RNS510 Firmware & Maps Info Thread

[Rico567]

Our 510 is completely usable (as updated to v. 4366 per LW). While the unit certainly doesn't respond instantly, it's more than adequate. Some time may be required to familiarize oneself with the touch screen.

 

[eshawger]

Update from VW...

Yes, I agree with some here that the new firmware 4366 and map 7963 are a significant improvement over what was delivered with the 2013 Passat TDI SEL. (3696 and 7860)

I also agree there still is room for improvement, hence the subject on this post.

VWoA said this morning that they are aware that owners are having system response delays and issues with the RNS-510. They are especially aware of what I complained about, even with 4366 where the back-up camera often displays the image after I've shifted into Drive to begin my forward motion.

The agent promised me they are working on an improvement for our units. Let's hope it comes out soon. Wouldn’t that be great if they announce a voluntary recall and upgrade us all to hardware version k, and 4396 firmware!

Sadly the woman I spoke to didn't know anything about the V5.2 Map DVDs shipping out to 2013 owners.

She did insist that V6 maps have been available since July. I disagreed, and she said not on the VW parts and accessories page, but direct from NAVTEQ. My local dealer also doesn't have new maps available, and even the NAVTEQ site directs you through a couple other links to the VW page on navigation.com which still indicates we have the latest...

A huge thanks, again, to LokiWolf for helping us make things better! It wasn't that long ago when my biggest concern was limited availability of D2 petro-diesel in Illinois... Thinking I may have voided my warranty was much more troubling than the radio issues.

 

[LokiWolf]

They are especially aware of what I complained about, even with 4366 where the back-up camera often displays the image after I've shifted into Drive to begin my forward motion.

That is intentional. There is about a 10-15 second delay when you switch to D. It is just in case you are going to click back into R. There is a speed threshold, that ends that delay instantly. Can't remember if it is 5 or 10MPH.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[eshawger]

That is intentional. There is about a 10-15 second delay when you switch to D. It is just in case you are going to click back into R. There is a speed threshold, that ends that delay instantly. Can't remember if it is 5 or 10MPH.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Sorry, meant to be more clear. The image doesn't display until about the time I shift into Drive, and it didn't help me back up at all. Yes, when I hit that magic speed the doors lock and the camera turns off and I am back to the normal radio display.

 

[TheGrove]

Fine. I actually posted here not about the poor behavior of the RNS510, but about the issues with the "improvement" DVD install process to begin with. That process (after 2 hours) did not successfully complete.

It is 7.6GB of data to be removed and added back to a relatively slow HDD. It takes a while. Yes, VW failed to mention the ammount of time it would take, or details as to why it was needed. Hence this thread. There are also 2 seperate threads in this section of TDIClub alone discussing the 510, and the 2 most recent of which directly discuss the V5.2(7994) Map Update Disc. I am truly sorry you did not see them, because if you had seen them and read them before your update, you would have been more informed.

This is interesting in the sense that I know VW has documented it. When I purchased my v5 map update a few months ago and read the manual on how to do the update it specifically said that the update process could take 1.5 - 3 hours to complete. I loaded mine on my way into work, starting as I left home, and it took about 2 hours for the update to finish just before arriving at the office. The manual also said that if you stop the update it is supposed to restart where it left off when you start it again.

 

[wmhjr]

OK, an update and a few corrections, or clarifications.....

The V5.2M update I received directly from VW included a separate color printed 8.5x11 installation sheet. It did not have any indication of anticipated time length for the update, though it did indicate that if you shut the car down before completion, the installation would resume when you restarted the vehicle. For the record, the update did NOT complete, and for the record, it did NOT resume when the vehicle was restarted. As for 7.6GB being removed and added back to a relatively slow HD, I'm calling BS a bit. Not that LokiWolf is wrong, but that it's simply a weak explanation. Heck, even a drive with the extremely poor performance of an old RLL or MFM drive (we're talking decades old) should be able to handle data transfer FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR in excess of well over two hours.

I apologize in that my search on this forum for whatever reason did not pick up those other threads, as I did search for the V5.2M update. Even beyond that, however, I also think it's simply poor execution on Conti/VW's part. As a very senior tech professional, I find this entire issue to be crazy in 2013.

I dropped the car off at the dealer (who now agrees with my assessment and plans frankly to buy the car back if the update does not significantly improve the situation) yesterday evening. Before doing so, I checked and yes, I am running version 3696 (bought car at beginning of August). Left the DVD package with them, and even they were scratching their head about VW.

