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Thread: How to remove RCD500 headunit

  1. #1
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    How to remove RCD500 headunit

    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...
    Last edited by Lima; 22-07-2007 at 06:26 PM.


    MY10 S3 3dr

  2. #2
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    Thread Starter
    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.
    Last edited by Lima; 22-07-2007 at 06:22 PM.


    MY10 S3 3dr

  3. #3
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    Thread Starter
    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.



    Last edited by Lima; 22-07-2007 at 06:46 PM.


    MY10 S3 3dr

  4. #4
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    Thread Starter

    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.
    Last edited by mikinoz; 22-07-2007 at 06:53 PM. Reason: tidy


    MY10 S3 3dr

  5. #5
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    Awesome write up minigolf
    For Sale 2006 VW Polo GTI
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    Phase 2

  6. #6
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    Nice, shame it all went back in without iPod integration though.

    Stuck in the FAQ and DIY thread! Cheers
    2015 Multivan Highline
    1969 Sunbeam Imp Sport 930cc

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by mikinoz View Post
    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.


    MY10 S3 3dr

  8. #8
    GTILover Guest
    Excellent thread minigolf!
    Well explained, with great photos.. Good job my man

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    Toowoomba, Queensland
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    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.
    2007 Tornado Red DSG GTI
    Grinning from ear to ear!!

  10. #10
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    Thread Starter

    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-DV...QQcmdZViewItem


    MY10 S3 3dr

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