RNS 510 installation guide needed

[uk-Pedro]

Hi,

I've been hunting around for a few days and can't seem to find a guide for installing a RNS-510 and GPS antenna in a Passat B6. Does anyone have a guide they could share?

Cheers,
uk-Pedro

[GeoffW]

Haven't tried an RNS-510, but the MFD2 I put in a couple of weeks ago was a doddle.
Took the old unit out, four screws, unplugged multi-connector and aerial, then put same plugs back onto MFD2. Added the GPS aerial cable and currently have it routed via the passenger footwell onto the top of the dash and magnetically stuck to the large vent in the centre top of the dash -looks OK from inside!
Can't imagine the RNS-510 will be much more difficult.
Am lucky enough to have MFD display and MFSW, so have not needed any coding to get the display in the dash as well as the MFD2.

[uk-Pedro]

Any pictures?

The bit I'm struggling with is how to route the GPS antenna cable to the top of the dash.

Any help appreciated.

[hartry]

the simple answer is don't route it out onto the dash.

take the glovebox out and mount the antenna under the dash, it works perfectly and obviously is hidden

just be careful to select a mounting position which will not interfere with the passenger airbag

to remove the glovebox there are 4 torx screws at the top inside the glovebox, they're hard to find but they are there, just inside at the top facing upwards, then 3 along the bottom of the box. once they're all out there is a slot near the central bottom screw which you need to push a flat blade screwdriver up into and give it a jolt to free the box. the last bit is fiddly and hard to describe but give it a go, it's not too difficult at all.

[Djosla]

Haven't tried an RNS-510, but the MFD2 I put in a couple of weeks ago was a doddle.
Took the old unit out, four screws, unplugged multi-connector and aerial, then put same plugs back onto MFD2. Added the GPS aerial cable and currently have it routed via the passenger footwell onto the top of the dash and magnetically stuck to the large vent in the centre top of the dash -looks OK from inside!
Can't imagine the RNS-510 will be much more difficult.
Am lucky enough to have MFD display and MFSW, so have not needed any coding to get the display in the dash as well as the MFD2.


What radio did you have?I have passat b6 very end of 2005...do you think I can do this like you did without any modification?Do I have to play with can gateway module becouse I`ve heard that someone has upgraded rcd 300 with similar product and had battery drain problem....did you use any connectors more?
Do I need something more?

[mhurer]

What radio did you have?I have passat b6 very end of 2005...do you think I can do this like you did without any modification?Do I have to play with can gateway module becouse I`ve heard that someone has upgraded rcd 300 with similar product and had battery drain problem....did you use any connectors more?
Do I need something more?


It is true that upgrading a pre-2009 model to the touch screen radios RCD-310 and RCD-510 can drain the battery, and as you say this is to do with the version of CAN gateway. Although the CAN gateway can be upgraded it is not worth the effort and cost.

However, if you upgrade to the sat navs, either MFD2 or RNS-510 you should not have the battery drain issue, as these do not suffer from the same problem as RCD310/510.

[uk-Pedro]

It is true that upgrading a pre-2009 model to the touch screen radios RCD-310 and RCD-510 can drain the battery, and as you say this is to do with the version of CAN gateway. Although the CAN gateway can be upgraded it is not worth the effort and cost.

However, if you upgrade to the sat navs, either MFD2 or RNS-510 you should not have the battery drain issue, as these do not suffer from the same problem as RCD310/510.

Just to clarify this: You don't need to update the can bus gateway when you upgrade to a RNS-510 if the unit has firmware version less than 2200. If your RNS-510 has firmware 2660 or higher you will need to upgrade the gateway or you will get battery drain issues.

Hope this helps,
Pedro

[Djosla]

It is true that upgrading a pre-2009 model to the touch screen radios RCD-310 and RCD-510 can drain the battery, and as you say this is to do with the version of CAN gateway. Although the CAN gateway can be upgraded it is not worth the effort and cost.

