RNS-D install to B6 A4.

[Overdose]

After spending quite some time digging around for information on an RNS-D install, I now have what is needed for a basic fit instruction, without Navigation function and link to the dashboard DIS.

An adapter could be added later for iPod that links to the TV input, for video and music playback. These are easily found without much searching on the net, so I'll not go into anymore details.

This install is based on a double din fit from standard, working from a single din layout would probably involve quite a bit more work and expense, negating the reason of the cost effectiveness of using an RNS-D.

• Firstly, a suitable RNS-D is needed, ideally from an A4/S4, but my unit came from an A8 apparently. The fascia is the only external difference that I could tell. It is slightly wider and possibly not so deep as from an S4 dash.
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• A VW double ISO connector block with tails will be needed for donating pins.
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• Four removal keys are needed to remove the head unit, the keys are only inserted to the first notch to pull back four spring clips. Pull gently and evenly on the pins to pull out the standard unit and either mark or note down the connector positions before disconnecting.
• The RNS-D will need to be trimmed to fit the car, if it is not A4/S4 sourced. I trimmed back the sides to match the profile of the A4 dash by using an orbital sander and 120 grit pad, it was done by eye, but a template could be made up from some card and then transferring to the RNS-D face.
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• You will notice that the connectors would appear to simply be a straight swap and plug straight into the RNS-D. They will do, but the unit will not unlock and there will be no illumination. On the top of the head units there should be some pin out connector diagrams. It can be seen from these, that the two units are not identical regarding pin connections and uses. The RNS-D will need a dedicated illumination supply and a live feed from the battery to maintain the unit code for switch on.
• The wiring of the power connector needs to be modified accordingly. The illumination supply (pin No.6) can be taken from any of the surround accessories, cup holder, hazard light, climate control etc. Find the most suitable and splice in a wire which will be used for the lighting. Using one of the wire tails removed from the donor VW connector, link pin No.6 to the spliced illumination wire.
• Next is the 'SAFE' pin 12V supply. Take this feed from pin No.7 and jump to pin No.5, again using a wire tail from the VW connector, insert the tail into pin No.5 and splice into the battery wire running into pin No.7.
• On my car there was an alarm wire connected to pin No.2, this had +10V on it and would run into the Tel. mute pin on the RNS-D, so it was lifted from the power connector and capped and stowed.
• If you want to retain the Diversity antenna function, an adapter will be needed to convert from the original Fakra connector to that of the RNS-D.
• With the wiring modified and the unit trimmed to fit if required, it can be slotted back into the fascia and switched on to start up and input the security code. Job done, almost.
• Your 'new' RNS-D, may need recoding to allow the speakers to work correctly, depending on where it came from, it may have been driving a variety of audio options. In my case, the front speakers needed to be activated.

If you want to have the navigation functions and TV or auxillary connectivity then additional wiring and parts will be needed, but given that most smart phones seem to have navigation of some description, I didn't see the point. An RNS-E install would perhaps be better in these circumstances, or an aftermarket unit. Being a cheapskate and wanting an OEM look, I opted for the RNS-D and it does all that I need.

*** Unfortunately I can only post five images, so here is a link to my Photobucket album of install pics. ***

[Overdose]

Update:

I have just recoded the Nav unit to remove the TMC error messages on start up and also activated the two front speakers. VCDS is a godsend!

All working and looking as if original install.

I may carry out the full TMC and GPS install at a later date, but it's certainly not a necessity for me.

[Overdose]

Update.

I have now added iPod connectivity with a 'Connects2' interface. Part No. CTAADIPOD003.2

The unit is now fully functional and just needs a TMC module for information repeat on the CIS.

EDIT:
Update.
Connecting the S-Kont pin allows the TP function to be switched on and off. In addition the unit now turns off automatically with the ignition switch and it no longer turns itself off after an hour of being switched on.

[Guest 2]

Thanks for the guide - it should help a lot of others