I would also echo the backup camera. When I start the car in the morning, it simply takes so long to activate that I'm already driving down the street before it would ever start working - just like what eshawger said. Meaning, open the garage door, get in car, start car, buckle seat belt, check behind me, back out, close garage door, and still no backup camera. That is entirely typical of every single time I start the car after not driving it for more than an hour.

I'm not sure what firmware version the V5.2M disk will result in. As for as getting used to the touch interface, please note that I've not complained about "general usability nuisance" issues such as what was mentioned about having to go through screens of favorites, etc. Only core functionality gaps. In my case, the most absolutely critical functionality (beyond simply locking up) is the fact that the touch screen for phone dialing is effectively unusable. Delays (per digit entry) are often 1-3 seconds per touch. This makes the device absolutely and totally broken for things like passcodes and conference bridges - which are incredibly important to me. As it stands, I must always initiate conference calls from my handset at this point - which is totally useless and voids the safety and convenience factor that I've enjoyed since 2000 with my other vehicles.

I appreciate the information here, but I also think that it's inappropriate to not consider the realities of the situation, as every forum and public venue becomes data points for companies such as VW to use in making product decisions. I'm a huge fan of the engineering that VW put into the TDI "mechanics" and give them great credit, but on the other hand, that in no way gives them a free pass for the obvious and deplorable behavior surrounding the RNS510. Honestly, I didn't even know what an RNS510 was before I bought the car as my expectations and requirements are fairly low, general and have been satisfied by every other large manufacturer for more than a decade. It is not reasonable to support Volkswagen in expecting people seek out forums such as this prior to every purchase in order to find pertinent information about features of their vehicles - that they are advertising.

 

[diesel55]

How do I find out what version my Nav is running? Thanks in advance.

 

[Rico567]

Well, it's certainly obvious that the functions of the RNS-510 are more important to some than to others. For myself, I'm not entirely clear from the OP whether or not I'd benefit from the 5.2 update I suddenly received in the mail yesterday. So far, I'm thinking - no.

 

[LokiWolf]

Well, it's certainly obvious that the functions of the RNS-510 are more important to some than to others. For myself, I'm not entirely clear from the OP whether or not I'd benefit from the 5.2 update I suddenly received in the mail yesterday. So far, I'm thinking - no.

If you have Map V6(7963), doing the V5.2(7994) will actually put older map data on your Nav. I am pretty sure I can't make it any clearer than that.


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[LokiWolf]

How do I find out what version my Nav is running? Thanks in advance.

Press and hold setup until you get a second menu. Press device info. You are looking for firmware version, and map version.


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[TheGrove]

...As for 7.6GB being removed and added back to a relatively slow HD, I'm calling BS a bit. Not that LokiWolf is wrong, but that it's simply a weak explanation. Heck, even a drive with the extremely poor performance of an old RLL or MFM drive (we're talking decades old) should be able to handle data transfer FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR in excess of well over two hours.

One thing that does impact this performance is that your navi is running while trying to load the data. So the system is not only deleting the data, adding the new but also accessing the DVD to show map information at the same time. Sitting still shouldn't impact this as much, but you never know.

I would also echo the backup camera. When I start the car in the morning, it simply takes so long to activate that I'm already driving down the street before it would ever start working - just like what eshawger said. Meaning, open the garage door, get in car, start car, buckle seat belt, check behind me, back out, close garage door, and still no backup camera. That is entirely typical of every single time I start the car after not driving it for more than an hour.

I remember seeing a couple comments on this on the site. First, getting and installing LokiWolf's latest firmware will speed up the camera. The second option was to make sure and unlock your car with the FOB prior to getting in. I know you are in a garage but others have experienced that using the FOB to unlock the car seems to start the radio booting up prior to the car starting so the backup camera comes on much faster.

 

[LokiWolf]

As for 7.6GB being removed and added back to a relatively slow HD, I'm calling BS a bit. Not that LokiWolf is wrong, but that it's simply a weak explanation. Heck, even a drive with the extremely poor performance of an old RLL or MFM drive (we're talking decades old) should be able to handle data transfer FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR in excess of well over two hours.

It is actually about 3 times that when on the actual RNS510 drive. THe 7.6GB is the compressed size. Part of the delay is the uncompression. I don't disagree it is slow, but it is what it is. I am not saying you should not complain to VW, I am simply here to help you with what I know and can offer.

