How to remove RCD500 headunit

[Lima]

I followed a couple of other DIYs found on the net, but figured seeing an Aussie version of this might be of use to some people as well. For a bit of background it might pay to read the other DIYs if you find any gaps of information in my write up:
4string on VWvortex
KuniD on uk-mkivs.net




Tools required
You'll need some sort of plastic card or prong to pry open some of the bits and pieces. I used an old credit card. You will also need a Torx20 screw and ratchet attachment.


Step 1
Start by removing the panel around the top mounted dash vent dial (already removed in this pic). I just pried it up with an old credit card and managed to carefully remove the clip. Then, as you can see, started to gently force the vent cover with a small screwdriver. Once you have all the clips unhooked and the cover is free, remove the A/C sensor wire.



Step 2
There is a torx screw at the top of the next panel for removing (indicated by white circle). Haha, be careful not to drop the screw into the dash below! Damn, I missed a photo of removing this piece. Once you've got a clip or two released you can pull this one out with a reasonable amount of force. But if you bust any clips, it's not my fault okay! The second image was taken after the panel was removed and you then need to unscrew the two torx screws in frame to prepare for the next piece to be removed.



Continued...

[Lima]

Step 3
Once the two torx screws are removed, start by working on the clips at the back (closest to windscreen) then moving towards you. After the three clips at the back are freed, gently pull this piece upwards. I found the toughest clips were the ones right at the bottom, closest to the top of the headunit.



Step 4
Time to disconnect the hazard light switch. If you've read the other DIYs in the first post you'll notice some include a warning about an air bag sensor wire on this panel. As you can see Australian spec cars do not have this wire and removing the hazard light switch is your only concern. It can be a bit tricky with one person, but if I can do it anyone can. You need to push open the little blue sliding clip (seen through triangle on pic below) before the hazard switch can be freed.

[Lima]

Step 5
Removing the panel surrounding the headunit and HVAC controls. Remove the torx screws at the top of this panel (as shown below). Then carefully force open the clips down the side and between the HU and HVAC dials. This panel is the one that feels the flimsiest and therefore the one most likely to be prone to breaking, so do be careful.

[Lima]

How to remove RCD500 headunit

Step 6
Almost done! Now, remove the four screws around the HU. Once that's done you can carefully remove the HU.



Included on the unit is a schematic of the wiring chassis that plugs into the back of the headunit, shown in pictures with a couple of crappy mobile phone pics.



Finished.

Putting it all back together is a damn sight easier than being so careful not to bust any of the plastic clips during removal. I'm a real gumby at this sort of stuff and it probably took me 45 minutes to remove the headunit. If you're halfway competent you could probably do it in 15 minutes. Haha! Putting it all back together takes under 10 minutes and is pretty simple. Just reverse your steps and you are now free to line up the panels carefully then just bash them back into place.

Note: All the torx screws removed are identical, so there is no need to remember which screw came from which hole.

[shaneth]

Awesome write up minigolf

[mikinoz]

Nice, shame it all went back in without iPod integration though.

Stuck in the FAQ and DIY thread! Cheers

[Lima]

Nice, shame it all went back in without iPod integration though.

Stuck in the FAQ and DIY thread! Cheers

No worries.

It's good practice for me to do it a couple of times.

[GTILover]

Excellent thread minigolf!
Well explained, with great photos.. Good job my man

[Dr Spine]

Are there other head units that will just "slot in" to the space of the original unit. Something with USB / MP3 capabilities would be cool. I just couldn't believe that the factory unit won't play discs filled with MP3's !!??!! An omission in this day and age.

[Lima]

The MY08 headuniuts will have MP3 capabilities.

Otherwise here's a couple of links for you...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3340376

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/6-5-LCD-CD-DVD-PLAYER-FOR-VW-VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA-GOLF-V_W0QQitemZ170123519095QQihZ007QQcategoryZ67772QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

[Dr Spine]

That would be right!!!

The full slide out touch screen would be nice.

[shaneth]

Sorry if this is off topic i will delete it if necessary, which wires are the ones that go from the steering wheel controls to the HU.

[LookOut]

Sorry for the thread hijack, but is that correct - that MY08 Golf stereo will be able to play MP3 discs?

[Mixer]

Mk5 GTI iPod adaptor

Hi Fellas,

I just ordered an adaptor for the Mk5 GTI from xcarlink... They are a bit of an unknown but very cost effective and have very good feedback on Ebay so I went for it.

Only thing is despite assurances from the guy who supplied it, I want to confirm its the right model for the GTI with RCD500 stacker before I go and get my dash pulled apart

Here's what I have, can someone who has fitted an iPod adaptor for the Mk5 GTI just confirm the connectors are right?

MANY thanks.



EDIT: Closeup of connectors:



Thanks all.

[Big Al the Butchers' Pal]

Are there other head units that will just "slot in" to the space of the original unit. Something with USB / MP3 capabilities would be cool. I just couldn't believe that the factory unit won't play discs filled with MP3's !!??!! An omission in this day and age.

You can purchase a Blaupunkt Bremen MP74 for the Golf. I purchased mine through a Blaupunkt Dealer and had the unit installed by Five Dock VW.

Be warned however that the subwoofer installation is a major job and requires additional wiring looms installed. The unit is only specified for the German local market, and I found out the reason at the point of subwoofer installation (i.e. some lateral thinking required for cars that HAVE a spare wheel)!

If you can live without a sub, then just slap in the MP74 headunit as that is easy. Make sure that you also order the DIN mounting adaptor and the CAN-Bus adaptor as well.

All of the information is on the VW parts computer, however the VW parts department cannot sell the parts to you (you must go direct to the Bosch Blaupunkt division).

You can also purchase a hard disk, external amp, stacker, IPod stuff and all of the additional bizzola if that is what you also want. I did not want, for the primary reason of lack of wiring in the car for these items (and the installation would mean major ca$hola).

Also, make sure that you install the front windscreen antenna that comes with the kit, as that improves radio reception greatly.