RNS 510 terminal software problem...

Andrew Southall · Mar 3, 2016

We have just experienced a failure with our RNS 510. After several years of good service, It has stuck on a start up screen and won't move beyond this. I took it out of the van and sent it to a specialist (BBA Reman) who seemed confident they could fix it. Unfortunately I got a message from after a few days saying that the unit had a software problem they could not fix and offered to sell me a replacement unit.... To be fair they did not charge me for the carriage or diagnosis and have now sent the unit back free of charge... But I am very surprised that a software problem is terminal. Has anyone else had this problem - or could you offer advice on how to proceed?

Thanks

Andrew

WelshGas · Mar 3, 2016

If it is a software problem then that might be a problem for them to fix, but I've never heard of this before .
The RNS510 is basically a computer. So not so simple to fix, if at all possible.
You could replace like for like, but that could be expensive, about £700, or go for an aftermarket unit.
Absolut 5 are a company that are experts on the T5. They could provide a plug and play alternative unit + any cable/plug adopters to fit your requirements at about 50% of the cost of a replacement RNS 510.
http://www.absolut5.co.uk/audiomultimedia/
I have not used them but they are highly recommended on the T4/T5 forum.

briwy · Mar 3, 2016

Assuming all the hardware is OK then you could try reloading the firmware. If it will load then it might sort it out.

Andrew Southall · Mar 4, 2016

Thanks for the thoughts. The reloading firmware route seems problematic, as I didn't get the original discs with the van (the RNS 510 was already installed), I would need to find legit discs - but looking at various forums, the problem is far from uncommon - some units respond to firmware re-loads, some don't it seems. I will consider Absolut 5, Welshgas. They are quite close to me, so it may be worth a visit.

Best regards

Andrew

Derek Crawford · Mar 12, 2018

Andrew Southall said:
We have just experienced a failure with our RNS 510. After several years of good service, It has stuck on a start up screen and won't move beyond this. I took it out of the van and sent it to a specialist (BBA Reman) who seemed confident they could fix it. Unfortunately I got a message from after a few days saying that the unit had a software problem they could not fix and offered to sell me a replacement unit.... To be fair they did not charge me for the carriage or diagnosis and have now sent the unit back free of charge... But I am very surprised that a software problem is terminal. Has anyone else had this problem - or could you offer advice on how to proceed?

Thanks

Andrew

My RND 510 has just developed a very similar problem. The 'Welcome to Volkswagen' screen appears on starting the ignition but the unit will not then progress to boot up and does not respond to any of the controls (radio, CD, SatNav or phone don't function). As the screen is then 'stuck', the display for my parking sensors does not come on (though the audible warnings for the sensors are active). After driving for about 20 minutes, the unit then starts to work again and functions normally. Local VW dealer has tried to repair it with a 'software reset' but says this didn't work and has quoted £2800 to fit a replacement unit - they checked with VW but as vehicle is out of warranty (May 2014 model) they are not interested. Could this be a design fault with the unit which although four years old, has hardly been used. Any suggestions would be very welcome.
Derek Crawford

MattBW · Mar 12, 2018

I'd be tempted to invoke the sales of good act on that, Im pretty certain under that legislation 4 years would be deemed insufficient lifespan of such a device... Not sure if it applies to vehicles but I would assume so.

Derek Crawford · Mar 12, 2018

Thanks for that. Local dealer is very supportive (didn't charge me for trying to fix it) and has suggested we contact VW customer services ourselves so I guess I'll try that in the first instance. Tiguan owners have apparently reported similar problems with their RNS 510's.