RCD510: Can You Trust This Bus Silence?

Today, I have a multimedia-related question, as I've now connected the RCD510 for testing after more than a year (sourced from VW/Delphi, but manufactured in China ).

Typically, it's said that the CAN gateway should also be replaced if it's older than revision "L" (at least, that's what I seem to remember), because older versions of the gateway may not recognize the (newer) radio and will constantly try to communicate with it via the CAN bus, which drains the battery (and usually causes it to discharge after a few days of inactivity).

Now, my CAN gateway 3C0 907 951 A has software 3C0 907 530 C, which is quite old (read from address 19: diagnostic interface).

The radio (hardware number: 56D 035 190 A) appears to be functioning properly (I have not made any reconfigurations yet).

I then recorded the status of the bus idle (and the wake-up status) for approximately 2 hours in block 001 of the diagnostic interface (address 19) for:

CAN Comfort Status / Bus Idle.
CAN infotainment status/bus idle.
CAN drive status / bus idle.

It is clearly visible that approximately one minute after the last use, the "Wake-Up" status changes to "passive," and all three buses go into a sleep mode. (This was also the case with the old radio.)

In the attached file, this is clearly visible starting around minute 3 (marker 180) and remains that way for the next two hours until I return. (I have attached the spreadsheet.)

My question is now:

Can we really trust in peace? (Why do people always say/write that the gateway must be replaced if it's older?) Are there any other reasons why the battery might be drained (which I want to avoid), even when the car is parked, the ignition is off, and the radio is off?

Unfortunately, my multimeter is currently out of order (it's Saturday evening) because the 9V battery is dead. (I actually wanted to measure the quiescent current as well - if there's any quiescent current at all when the hood is open [I might have to bypass the switch?]).

Here are the details of the diagnostic interface (CAN gateway) and the radio, for completeness.

Thank you.


Address 19: Diagnostic interface
Label file: DRV\3C0-907-530-V1.clb
Control unit part number: 3C0 907 530 C. Hardware: 3C0 907 951 A.
Component and/or version: Gateway 007 0040.
Encoding: 7DFD2C14C62002
Operating number: WSC 05311 000 00000

No error codes found.

Advanced Identification
Serial number: 0700C0660
Identification: TFJ-ING.
Revision: 00007000
Date: 06.06.06
Test item number: 1102.
Manufacturer part number: 1603.
Flash Status
Programming attempts: 0.
Successful attempts: 0.
Programming status: 00000000
Requirements: 00000000
Flash Tool Number: 00000 000 00000
Flash Date: --.--.--
Software.
K2.9.9
D2.9.9
I2.8.9
A4.8.6
XPQ46_V06_03
XBL_0040
Miscellaneous.
Hardware number: 3C0 907 951 A

Label file: DRV\3C0-907-530-V1.clb


Address 56: Radio
Control unit part number: 56D 035 190 A
Component and/or version: RCD510USBRVC 002 0003
Encoding: 0100046404000B
Company number: WSC 00078

Advanced Identification
Serial number: VWZ4Z3R80
Identification: DE2-7WJ
Revision: -----001
Date: 05/08/15
Manufacturer part number: 0001
Test item number: 6286.
Flash Status
Programming attempts (application): 0.
Successful attempts (applications): 0.
Programming attempts (data): 0.
Successful attempts (data): 0.
Programming status: 00000000
Flash Date: 0000.00.00
Flash Tool Number: 00000 000 00000
Flash Tool Number (Data): 00000 000 00000
Software.
BAP: 00.01.00
Diag: 00.01.00
CAN: 00.01.00
TP 2.0: 00.01.00
KWP2000: 00.01.00
Miscellaneous.
Hardware number: 56D 035 190 A
System abbreviation: J503
Features/PR code: 0000000000000000
Data version number: -----------
Data version: ----
Band-end equipment level: --------------------

Label file: DRV\5M0-035-1xx-56.clb

Supplement: In the meantime, I have also measured the quiescent current of the battery:

- After locking the vehicle (the hood switch was manually set to "locked" even though the hood was open): approximately 1.5 amperes.
- Then, within a few minutes, it dropped to around 900mA, and then to 600mA.
- After a maximum of 15 minutes (when I returned), it permanently went up to 6 to 8mA (as long as I observed it, but I have no reason to believe that it increased again unnoticed in between).

The radio turns off correctly with the ignition - if it is manually turned on after the pre-set 30 minutes. (During this time, with the radio active, approximately 1 Ampere flows.)

I was able to successfully adjust the "standby time" (i.e., the time after "ignition off" until the radio automatically turns off) in control unit 56 ("Radio") using the "Adjustment" function in channel 03.

(Even without the non-existent "Audio output time" option, simply by selecting channel 03 and choosing the shutdown time in minutes as a "New Value").
For a "quick test," I used a time of 2 minutes. However, the stored value I had previously read using the "Read" function was the default setting of 30 minutes.

The radio then turned itself off after a little over 2 minutes.

So far, there have been no significant abnormalities.

I don't want to connect any parking sensors or similar devices - perhaps I can still use the old gateway. Let's see if I find any special features or problems. (Hopefully not.)

The next goal would probably be to install a reverse camera, let's see how that goes.

I'm always happy to hear any further tips or experiences.

Further addition (after a few days).

"Still no issues encountered during the installation of the RCD510, even with the older CAN-BUS gateway. Here's a photo of the recently re-measured quiescent current - it's actually only (5.6mA) - see image 1."

