Hydesmith
Member
after more research…
With regard to the radio, it was not related to the wiring, unfortunately. It simply died coincidentally in a similar time period.
I have done a bit more sleuthing regarding the RCD-510 radio (here and elsewhere) and came up with the following that may help someone, so thought I would share here.
• These radios are known to be unreliable. Many replacements were made. One service person suspected heat over time may be the cause of failure.
• You probably have to replace the unit with exactly the same part in order to retain functions with your car's system. In my case, it is a RCD-510, but also important is the "1K0 035 180 AC" part number.
• There is a 'direct exchange' available through your VW dealer, facilitated by the manufacturer, Delphi. While it saves you money off full retail price, it is still expensive. Including the core refund (returning your dead unit) I was quoted C$585, if I install it myself.
• Getting any loaded discs out of a dead radio is probably not fun. The 'Direct Exchange' program offers a return of the media, but it may take several weeks to get your discs back.
• If you choose a used unit, they will probably run anywhere from $100-$300.
• If used, you will need the activation code or the cooperation of a dealer, along with the original donor VIN, in order to get the activation code for the radio.
• The install appears to be uncomplicated, plug and play. There is one fuse on the back of the unit.
• Aftermarket radios are an option, but surprisingly, if you want to retain all the steering wheel controls, etc., there are more install parts involved, and it is quite likely to run up to the cost of the 'direct exchange' price. You may get a better sounding stereo, and maybe more reliable, but some of the 'factory' features with original instrument panel interface, bluetooth, mic, etc., may be lost in the process. Many of these features are integrated into aftermarket units, but some have an unfamiliar interface, and there could be confusion with existing systems in the car expecting the factory radio's presence.
I have not made a final decision, but I am inclined to pay the $250 I was quoted for a used unit, and plug-and-play. I will do a bit more of a search for local aftermarket options, and review how many factory features are lost in the process. I suspect nothing will come in under that price.
Horn: the trouble turned out to be related to a lose wire in the steering wheel, although in the process, we removed a previously installed wiring harness for an unused remote car starter, in the process of ruling out wiring issues.2011 TDI Sportwagen - Radio and horn not working.
Radio suddenly cut out while we were driving. Similar symptoms …
With regard to the radio, it was not related to the wiring, unfortunately. It simply died coincidentally in a similar time period.
I have done a bit more sleuthing regarding the RCD-510 radio (here and elsewhere) and came up with the following that may help someone, so thought I would share here.
• These radios are known to be unreliable. Many replacements were made. One service person suspected heat over time may be the cause of failure.
• You probably have to replace the unit with exactly the same part in order to retain functions with your car's system. In my case, it is a RCD-510, but also important is the "1K0 035 180 AC" part number.
• There is a 'direct exchange' available through your VW dealer, facilitated by the manufacturer, Delphi. While it saves you money off full retail price, it is still expensive. Including the core refund (returning your dead unit) I was quoted C$585, if I install it myself.
• Getting any loaded discs out of a dead radio is probably not fun. The 'Direct Exchange' program offers a return of the media, but it may take several weeks to get your discs back.
• If you choose a used unit, they will probably run anywhere from $100-$300.
• If used, you will need the activation code or the cooperation of a dealer, along with the original donor VIN, in order to get the activation code for the radio.
• The install appears to be uncomplicated, plug and play. There is one fuse on the back of the unit.
• Aftermarket radios are an option, but surprisingly, if you want to retain all the steering wheel controls, etc., there are more install parts involved, and it is quite likely to run up to the cost of the 'direct exchange' price. You may get a better sounding stereo, and maybe more reliable, but some of the 'factory' features with original instrument panel interface, bluetooth, mic, etc., may be lost in the process. Many of these features are integrated into aftermarket units, but some have an unfamiliar interface, and there could be confusion with existing systems in the car expecting the factory radio's presence.
I have not made a final decision, but I am inclined to pay the $250 I was quoted for a used unit, and plug-and-play. I will do a bit more of a search for local aftermarket options, and review how many factory features are lost in the process. I suspect nothing will come in under that price.
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