I apologize in that my search on this forum for whatever reason did not pick up those other threads, as I did search for the V5.2M update.

Sorry your searches failed.

I dropped the car off at the dealer (who now agrees with my assessment and plans frankly to buy the car back if the update does not significantly improve the situation) yesterday evening. Before doing so, I checked and yes, I am running version 3696 (bought car at beginning of August). Left the DVD package with them, and even they were scratching their head about VW.

One more time. The 5.2 DVD is NOT a firmware update. It is a Map update. 4366 is the current firmware for the D-J units, and I know of only 1 dealer that has it, the one I use, because I gave it to them. The firmware is what improves responsiveness.

I'm not sure what firmware version the V5.2M disk will result in.

It is NOT a firmware update disc, it is a map disc.

I appreciate the information here, but I also think that it's inappropriate to not consider the realities of the situation, as every forum and public venue becomes data points for companies such as VW to use in making product decisions.

We have considered them, and moved on. Again, this is NOT to become a complaint thread.

I'm a huge fan of the engineering that VW put into the TDI "mechanics" and give them great credit, but on the other hand, that in no way gives them a free pass for the obvious and deplorable behavior surrounding the RNS510. Honestly, I didn't even know what an RNS510 was before I bought the car as my expectations and requirements are fairly low, general and have been satisfied by every other large manufacturer for more than a decade. It is not reasonable to support Volkswagen in expecting people seek out forums such as this prior to every purchase in order to find pertinent information about features of their vehicles - that they are advertising.

I came here and did A LOT of reading before I bought mine. Sorry you did not. The TDI motor alone makes my car worth owning. Since I am stuck with the 510, or pay out the nose for a replacement. I know my dealer has their hands tied, so I went looking for my own resolutions, and I have shared that info with the forums and my dealer.

 

[wmhjr]

I appreciate your response, LokiWolf. BTW, I am excruciatingly familiar with what a firmware update is as opposed to a map update. I started an IT career a long time ago, with my first network certs back in the days of ArcNet and Token Ring. Now I run a very very large enterprise. What I was NOT familiar with is what the V5.2M disk was. It is not clearly labeled as either, and I had no idea what was on it. From what you're saying, it's just a map update - which will essentially give me back a unit pretty much like I dropped off. It will apparently NOT update my firmware. Even my searches today on this site are not terrible clear about that but it's what I'm finding.

Based on this, I'll likely be giving the Passat back to VW and getting my money back. I love the TDI, but spend too much time working and that handsfree functionality is simply a critical variable for me - not to mention a state law in many states at this point. Not being able to reliably use that is honestly a deal breaker. I mean, really - this is basic functionality. Shouldn't be a question in this day and age. My impression here is that I'll get the car back with the same 3696 firmware, and the dealer will not be able to change that. I could go outside of VW and the dealer network, but then I've got warranty issues should they still have issues. So, I guess I'm out of luck. Never thought I needed to investigate whether a car could reliably and with reasonable performance handle phone calls. Guess I've been spoiled for the past 13 years.

 

[wmhjr]

One thing that does impact this performance is that your navi is running while trying to load the data. So the system is not only deleting the data, adding the new but also accessing the DVD to show map information at the same time. Sitting still shouldn't impact this as much, but you never know.



I remember seeing a couple comments on this on the site. First, getting and installing LokiWolf's latest firmware will speed up the camera. The second option was to make sure and unlock your car with the FOB prior to getting in. I know you are in a garage but others have experienced that using the FOB to unlock the car seems to start the radio booting up prior to the car starting so the backup camera comes on much faster.

I agree with both comments, but seriously, 3 hours? Really? I know (as Loki mentioned elsewhere) that the data is compressed, but really? I mean REALLY?????? What are they using? Some sort of Compusere or Prodigy technology? Only somewhat jesting.

For the unlock, I don't lock the car at my location. Ever. And while I seriously and really REALLY applaud all the work Loki has done, I'm not comfortable putting a firmware version on outside of warranty considering that I'm very possibly returning the car. I want zero chances of VW trying to say I've done anything wrong whatsoever. If I had owned the car for a year or so and there was no chance of this, then I'd go for the firmware update because after all, the unit is crap as is. However right now I need to stay the course without modifying the unit outside of VW. I am seriously curious as to why VW would decline from making the newer firmware versions available to customers who are clearly suffering from performance issues.