However, if you upgrade to the sat navs, either MFD2 or RNS-510 you should not have the battery drain issue, as these do not suffer from the same problem as RCD310/510.


Now i`m a little bit confused ...you said that upgrading a pre-2009 model to the touch screen radios drains the battery,isn`t MFD2 and rns 510 also touch screen radios?

However you said upgrading to mfd2 or rns 500 should be easy and just plug and play? ...you also mentioned sat nav?is that mean that i don`t need gps antenna?Sorry for asking maybe dumb questions but I`m very new to all this stuff...:o

[mhurer]

RCD310 is the touch screen radio, with single CD player.
RCD510 is same as 310, but with integrated 6 disk CD changer.

MFD2 is satnav with radio/single cd player, without touchscreen.
RNS510 is satnav with radio/single cd player, with touchscreen.
Both these units need the GPS antenna to function as satnavs.

RCD310/510 will cause battery drain issues on your model.
MFD2 should be fine, straight swap.
Based on what uk-Pedro says, some RNS510 will be fine, some will drain the battery, depending on firmware version!

Hope that helps

[Djosla]

Everithing is clear now I will search for mfd2 or corresponding rns 510...Thanks

[gogzyb]

Just to clarify this: You don't need to update the can bus gateway when you upgrade to a RNS-510 if the unit has firmware version less than 2200. If your RNS-510 has firmware 2660 or higher you will need to upgrade the gateway or you will get battery drain issues.

Hope this helps,
Pedro

Pedro, thanks for your comments - tell me please, is there a way to determine what version the RNS 510 is to ensure that it is compatible, will it be written on the stereo?

Thanks!
Gordon

[uk-Pedro]

Pedro, thanks for your comments - tell me please, is there a way to determine what version the RNS 510 is to ensure that it is compatible, will it be written on the stereo?

Thanks!
Gordon

The upgrading/downgrading of the firmware is a software modification and isn't normally written on the stereo. If you find that your firmware and canbus combination is likely to cause battery drain issues you have the choice of either downgrading your firmware or upgrading your canbus. Both options are straight forward but the latter will require VCDS. I upgraded the canbus.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Pedro

[maddogphysics]

I have just installed rnd 510 and within 6 days the battery was flat.

So I will need to upgrade the CAN BUS gateway.

So could you please inform me:

a) where is it?
b) where would you get it from?
c) how much did it cost?

All the best and thanking you in advance

maddog

[Djosla]

So I will need to upgrade the CAN BUS gateway.

So could you please inform me:

a) where is it?
b) where would you get it from?
c) how much did it cost?


That intrested me also...

[uk-Pedro]

I have just installed rnd 510 and within 6 days the battery was flat.

So I will need to upgrade the CAN BUS gateway.

So could you please inform me:

a) where is it?
b) where would you get it from?
c) how much did it cost?

All the best and thanking you in advance

maddog


LHD: above the pedals
RHD: behind the air-con controls

From the dealer

£115

Hope this helps.
Pedro

[maddogphysics]

Thank you very much

[redrolo]

Apologies for resurrecting this thread, but its easier to carry on this one than start afresh. I have been deliberating the aftermarket v RNS 510 route of upgrading my stereo. I keep reading about the battery drain issues of the RNS with some of the early canbus gateways. My version is 3C0907530E, and am reading conflicting reports about whether it causes the drain or not. The carry is a 2008 car, but has the RCD500 system in it currently.

How will i know if it is ok or not, without having to wait and see if the battery drains or not.

Thanks very much

R

[rempsel]

Can i use second hand CAN bus gateway, removed from 09 plate Passat, to upgrade my 07 Passat stereo????

[Issac Hunt]

as long as the part numbers are correct.

[rempsel]

do you mean, at least L ending?

[redrolo]

I have been told by the dealer that my gateway (code ending in E) is ok for the RNS. Just ordered one so hopefully have it fitted soon.

