Headunit won't turn on after MDI install?

**shauno** · 21-03-2011, 07:26 PM

Hey all,

I've got an RCD500 in my MY08 R32 - it's got the newer CANBUS, so ready for an upgrade to an RCD510.

So I've bought an RCD510, MDI Retrofit kit, and 729W Bluetooth kit - removed the RCD500, then connected the MDI retrofit kit using the instructions.

The MDI harness install was a PITA, as I had to remove wires 9,10, 12 & 15 from the quadlock & replace them with the MDI wires, then connect the originals to the MDI.

I connected the RCD510, but it wouldn't power on. When connecting the quadlock, I get nice whirring noises from the RCD510 like it's ejecting a CD - but the power button doesn't turn it on.

So I removed the RCD510 & put the RCD500 back in - same thing.

Got out the trusty multimeter, and checked the voltage - the power positive (15) & negative (12) give me +12.4V, and the CANBUS High (9) & CANBUS Low (10) give me -11V - also checked the Display Voltage (11) & supply negative (12) also gives 12.4V.

So I removed the MDI kit & put all the pins back as originally connected, hooked up the RCD500 - and still the same bloody thing!

I've checked the Radio & Sound System fuses in the engine bay - both look fine.

I'm starting to think I should have just paid someone to install the kits!

Has anyone got any idea WTF is going on? Have I tripped a different fuse and/or busted something?

PS - Mav's site my-gti.com has been very very handy

- yet I'm still stuck

**robbie** · 21-03-2011, 09:08 PM

has it overheated maybe shauno.

**robbie** · 21-03-2011, 09:09 PM

give george at vw village a call 96633072

**shauno** · 22-03-2011, 09:43 AM

No chance it's overheated, the same thing happened two days in a row - but yeah, I may have to give George a call (or go drop in)...

I'm hoping someone here has got a clue as to what's wrong, so I can fix it myself - I'll clear all the error-codes tonight & do a new VAGCOM scan with the RCD500 plugged in, see what that shows up.

**Maverick** · 22-03-2011, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by shauno

No chance it's overheated, the same thing happened two days in a row - but yeah, I may have to give George a call (or go drop in)...

I'm hoping someone here has got a clue as to what's wrong, so I can fix it myself - I'll clear all the error-codes tonight & do a new VAGCOM scan with the RCD500 plugged in, see what that shows up.

Did you do the work with the battery disconnected?

I'd pull the battery lead, put the RCD 500 back in place and reconnect (leave it at least 10 minutes) and see if it works after that.

Also check that you have the gateway configured for the head unit. Don't forget the ground pin swap between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 (for the audio in) if applicable although this is only a audio quality issue if you don't do it.

**shauno** · 22-03-2011, 06:51 PM

No, I had the battery connected the whole time.

I'll put everything back, clear the VAGCOM codes, then pull the battery lead for 15 mins and see if that makes a difference - fingers crossed!

**robbie** · 22-03-2011, 07:10 PM

did you sort it out shauno

**shauno** · 22-03-2011, 07:59 PM

Battery is currently disconnected as per Mav's suggestion...

Turns out there's about 10 x T40 bolts on a cover over the battery - I knew it was in the boot, but expected it to be easier to access!