I'll also say that while I REALLY appreciate what LokiWolf is doing, the fact that VW is even making this necessary is despicable, and every person who owns a 510 should feel obligated to call and complain - repeatedly. Perhaps THAT kind of response would put more pressure on them.

 

[tadawson]

For what it's worth, mine got the new FW within 5 days of purchase, and I never looked back. I'm not certain, but I recall LokiWolf saying that he also has the old stuff, so you could always roll back if needed.

Considering that this is not a 'hard' or irreversible change, I don't consider warranty issues of much significance. If all else fails, perhaps another member with the new FW could let you try thiers before you make a decision.

- Tim

 

[wmhjr]

For what it's worth, mine got the new FW within 5 days of purchase, and I never looked back. I'm not certain, but I recall LokiWolf saying that he also has the old stuff, so you could always roll back if needed.

Considering that this is not a 'hard' or irreversible change, I don't consider warranty issues of much significance. If all else fails, perhaps another member with the new FW could let you try thiers before you make a decision.

- Tim

Is it possible to roll back the firmware? Though it's only SW, it's not uncommon for rollbacks to be impossible. We're talking about a $30K decision, so....

 

[LokiWolf]

Is it possible to roll back the firmware? Though it's only SW, it's not uncommon for rollbacks to be impossible. We're talking about a $30K decision, so....

It is possible. If you are trading it in, I would not recommend it. As I am sure you know doing it once yet 2 times is just asking for something to go wrong.

 

[LokiWolf]

I started an IT career a long time ago, with my first network certs back in the days of ArcNet and Token Ring. Now I run a very very large enterprise.

So, I am a Network Analyst in a VERY large organization, with over 60,000 users, I have MANY IT certs, including several from Cisco, Several from Microsoft, one from Redhat, one from VMWare, and few others. They mean squat when talking about the RNS-510.

What I was NOT familiar with is what the V5.2M disk was. It is not clearly labeled as either, and I had no idea what was on it.

What do you mean it isn't clearly labeled? The disc itself, clearly says Navteq maps, the instruction sheet you have referenced that came with it clearly says, "Update of Navigation data base". They are the FIRST 5 words on the piece of paper.

From what you're saying, it's just a map update - which will essentially give me back a unit pretty much like I dropped off.

That is EXACTLY what I have said more than once, other than it will improve access speed to the MAP data, because of a revised index.

It will apparently NOT update my firmware. Even my searches today on this site are not terrible clear about that but it's what I'm finding.

What do you mean CLEAR. I said it at the start of this thread, I said it in replies to you, I even stated it in the other threads that now link to this one. I COULD NOT MAKE IT ANY CLEARER!

My impression here is that I'll get the car back with the same 3696 firmware, and the dealer will not be able to change that.

Most likely, unless they have taken it upon themselves to get a copy of 4366, or VW has FINALLY provided it to the dealers.

Based on this, I'll likely be giving the Passat back to VW and getting my money back.

Good. I hear the new BMW 3 series now has a diesel for the US. Since you have been doing IT so long, you should easily be able to afford that.

For the unlock, I don't lock the car at my location. Ever.

Pressing the unlock on the remote, even when the car is already unlocked, will start the boot up process.

I'm not comfortable putting a firmware version on outside of warranty considering that I'm very possibly returning the car. I want zero chances of VW trying to say I've done anything wrong whatsoever. If I had owned the car for a year or so and there was no chance of this, then I'd go for the firmware update because after all, the unit is crap as is. However right now I need to stay the course without modifying the unit outside of VW. I am seriously curious as to why VW would decline from making the newer firmware versions available to customers who are clearly suffering from performance issues.

I agree, do not load the firmware unless you decide to keep the car. I will not be discussing this anymore with you in this thread. This is EXACTLY what I did not want to happen in this thread. If you decide to keep the car, PM me, and I will gladly send you the Firmware download link.

Loki out.

 

[JimPhazer]

For those with a 2014 Passat SEL. The VIM ReCode works great. Had to hit the 3 finger reboot with the Disc in the drive, but it only took a minute to load and unlock VIM. Here is the version info that came with my 2014.


HW: H21
SW: 4369
Map: 7963

 

[CNNPress]

Nice! You have SSD!

Sent from my LT28h using Tapatalk 4

 

[APT]

Thanks Loki for organizing the details!