[rempsel]

Hi, my can bus part number is : 3CO 907 530 C
i want do upgrade my 2007 Passat stereo to RCD510.
What exactly i need do to as my local VW dealer says, they can't help!!!
Can i buy second hand can bus, if yes what is the part number? Is it needs some recoding after? if yes where i can do that?

[Issac Hunt]

Depends what software level the RNS510 that you intend to fit is at.

If the RNS S/W is the most recent version then you will need a new CAN Gateway. Just ask your dealer for the latest revision.

Yes it will need recoding after fitmnet, anyone with VAG-COM can do this for you.

[redrolo]

Hi Rempsel

I am running the latest firmware in my RNS510 and I have no issue for the needs I have. i don't have the dreaded battery run down issue and mine ends in E.

There are plenty of places who will fit and vagcom a new can bus for you its a matter of finding them.

Here is a good place to start

http://www.vwcruise.com/120.html



Hope this helps,

R

[Issac Hunt]

What's your RNS software version?

[redrolo]

firmware is 2680 with the voice, rear camera and speed read out.

Next going to retrofit a mfsw to get full use of the kit and swap the parrot with the skoda BT kit.

[Issac Hunt]

Ahh I see your car is a 58 plate, Thats why your CAN Gateway was fine. Its cars from 2006/7 and earlier that will be problematic with the new software.

[redrolo]

mine was E so I apparently snook in under the bar on the canbus :D:D

[rempsel]

I'm sorry, i know it is about RNS510 , but i want do install RCD510. When i went to my local VW dealer and asked about this issue, they looked me like i was from another planet, they never heard about this battery issue and therefore they was not able do help me!!!

[Issac Hunt]

The same info applies. You might be lucky with a C Gateway, you might not. Give it a try. If you get flat battery issues then you change the Gateway (£110 ish). Its worth it either way to get the use of the better radio.

[redrolo]

from what i have read on other threads and forums the C will not take the RCD510 without draining the battery unless like Issac said you operate a lower firmware (1100), but by doing this you will limit some of the features.

The link I left on my previous post highlights this too. I would buy the RCD510 and arrange for someone to put in a gateway on the day you fit it. This way they can vagcom your RCD510 to the gateway at the same time!!
:beerchug:

[Issac Hunt]

DIY it though, its so easy and saves you money!

I hate to see people pouring money away for really simple jobs.

[redrolo]

I agree usually, but then I had a play with my mate vagcom and realised what an **** job I had done!!

[rempsel]

Is there anyone, near to Gatwick with VAG COM???

[Issac Hunt]

Check the VAG-COM user location thread in the VAGCOM section of the forum.......

[topgearuk]

Can anyone offer advice?

I have just upgraded my Mfd2 to RNS 510 and i'm now getting the dreaded battery drain, I see from this thread that what I need is a new can gateway. Until I can sort this out in the week I have taken the fuse out of the stereo.

My car is Jan07, and just want to check before I upgrade as I did buy this unit of Ebay, it seems the hard drive is constantly on causing the drain, is this what others are experiencing?

[redrolo]

Topgear the drain is caused by your gateway being in a pre 08 car. Basically the issue is what you have said. The older gateways don't tell the unit to go into sleep mode, hence drains the battery. The newer gateways achieve this.

[topgearuk]

Cheers for the conformation redrolo

[hotjamesall]

Is there any way of telling the version of gateway installed without using VAGCOM? I have a late 07 (Nov) and according to the VIN it is an MY08.

[mhurer]

My dealer was able to tell me the CAN gateway version from my VIN when I was making similar enquiries regarding installation of the RNS510 into my MY07 car.

Mine would need the upgrade but I didn't find a single dealer out of the six that I tried that were willing to do it.

Hopefully yours will be ok being quite a late model.

