How to upgrade your RCD-310 to a Sat-Nav RNS-310

[vwpolo16v]

So that we don't get lost round town, got us an RNS-310.

From this:


to this:


Here are a few quick steps:

Using a trim removal tool, carefully popped off the trim around around the radio.
THere are 3 clips on each side, start at the bottom:


Then the sides:


You will end up with the four torx screws exposed:


Once the screws were removed, pull out the radio:


Press the release clip and move the lever outwards. The wiring behind it will be tight but a gentle tug will bring out:


The RNS-310 will have a blue GPS ariel socket to which you will need a GPS receiver (£10).
Mine came with it. Here's just a test plug-in:


I thought about mounting the GPS receiver above the centre vents (under the dash) but too many bolts to take out (you have remove centre console to remove the vents ) :


So gave that idea up and removed the A-Pillar trim on the passenger side:
The GPS receiver was magnetic and I pushed it up inside the edge of the roof lining:


and pulled the cable end down above the glove box.
careful here as there's an airbag there


Pulled the cable across over the glove box and into the radio cavity:


Job done:


Not quite.
Had to get the VCDS out and add the RNS-310 to canbus gateway list...otherwise there would errors logged.
It was not straight forward as I kept getting error saying that gateway was not coded correctly but I managed it in the end.
Using the VCDS, I adapted the sat-nav into developer mode. This allows you keep the SETUP button pressed for about 20 seconds to get to hidden menus:



There are few more menus within dev mode.

Sat-nav works very well: responsive and quite accurate. No more faffing around with iPhone and tomtom and cradless and charging cables and so on.

[ubiquitous-j]

This is a good guide, many thanks for posting. RNS 310 is indeed a decent unit and in some ways a better buy than the more expensive RNS 510.

Can a mod make this thread a sticky?

[alexperkins]

This is a good guide, many thanks for posting. RNS 310 is indeed a decent unit and in some ways a better buy than the more expensive RNS 510.

Can a mod make this thread a sticky?

done

[vwpolo16v]

This is a good guide, many thanks for posting. RNS 310 is indeed a decent unit and in some ways a better buy than the more expensive RNS 510.

Thanks. I agree 310 is a better buy vs 510 (comparing the price difference).

done

Thx

[Golemsmate]

Hi, I'm considering doing this to my 2012 polo but I have a few questions before I commit to buying the RNS510.

First question, I currently have a RCD310 and a vw branded touch phone kit. How does the phone kit work in the RNS510, would I need a new Bluetooth module or could I use the phone from the touch phone kit or is it already built into the RNS510?

Second question, if fitted into the new polo would there be any error codes? I don't have VAGCOM so if there is I would be snookered.

Thank you in advance!

[alexperkins]

I use an RNS510 (fitted 3 weeks ago into my 2013 polo) with the VW touch phone kit - you still control it via the little touch screen, and it just comes up 'telephone' on the RNS when in use

In all honesty, the VW touch phone kit is better than the integrated phone kit as it has more functionality (ive had both)

There shouldnt be, but you ideally need to code the CAN gateway with 37 Navigation enabled so the car knows its properly installed.

[Golemsmate]

Cheers for your reply Alex! I would be fine keeping the TPK and the RNS510. How would I go about coding it, would it cause problems if the cars still under warranty?

[alexperkins]

You'd need someone with VCDS to code it in for you. It won't cause any warranty problems.

[Bigtam]

I bought a RNS315 with built in bluetooth and want to do away with the 1 that came with the RCD-310 Do I just remove the box that is stuffed in the back of the unit

Is this the bluetooth module?

[alexperkins]

Yes. You need to Remove that and the wiring that goes with it

[Bigtam]

Thanks,Yeah have unplugged it but left all the wiring in place for when I replace it when I sell the car at some point in the future, Is there anything else I will need to do is it just plug all the bits in

[alexperkins]

Have you unplugged the quadlock loom and plugged the radio directly into the car wiring? If you don't do that, the Bluetooth on the rns315 won't work

You'll also need to install a microphone for the rns310

[Bigtam]

Hi Alex everything went fine this morning just 2 issues with the unit the sat nav does not seem to have a clue where it is This is what is does https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9FliFXKawA and the mic button on the steering wheel mutes the music I take it this can be changed with VCDS for voice control cheers

[alexperkins]

Yes, this can be changed. Have you installed the microphone?

Presume you have installed the GPS antenna and if so where?

[Bigtam]

Yes got the microphone installed up the drivers pillar and the GPS installed up passengers pillar but left it lying on top of the dash while testing