Anyone replaced the USB media port in a T6?

[Aidy P]

The USB port in the centre console of my T6 Ocean is starting to fail. I’ve tried multiple new leads and the same problem happens that connection drops unless I ‘waggle’ the lead. Very frustrating as I use Apple CarPlay for Waze when travelling.

Has anyone replaced theirs? How easy and how much does it cost please? Thanks

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

I have replaced it multiple times, once when upgrading head unit, then I modified my original facia plate to take a non VW USB connection and an audio Video Jack interface. Then when down grading prior to trading in I refitted original unit, bought replacement guts off of ebay from a LHD unit and fitted then in a the RHD body.

Genuine VW Golf Passat T6 Audi A3 A4 A5 Q3 Q5 USB in connection port 5Q0035726 | eBay

Part Number 5Q0035726. Q3 2015 >> 2018. Q5 2017 >> onwards. A5 2017 >> onwards. Passat 2015 >> onwards. New genuine original VW Audi part. A3 2013 >> 2017. T6 2016 >> onwards.

www.ebay.co.uk

This is what is behind the lozenge shaped facia panel on a 2017 T6 Beach

 

[Aidy P]

I have replaced it multiple times, once when upgrading head unit, then I modified my original facia plate to take a non VW USB connection and an audio Video Jack interface. Then when down grading prior to trading in I refitted original unit, bought replacement guts off of ebay from a LHD unit and fitted then in a the RHD body.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40355810.../H+Y6DGuj+/KJJAavHnDFUIx0g|tkp:Bk9SR8qM3J7IZA

This is what is behind the lozenge shaped facia panel on a 2017 T6 Beach

Thanks. How easy is it to replace please? I’m not very technical.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Where is your USB interface located? is it the lozenge shaped one just under the glovebox

 

[Aidy P]

It’s in here …

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Mine was here

So I don't know how to get to the back of yours sorry

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

This video shows how to fit comfort dash which is where your USB is

 

[Aidy P]

Thanks. It’s this … port. It looks like it should just clip out.

 

[Aidy P]

This video shows how to fit comfort dash which is where your USB is

Watched the video thanks. 21 minute 20 seconds it shows the inside of the cubby hold but the USB is blanked off. I may risk trying to flick it out with a screwdriver

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

It does look that way...but you will probably have to (use a trim tool) and remove the gearstick gaiter and then the larger surround to change the usb socket. unplugging it before removal, the green round connectors can be a bit of a pain

 

[Aubisque]

I was convinced my USB port was dying due to the lead waggling thing and was all ready to swap it out. And then when I swapped leads for the nth time it all worked fine again. So I’d just triple check this.
I also plug in a wireless car play dongle in the glovebox which I use for shorter journeys where charge is not needed.

 

[Devaprem]

I wouldn't try prising the socket out with a screwdriver. The safest way of removing it is by taking out the centre console. I've successfully removed that when trying to repair the flap and was able to remove the USB socket as part of replacing the whole centre console when my repair attempt on the flap failed (see https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...-will-not-stay-closed-how-to-repair-it.51485/ and https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...nsole-will-not-stay-closed.46463/#post-665115). I was concerned that I might damage the centre console in the process but it was simpler than I expected. you will need a trim tool and a fairly wide one (about 2cm) would be best. There are lugs at each of the corners and along the top (see photo). You will also have to remove the gearstick gaiter (two of the attachment points for the plastic plate it is attached are visible in the same photo on the lower rhs). Be careful when handling it - there is a DSG PCB that is very fragile and clipped to then underside of the plastic gearstick plate. This serves as the indicator status for the DSG gear selection. Once the centre console is loosened by unclipping the retaining lugs using your trim tool, the centre console can be carefully removed without having to remove the gearstick gaiter. The plastic gearstick plate can be fed through its mounting space fairly easily. The cable attached to the USB socket is a locking type which does come apart by using a screwdriver to push the locking lug in the green plastic part of the socket down. You can then remove the USB socket very easily by pushing the locking lugs in.


There are several variants if the USB socket. I would advise ordering it from VW as they will match your chassis number to the exact replacement variant.

 

[Kayleigh]

I was convinced my USB port was dying due to the lead waggling thing and was all ready to swap it out. And then when I swapped leads for the nth time it all worked fine again. So I’d just triple check this.
I also plug in a wireless car play dongle in the glovebox which I use for shorter journeys where charge is not needed.

I think the wireless dongle is a good idea. You can always use the 12v socket to charge the phone.
Another thing to check is for fluff where you plug the cable into the iPhone. That can prevent a good connection. If still not working, try a genuine Apple cable if not already using one.