GPS failed - loss of signal - fix

Hi All

I've recently had my Columbus lose its GPS signal - the car is a 2009 Elegance - 

I checked for water in the headlining and its nice and dry - 

From searching forums etc it looked like it was a failed GPS unit in the aerial base.

This part is expensive from the dealer, I found out you can retro fit the GPS part but that looked like too much work.

So I purchased a GPS fakra connection unit from eBay for about £7 - I also bought a set of interior trim tools about £5 - 

Installation was quite simple - carefully removing the outer black plastic trim, I found it easier/safer to start at the bottom - then remove torx srcrews - out comes the unit - plug in new GPS unit.

I tried different locations, but finally found out its also quite easy to remove the central vents above the Columbus, starting with the right edge near the dash console. Then at the back of the vent ducts there's a small metal area where I placed the unit (magnetic).

1st attempt was the metal bracket behind Columbus and signal was low figures.

2nd attempt behind vent ducts and this has consistently been 5 plus satellites even to full 9/9 - which has resulted in full 3D fix.

Also to note- the original cable sticker had a manufactures date of MAY 2008!

Hope this helps others -