[redrolo]

Either dealer should help, or to physically look at it. It is a black box about 6 inches behind your heater controls. Pull the trim from around your heater controls out, removed the 4 torq screws and it is there. It should start off with:

3C0907530 then a letter afterwards and it is the letter that dictates if it is ok. Mine is an E and works fine, and I am told it is the first for the MY08 cars.

[topgearuk]

I had mine updated to a newer version and it worked a treat, £210 supplied and fitted

Thanks for the help on this tread and sorry for the long delay in reporting back!

Many Thanks

[tdi sport]

with regard to the position of the gps antenna - when I fitted my MFD2 (going to change it for RNS510 soon) I put the antenna on the steering wheel side behind the dash but at the top on a piece of structural steel so it was concealed.
If I remember rightly I could reach up under dash and there is a cover/grill on the side or front of the dash that comes off so you can position the antenna.
That way you dont see the antenna and the signal is always good I have found, never dropped out on me in the 2 years I've had it.

[Pat Gormley]

Hi All
Sorry if I am asking the same question that has been asked already
i am a newbie here and trying to take all this in
I have a 2008 Passat with and RCD 300 stereo and would like to upgrade it to an RCD 510 or an RNS 510

I have checked my BUS Can Module and it is 3C0 907 530 E

Do I need to up grade this to 3C0 907 530 L ( is this the only module I can use )

From what I have read here, is it possble not to need the upgrade if I get an RNS 510 with firmware version less than 2200

Last question, what is invloved in updating / downgrading the RNS firmware

Thanks again

[wesmaster1]

firmware is 2680 with the voice, rear camera and speed read out.

Next going to retrofit a mfsw to get full use of the kit and swap the parrot with the skoda BT kit.

Have you got a part no for the skoda Bluetooth module? Does it work with iPhones?
Thanks

[RichardSEL]

The "E" versions of CANbus module were the revisions where the software was updated. So some "E" versions are alright and some are not. From what I can tell from reading all the posts in all English forums at the time of my upgrading headunit, there were very few "E" versions that didn't handle the CANbus for headunits correctly.
For the Passat, “E” superseded “C” version in June 2008. “H” superseded that in February 2009, and then by “L” in March 2009. The “Q” came out in January 2010. You can use any of the versions from "E" subject to the caveat above.

It’s possible to run a RNS510 on a pre-2007 module without battery drain issues and without changing the CANbus module. The RNS510 needs either version A or B of firmware to do this. But users say this results in a slower operating headunit and some features of newer firmware may be missing. RNS510s with these earlier firmwares could be some £150 cheaper than later models.
Postcode search depends on map version installed. Has to be ver7 or later.

An excellent how-to for upgrading firmware and maps (to 2013) is at:
Guide to updating RNS310 Firmware - SEAT Cupra.net - SEAT Forum (http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=390707)
The procedure involves downloading crack files and burning them to a DVD, with the use of WinZip. If you’re savvy with these procedures then you should do this to give you post code search, better quality audio, TMC (Traffic Message Channel) displays, and updated maps. Otherwise pay the full price for a CD Rom

Hope that helps?

[eogbata]

RCD310 is the touch screen radio, with single CD player.
RCD510 is same as 310, but with integrated 6 disk CD changer.

MFD2 is satnav with radio/single cd player, without touchscreen.
RNS510 is satnav with radio/single cd player, with touchscreen.
Both these units need the GPS antenna to function as satnavs.

RCD310/510 will cause battery drain issues on your model.
MFD2 should be fine, straight swap.
Based on what uk-Pedro says, some RNS510 will be fine, some will drain the battery, depending on firmware version!

Hope that helps


hello, please i have seen your write up on the rns 510, please i am trying to upgrade my radio from the rcd 510 to rns 510, my original radio has 6 cd changer without satnav.i got the rns 510 which has satnav, i got the 6 cd changer which i intend to instal in the glove, but i noticed according to the original wiring harness switch socket there is no much room for me to connect the cd changer to the main unit without disabling one of the existing socket so as to have room to add the cd loader socket, please do you have any suggestion to what you think can be done?