I assume you're referring to the code string *#1472365# to access gpssetup? If it doesn't work for you it means that you don't have the hiddenmenu enabled. To turn that on dial *#22745927 and when it asks for the spc code put in 000000 then select the option for hiddenmenu enable.
Once in gpssetup first check in setup, position mode, and confirm starting mode is on 'cold start' ('hot start' is default) and operating mode is 'msbased'. Then go back to pde settings and make sure the server you're using is supl.google.com:7276.
Once you've check those what I've found that works best is going to command, ttff test, start gps. I let mine run usually one time through (tests for 39 seconds). It will start listing sats but usually doesn't get a fix. If it doesn't I run the test again and I'll get a fix within the first 5 seconds of it. I agree it's annoying to have to do this, but it's also the quickest way I've found. Within 45 seconds you'll have a lock and you're good to go.