RNS-510 What happens if Security Code keyed in incorrectly ?

[fergus]

I want to upgrade my new RCD-310 Radio/CD Stacker to an RNS-510 SatNav.

Can you please tell me if the VagCom microCAN can read the 4 digit security code from the unit I pull out, so I can give the code to whoever buys it ?

Also, when I put the new unit in the car, will it over-ride and save the code for the SatNav into the car. (From what I understand, the code gets stored in one of the other modules on the Bus outside of the SatNav, so that you never have to enter the code again if you drop power.

Also, do you know what happens on the RNS-510 if you get the code wrong after a couple of goes — Does it “brick” the unit requiring reset from VW or does it just lock you out for a time period ?

[fergus]

Hey guys
Does anyone want to answer this question for me ? I would appreciate it if someone knows the actual answer rather than taking a guess.
Thanks in advance

[Russ59]

I'm pretty sure that you can't access the security code with Vagcom, you would need to contact a dealer and give them the VIN number of the car (providing it is the original unit) not sure what they charge. I have an '08 GT TDI and I updated my RCD300 to an RNS510 and once it was plugged in it asked for the security code, I simply punched in the code and away it went. If you have the Security Code for the RNS510 then you shouldn't have any issues with it locking. I also have a MK4 Golf and I needed to remove the OEM Eurovox head unit to access a rattle in the dash, needless to say that what I thought was the radio security code in the manual wasn't and after 3 attempts it simply wouldn't let me try again for about 30 minutes, I managed to source the code for it from A Eurovox distributor in Melbourne but I still had to supply the car details (VIN etc) for security reasons.

[fergus]

Thanks Russ
The reason I am asking the question is because I have been given 2 different stories. One story for the RNS510 is that if you get the code wrong, you get a total of 3 tries and then it locks you out for 1 hour and then as long as you leave the accessory power on to the Stereo, you can try again. The other story is that after 3 goes, it locks the unit permanently and you have to contact an authorised VW dealer to get the unlock code. This latter option is an issue if you have bought on ebay, because the dealers are reluctant to give codes out unless the VW records show that the serial number of the RNS510 shows that it was originally fitted to that car. Some of them will also charge you for the privelidge of giving you the code.
I am tending to think that the first choice is the correct one because logically it would be ridiculous to think that a unit could be bricked after 3 tries only.
One thing I do know though is that once the proper code is supplied, it is also installed onto the CanBus controleer so that the RNS510 can be unplugged/plugged back into that particular vehicle as many times as you like without requesting the code again. It's only ever an issue if you try to place that unit in another car or put another unit in that same car.