I would like to add that I activated the hood lock, despite (for the quiescent current measurement) the hood being open.

This is necessary because the quiescent current may vary when the vehicle is unlocked.

My description is not intended for the professionals here in the forum (who probably have their own methods), but rather it simply explains how I, as an "interested amateur," did it – perhaps it will be interesting for the many guests and readers.

In order for the locking mechanism to release from the inside when the cable is pulled, it must actually be under tension from the two spring levers.

Normally, the pins are pushed down by the hood latch and, when the latch is released, they push the hood latch (and thus the locking lever) back up into the "unlocked" position.

However, these are very strong springs. Therefore, I simply pushed the locking pin into the "locked" position without using the springs (see picture 2).

When you later engage the cable mechanism to release the lock, nothing seems to happen at first.

To bring the locking mechanism back to the "unlocked" position (after completing the quiescent current measurement), I did the following:

Using a screwdriver, press down on the front of the two (horizontal) springs and secure them under the locking bar. (See Image 3 - the rear spring remains unstressed, i.e., horizontal, see also the detailed view in Image 4.)

When activating the cable mechanism to release the lock, the spring pushes the locking lever past the screwdriver, into the "unlocked" position (and the screwdriver is ejected).

Thank you for your explanation.

I've always unlocked the hood using the second key. I've learned something new.

Regarding the bus idle issue that you were concerned about: Does this actually affect the retrofitting of the RCD510? So far, I have only heard of the RNS510 as a potential problem. (But I must also admit that I have not been interested in the RCD).

Greetings.
Guste.

Quote:

Regarding the bus idle issue that you were concerned about: Does this actually affect the retrofitting of the RCD510?

Hello Guste,

"So, the people who sold me the RCD510 clearly stated in the product description before the purchase (it's a great multimedia device, by the way, from Delphi/VW, brand new for just over 100 euros) that a new gateway is usually required."

My research on the topic also always referred to the RCD510, and everyone (possibly mistakenly or cautiously) talked about it there as well. Perhaps most people didn't want to take the risk and simply replaced the gateway as a precaution.

As I said, there are no problems.

The only anomaly observed (during diagnosis, not during operation) was that the radio could not communicate with the control unit in the dashboard module.

"I'm not entirely sure why it's there, nor what its exact purpose is (presumably for speed-dependent volume control or a speed display in 'driving school' mode)."

Is that related to the gateway? I don't really think there's an urgent need for action here.

Perhaps I will figure it out someday. The "error frequency" is only "1" because I deleted the error before (or rather, because it is a permanent error).

Perhaps some coding is still required, which I don't fully understand yet. However, I haven't found anything related to this on the radio side when I coded the radio for the integrated sound system. One byte was not documented in the coding assistant of VCDS.

Perhaps I also need to tell the control panel interface that there's a radio there, and specify the speed at which it should transmit data?

Thank you for your interest and feedback.

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Below is the error message:"

In practical use, I find the radio to be great (it even has a built-in MP3 CD changer, although I mostly use an SD card or USB drive, or - which works really well - an older iPod Touch, because it supports artists, titles, playlist searching, etc.).

It took me over a year to install it because of this "idle current" concern...

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um draußen zu sein."
Address 56: Radio (J503) Label file: .DRV\5M0-035-1xx-56.clb
Part number SW: 56D 035 190 A. HW: 56D 035 190 A.
Part: RCD510USBRVC 002 0003
Revision: -----001 Serial number: VWZ4Z3R80
Encoding: 0101002401000B
Operating number: WSC 00078.

"One error found:"
01317 - Control unit in the instrument panel insert (J285)
004 - no signal/communication
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 01100100
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 1.
Lost Count: 85
Mileage: 208,172 km
Time: 0.
Date: 2018.01.29
Time: 20:44:43

If the quiescent current in your measurements was normal and all the functions are working correctly, then I wouldn't do anything further. However, it's also a subjective question of whether you want 100% certainty and empty error logs, or whether you prefer to take a minimal risk and save money and time.

PS: Regarding the RCD: Does it also happen to support Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP)? If so, I might have to reconsider replacing my RNS MFD 2 DVD unit...

Greetings.
Guste.

Quote:

Does the RCD510 also support Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP) by any chance?

"My unit doesn't have that feature, although I understand there might be models that do. I can see the Bluetooth option in the settings, but it's not active (I assume the Bluetooth functionality is simply missing)."

The situation was similar with the USB input. I had to choose the option that included a USB input (an adapter was included), which cost about 10 euros more. For music, I would definitely recommend using the USB connection (the quality is simply better).

I haven't really explored the Bluetooth functionality (even though my car has Bluetooth preparation) because I find using a Bluetooth headset for phone calls (and audiobooks) much better. (It just has to be a decent quality headset).

Not only because of the sound quality - I can also disconnect during a call or while listening to an audiobook without interruptions or channel changes.

I use a Plantronics Voyager Legend, which I highly recommend (the person on the other end can't even tell that I'm driving). I also recommend Plantronics' customer service, which offers quick replacements if needed.

There are even hobbyists who retrofit the navigation module into the RCD510 - but this is probably only for hardcore enthusiasts (see, for example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73tqpgwvVtE).

By the way, the standard model of the RCD510 does not have an input for the rear-view camera (or for USB), so if you are interested, make sure to check for a model that includes those features.

Music from the memory card works perfectly, without a doubt. And the fact that there's a six-disc CD changer inside is something I wouldn't have expected given the size of the casing.