How to remove RCD500 headunit

[Mixer]

Guys an update...

My kit from xcarlink.com.au works well, installation was easy, BUT the polarity of the connector wasn't marked. Didn't blow anything up putting it on backwards, but now its working.

The thing is pretty primitive, sound is good, track number from the iPod doesn't seem to be correct, but track skip and ff/rw works OK.

Main thing for me was the sound quality, and charging, the iPod does stop, turn off and charge all under control so its all good.

I would think this isn't any worse than the factory unit, controls on the iPod are not locked out... I put the thing in the glove box but I'm regretting not getting the little mount for the dash now, but I also don't want to pull the dash apart again.

Total cost: $155 for the adaptor, $60 to fit.

Comments: the build quality of the inners of the dash is farking horrible, cheap, brittle plastic. Awful.

[GermanwithaVdub]

Comments: the build quality of the inners of the dash is farking horrible, cheap, brittle plastic. Awful.

guess thats why theres rattles

[Mixer]

guess thats why theres rattles

Yeah, and I'm dead scared about more rattles now I've had it apart.

I've ended up putting little bits of hard foam between the door skin and the trim, and I think the top plastic vent part will get the same treatment as it has started to rattle.

I think my next VW will be a 3dr or a R32 for this reason.

[SupaMario]

Dude, Cheers for the post help'd heaps and up'd my confidence to change the unit myself...

[bazzle]

You will notice the shiny bit with 2 small black dots to left of unit. Thats one clip that has broken off and left clip behind. Superglue works well.

Bazzle

[TDIESEL]

Great how to thread. To expand a little bit more for people who want to add an amplifier and don't know where to feed the power cable through to the battery, I found this thread and it works perfectly.

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41203

As this was done for a US car, there is no need to take seal right off as the plastic trim they talk about is on our passenger side.

[vwtyp2]

anyone tried to fit one of these in an earlier vehicle?
I just bought one off egay and I'm gonna have a shot at putting it in my T4 Caravelle.
any tips?

[gwills]

Step 4 is not that easy ! , getting those bottom clips away so you can pull that top peice of is crazy , then if your real lucky the airvent louvers will all fall off , fun times

[Tim]

Great how to thread. To expand a little bit more for people who want to add an amplifier and don't know where to feed the power cable through to the battery, I found this thread and it works perfectly.

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41203

As this was done for a US car, there is no need to take seal right off as the plastic trim they talk about is on our passenger side.

whilst this is an easy way into the cabin you have to be very very careful to seal it with a better grommet than they have used here. Water can pool in this area if the car is out in heavy rain. It is best so create a hole in the stock plug and re-use it as it seals nicely and due to its tall design resists pooled water very well.

[Lukey13]

Step 4 is not that easy ! , getting those bottom clips away so you can pull that top peice of is crazy , then if your real lucky the airvent louvers will all fall off , fun times

How did you end up going with this yourself? Did you manage to get the airvent louvres back in properly or did you have to take it to VW to get them to neaten it up?

Did you break any of the clips?

[bazzle]

1st try for the vents flew apart. Fixed with a bit of patience

I remove units a different way now.

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showpo...postcount=4806

Bazzle

[gwills]

How did you end up going with this yourself? Did you manage to get the airvent louvres back in properly or did you have to take it to VW to get them to neaten it up?

Did you break any of the clips?

Got it back together fine its just fiddly , luck when the side clip fell down it caught around the sticker on the wiring loom , i pull them out in one piece now just to be sure

[Maverick]

Step 4 is not that easy ! , getting those bottom clips away so you can pull that top peice of is crazy , then if your real lucky the airvent louvers will all fall off , fun times

If you follow Volkswagens instructions this won't occur. Removing it as shown can crack the clips at the rear and create creaking.

Volkswagen Golf Dash Panel Centre Vents – Removal and Installation

[gwills]

Yeah the instructions look easy but doesn't work out like that

[Maverick]

Yeah the instructions look easy but doesn't work out like that

They do if you take your time, follow the instructions and use the correct tools