3rd generation connection
Upgrading from a 2nd generation radio (RCD 300, RCD 500) to a 3rd generation (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RNS 510, RCD 510) requires an antenna/aerial adapter to be fitted. The 2nd generation radios had two seperate connectors for the antenna/aerial connections whereas the 3rd generation still have the two antenna/aerial but in the one connector. As many of the 2nd generation had swivel antenna/aerial connectors replacing the fakra housing is not possible and an adapter is required.
Most recent Volkswagens including the Golf 5, Golf 6, Passat, EOS, Jetta, Polo, Touareg and so on have a diversity antenna system and twin tuners hence the two antenna/aerial connections, leaving one disconnected will affect the performance of the radio system and throw errors in the radio/navigation system.
The 2nd generation antenna/aerial connectors look like this (MY07.5 and later), earlier aerial connectors (MY07.5 and earlier) had a straight through lead from the rear and can use the cheaper solution.
Solution 1 – Suits all (both straight and right angle swivel)
Volkswagen have an adapter available that resolves this problem.
Partnumber is 7L6 051 551 (7L6051551) and this is available for around AUD$50, GBP£25 and USD$30 from any Volkswagen spare parts department.
Solution 2 – Suits straight only
If you have the non swivel antenna/aerial connectors you can purchase just the fakra connector that attaches to the back of the headunit and replace the existing two connectors with the new one (only one connector inserted in photo).
The part number is 4E0 035 608 K (4E0035608K) and it is available for around AUD$10, GBP£5 and USD$7 from any Volkswagen spare parts department.
Alternatives
Option 1 – Build an adapter from parts (suits both straight and right angle swivel)
You require the following parts
- 4E0035608K (4E0 035 608K) x 1 – Connector for the rear of the headunit
- 000 098 707 (000 098 707) x 2 – Cable to connect to the antenna/aerial connection from car
Option 2 – Purchase an alternative adapter (suits both straight and right angle swivel)
Kufatec sell a similar adapter for EUR€24.99 but shipping is expensive.
Option 3 – Remove the plastic housing (suits both straight and right angle swivel)
Remove the plastic surround around the antenna/aerial connectors using side cutters and push the connectors into the sockets on the headunit, there are a few problems with this method however and these include the connectors can fall out as there is nothing to hold them back other than the connector friction and the connector becomes loose over time. (right angle swivel shown)
hello there, simply needed to say thank you for this article, it let me pick out something I did not given much deliberation to it until now.
Also wanted to say thank you.
why do you need to remove the plastic surround? i thought this part 7l6 051 551 fitted. thought the adapter should fit the second generation cables? confused now. need to get an adater asap as ive taken the rcd300 out. thanks jamie.
Hi,I need to upgrad my RCD 500 to RNS 510 is this so easy !!! I will do my best to get the antenna adater . is there any problems after that ??? Thanks
Thanks for the information. It was a big help!
thanks! awesome help
Many thanks for this tip, I didn’t know this was required until I went to fit RNS 510. Called VW and they got it in for next day.
[...] it's around $15 in parts or $40 for a MY08 or later. All parts available from your local dealer. Upgrading 2nd generation radios (RCD 300, RCD 500) to 3rd generation (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RNS… website: http://www.my-gti.com Reply With Quote + Reply to [...]
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Thanks a lot for this post. Really helpful !!!!!!
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[...] but here goes. My 2006 Golf mk5 is fitted with the stock RCD300 headunit. According to this thread (Upgrading 2nd generation radios (RCD 300, RCD 500) to 3rd generation (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RNS…) I don't need to upgrade my gateway and can just use the two fakra connectors, without having the [...]
been using this site alot and found it very very helpful!
though i would let people know that i upgraded my ’08 Golf GT-Sport from the RCD300 to RCD510.
now i have not yet purchased the antenna adaptor as yet (on order), i thought i would install the unit anyway to make sure it works, etc.
upon fiddling around with the antenna plugs i found that you can just turn the ‘white’ one around and plug it into one of the two holes at the back of the RCD510. Don’t have a photo but there are only two antenna holes, and it only fits in one of them.
either way, the radio works great! i’m thinking maybe the other green antenna plug is for digital radio? not sure.
anyway, it works and will save you from cutting your original antenna plugs as option 3 above tells you to do. once i get the adaptor part i’ll replace it but the radio works fine now.
so less fussy people could do without it!
Thanks for all this useful info.
However, I have a question, wanting to upgrade the RCD210 in my Touran to a RCD310 but the seller of the unit states that he can fit it but this requires an antenna adaptor! I would have though this is not the case as they are both the same generation but can someone confirm.
Thanks,