gently remove the case. Remove any screws holding down the CD unit - but beware this is attached with ribbon cables!. | After you have moved this away, leaving the cable attached, gently raise the motherboard to reveal the MicroSD card shown at the side. Gently push this in and it should release itself so you can slide it out as circled. |
Insert your new MicoSD 8Gb card into the unit and it should gently lock into place. If it came with a MicroSD adapter to use in a PC, make sure you remove the card from the adapter!
Replace the CD and case cover / screws in reverse order to disassembly.
Make sure you have your bluetooth phone switched OFF or disable the bluetooth connectivity before proceeding - you do not want a call coming in or the car picking up the phone during the flashing process.
- Reconnect the battery following the last part of the battery disconnection procedure.
- Have the firmware CD ready to insert as soon as the vehicle is started.
- Start the car and insert the firmware CD as soon as possible.
Mirascripts Part B
If the Firmware update has been successful, and if you find you have missing features or options or cannot change the system language, then you now need to replace the RT6 user files that you backed up at the beginning of the guide.
- To replace the RT6 user files, you need to locate the other USB drive you used at the beginning of the guide to which you should of copied the file to using the guide.
- Switch the vehicle ignition off for a few minutes to allow it to power down. Get in and close all the doors and don't press any buttons or switches.
- Insert the USB file with the Mirascripts programme on which should already have the RT6 user files in the root of the USB.
- Start the vehicle and wait for the RT6 unit to detect the USB. It should locate and ask you if you want to run the script - answer 'Yes'.
- You will be asked to launch the 'Write' script, answer 'Yes'.
- When the script has finished copying the files back, it will ask if you want to reboot or restart the unit - ANSWER NO. Instead hold down the CD EJECT button on the RT6 until the system restarts and remove the USB key.
I strongly suggest that after you have checked everything is working and configured to your personal preferences, that you make another backup of the user data files using Mirascripts. You can then keep the backup somewhere with a note reminding yourself of the date of the backup and the Firmware version installed from which the backup was made - in case you ever have another failure and cannot access the system. If you then have to repeat the installation after installing another MicroSD card, you will at least have a current copy of the user settings.
Update
If all else has failed and you are still finding that the system is looking for boot media (CD drive constantly spinning) and you have a blank screen, you can as a last resort try disconnecting the vehicle battery overnight. In some cases this appears to have resulted in the system accepting the firmware one the battery is reconnected and updating successfully. You may still have lost some settings, but this will depend on each case and the version of firmware installed before the attempted replacement of the MicroSD card. Thanks to Rich2222 for contributing his experience of this, which may help others.
or can i still do it and start again?
