How to: Upgrade to an RCD510 in Mk6 Golf

[jimmyjames]

Hi,
I managed to get a second hand RCD510 to replace my bog standard RDC300 in my MK6 2.0 TDI.

Her's the how to" if anyone else is going to do the upgrade and save about $170 in "dealer labour".

Tools needed:
Strong finger tips
Torx 20 driver (star shaped hex key)
2 highly polished smooth edge teaspoons
A large soft pillow (don't tell the Mrs)

And the new radio and security code.

Procedure.
Insert your fingertips beneath the radio surround just above the climate control fascia.
Using equal force, pull or lever the bottom of the radio fascia out about 10 millimetres.
Leaving one hand trapped under the fascia, insert the handle end of the spoon just into the gap exposed on the side of the fascia panel.
With some dexterity, do the same on the other side.
Grasp both spoons and pry the panel toward you, moving up to the top of the panel.

Some clicking will be heard as the tabs release, don't panic. As long as no serious bend develops in the panel you are OK.

Once the panel has started to ease you can ditch the spoons and use your fingertips to pop the rest of the panel out.

When that's done, use the driver to unscrew the four "star" head screws out.

Ease the radio forward under control until you can see the antenna and cable unit connections.

Support the radio with one hand (or the pillow if you have little hands)

Tilt the unit to the left and observe the antenna wires and connection point on the rear lower corner.

Slide the small white latch on the base of the connection out from the radio and you should be able to wiggle the antenna cnxn off.

On the other side there is a large loom of wires held by a lever block.

Lift the lever from the bottom of the block and withdraw the cnxn block.

The old radio unit is now free to place on the passenger seat.

To install the new unit, reverse the steps (i.e. hold in one hand, insert the big wire block, snap the lock down, insert the antenna loom, push the tab in, slide the box into the cavity, replace and tension the screws (gently) and position the fascia panel and using thumb pressure, pop all of the tabs back in.

It make make some CD hunting noises as power hits it but that's OK.
When prompted, enter the security code and you are on your way.

All up it takes about 10 minutes.

If anyone needs pics or advice, just IM me.

Cheers
Jim

[Corey_R]

Thanks for posting that information. Maybe there should be a 'how to' tag on that post (and all other how to posts) to make them easier to find !?

[Umai Naa!!]

Good work, mate.

That's exactly how easy it is

[jy01752684]

Great! Can we do the same with RNS510? There are ones selling on ebay.

[JonoB]

Is it that easy ?

What's all this talk about codes then ? Everybody in these forums keeps talking about VAG and codes and crap that most average people have no idea about.

I've heard installing the RNS-510 yourself is not possible.

[Umai Naa!!]

RNS510 is a little trickier, but if you're local-ish to me, I can certainly help you out.

[dopey]

Thanks for the guide - I installed my RCD510 today and managed to do it without causing damage to any trim pieces! Very quick and easy changeover, and my Bluetooth worked first go without reconfiguring it too.

As a variation to the method, I actually used larger spoons as they had a slightly thicker handle, and I wrapped them in a soft cotton rag as well to ensure it didn't damage anything. Worked perfectly!

[emuexport]

Great work mate. Exactly what I was after. Will be getting one of these off of fleabay asap! anything to look out for ebay? or recommendations?

[bmck]

My RCD510 seems to be different to all photos I have seen regarding the hard buttons on the side of the screen.

Left buttons, top to bottom...

FM
AM
(Diamond symbol) - which I think is the equivalent of the TIM button.

Right buttons, top to bottom...

Media
Phone
Setup

Anyone else?

[Corey_R]

Did your RCD510 come in the car as a factory option? Or did you purchase yours off ebay too?

If it's the latter, you may have purchased one of the many 'copies' which are circulating out there.