Volkswagen Golf Mark VI Head Unit – Removal and Installation

Tools required

Trim removal tools
Torx T-20 driver

Remove all CDs from head unit
Switch off ignition and all electrical consumers and remove ignition key

Removing

Using trim removal tool and carefully lever out centre console cover in area of -arrows- and remove cover.

Remove bolts -arrows- from radio or radio navigation system.
Pull radio or radio navigation system out of installation box far [...]

Upgrading 2nd generation headunits (RCD 300, RCD 500, MFD2) to 3rd generation headunits (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RNS 510, RCD 510)

Upgrading 2nd generation headunits (as fitted to the Golf Mark V and similar models MY05-MY09) to a 3rd generation headunit has a number of additional requirements depending on the year.

Tools required for the install include

Trim removal tools
10mm socket or spanner
Selection of flat and torx screwdrivers
Sharp hobby knife
VCDS from Ross-Tech to code the unit
Fabric Adhesive Tape for [...]

Build harness using connector housings and repair wires for Volkswagen Skoda Bluetooth Install

Whilst this guide is intended for the Volkswagen Skoda Bluetooth kit harness it applies to anything that requires interfacing to the quad lock connector on the rear of the head unit or that uses similar connectors around the car. This guide specifically for 2 x power connections and 2 x data connections.

The way this works is [...]

CD changer audio sound quality problems after changing head unit

Poor quality sound on the cd changer input can occur after the headunit has changed from a second generation headunit to a third generation headunit or vise versa. The fix is simple and requires pins 2 and 3 to be swapped on the head unit connector.

Second generation headunits

Multi-pin connector 4, 12-pin, for CD changer control and [...]

Auxiliary input audio sound quality problems after changing head unit

Poor quality sound on the audio input can occur after the headunit has changed from a second generation headunit to a third generation headunit or vise versa. The fix is simple and requires some pins to be swapped on the head unit connector.

Second generation headunits

Multi-pin connector 4, 12-pin, for CD changer control and CD audio input [...]

Volkswagen RCD 510 pin assignments

1. Aerial Connector

DAB aerial input connection, optional

or

SDARS aerial input connection for vehicles for USA and Canada

2. Multi-pin connector 1, 8-pin, for loudspeaker outputs

1 –  Rear right loudspeaker, positive
2 –  Front right loudspeaker, positive
3 –  Front left loudspeaker, positive
4 –  Rear left loudspeaker, positive
5 –  Rear right loudspeaker, negative
6 –  Front right loudspeaker, negative
7 –  Front left [...]

Volkswagen RCD 510 Transport Lock Activation / Deactivation

The transport protection device must be activated before transporting an RCD 510 unit, and the device in a new unit must be deactivated when installing it. This is performed electronically using the keypad of the unit. When the transport protection device has been activated, the player of the CD changer is brought to a “transport position”.
Activating [...]

Volkswagen Head Unit Housings and Pins

Quad Lock – All recent Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Audi vehicles use this connector.

Connector 1 – 8-pin (4×2) – brown – 3B7 035 447 (3B7035447)

Pins – N 906 844 05 (N90684405)
Repair Wire 0.5mm – 000 979 021 (000979021)
Repair Wire 1.0mm – 000 979 133 (000979133)
Repair Wire 2.5mm – 000 979 225 (000979225)

Male

Pins – N [...]

Volkswagen Media Device Interface (MDI) USB Specifications

Overview of connectors on USB connection
1 –  Data in, (here output)
2 –  Data clock
3 –  Voltage supply, terminal 31
4 –  Data out (here input)
5 –  Not assigned
6 –  Voltage supply, terminal 30
7 –  LF audio signal, right, positive
8 –  Control line, positive, switched from radio
9 –  LF audio signal, negative
10 –  LF audio signal, left, positive
11 [...]

Upgrading 2nd generation radios (RCD 300, RCD 500) to 3rd generation (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510) power drain issue

VAG 1K0907530S CAN bus gateway

Early build Volkswagen cars can experience a power drain issue after upgrading their 2nd generation headunit from a RCD 300 or RCD 500 to a 3rd generation headunit like the RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310 and RCD 510.

The problem is the CAN bus Gateway is too old and an updated [...]