 

[tdrag97]

Thx Loki.. update to V5.2 map with the disc from VW. took awhile too

Look like I would have to get your new FW to speed thing up a bit. Anything would be better then now.

Currently I have 13' SEL with VIM (from recode_VIM_berto89)
HW - H02
SW - 3696
Map ver - 7994

 

[panther_v]

Thanks to Loki, I successfully updated to the new version.

I'm curious on a few things though:

1. 7994 (V5.2) is a reorganized version of 7870 (V5), but both has same content. How about 7963? Does this version have the same structure as 7870 or the database structure of reorganized 7994 (ie improved access...)?

2. If I decided to move back to V5.2, will the system allow me to install an older version? or it is not backward compatible?

 

[JM Popaleetus]

And some say I derail threads. Returning a car because VW needs to push out software updates ?

ANYWAY. Loki, as one of your original beta testers. THANK YOU for all the work you've put into this!

My original review:

Preface: Do not expect it to be as fast or smooth as a dedicated Garmin GPS, your iPhone/Android, or anything else stand-alone. With that in mind, the update is a NIGHT AND DAY difference in my opinion.

The interface is the same (and relatively unintuitive) however the severe lag is gone. Things actually happen when you press a button, and the touch screen reacts as good as a non-capacitive touchscreen can. It also starts up and switches to the rear cam much faster.

In my opinion the system is now as good as the RNS-310 and RCD-510, and in the end, this update should fix a great majority of peoples complaints. It's still not the best in the industry or the next version coming in the new Golf. It is however good enough to keep me from buying a replacement in the immediate future or feeling burned by VW.

Cliff Notes: This update definitely makes the 510 usable and I hope VW rolls this out as a recall. Don't expect it to be as fast an iPhone however, it's more like an ATM now.

And some update/troubleshooting tips:

• The Star button next to the CD drive is what the firmware refers to as the Night/Day button.
• Make sure you have your car set to 24hr mode (do this via the time setting in the MFI).
• I was unable to do the update in accessory mode. This was frustrating to figure out with Kessy. Just unlock your car and push the radio's power button.

 

[tdrag97]

• Make sure you have your car set to 24hr mode (do this via the time setting in the MFI).

How does this help if the car is in 24hr mode or not?

 

[JM Popaleetus]

How does this help if the car is in 24hr mode or not?

My radio wouldn't allow the update unless it was in 24hr mode.

 

[Checker39]

Source for 4366 firmware?

Thanks, LokiWolf for posting this information. I have pressed my dealer without success for any available firmware upgrades to improve the performance of my RNS 510 [2013 Passat SEL TDI purchased May 2013].

From this thread and searching for related information, it looks to me like my dealer will not be able to upgrade my firmware from 3696 to 4366, even if I provide the service manager with the version number. Is this correct? If so, am I relegated to purchasing a DVD for the upgrade from a third-party supplier? In previous threads I've seen mention of someone seloing a DVD for $185. What's the best source for the software? I located someone selling it for $31 here, http://www.qmstore.com/VW-RNS-510-2...avigation-SW4366-Firmware-Update/p223907.html, but I have no idea of the reliability of this vendor.

Thanks again, and I apologize if this has been all covered before but my search did not turn it up if so.

 

[tadawson]

My radio wouldn't allow the update unless it was in 24hr mode.

FWIW, mine did fine on the first try in 12 hour mode . . .

- Tim

 

[tadawson]

Thanks, LokiWolf for posting this information. I have pressed my dealer without success for any available firmware upgrades to improve the performance of my RNS 510 [2013 Passat SEL TDI purchased May 2013].

From this thread and searching for related information, it looks to me like my dealer will not be able to upgrade my firmware from 3696 to 4366, even if I provide the service manager with the version number. Is this correct? If so, am I relegated to purchasing a DVD for the upgrade from a third-party supplier? In previous threads I've seen mention of someone seloing a DVD for $185. What's the best source for the software? I located someone selling it for $31 here, http://www.qmstore.com/VW-RNS-510-2...avigation-SW4366-Firmware-Update/p223907.html, but I have no idea of the reliability of this vendor.

Thanks again, and I apologize if this has been all covered before but my search did not turn it up if so.

No, you get it here for $0 . . .

- Tim

 

[ChrisB009]

Looking for this update...can someone message me a link where I can dwload?

Thanks,

Chris