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Jetta vs. GLI Antennas

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Marek K

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
My wife has a 2009 2.5L Jetta, with the OEM Premium-7 head unit. It's got SiriusXM, which she listens to almost always.

I'm seriously thinking about finding a good used RNS-510 unit, like I have in my 2009 GLI, and installing it into her Jetta. That would give her built-in GPS nav, SiriusXM, and wouldn't have that stupid low-contrast blue screen that drives me crazy.

An aftermarket unit would be no good, because I haven't seen any with SiriusXM.

I really don't want to tear our dashboards apart to check, because I know I'll break clips; but I see from old threads here that the connectors for the Premium-7 and the RNS-510 are the same. SiriusXM satellite radio should be no problem, since the Jetta has that now (antenna and wiring).

I do see that there might be some differences in the antenna connections at the head units. Anyone know?

But I don't know about the satellite navigation. Anyone know if the OEM Jetta antenna was capable of sat radio reception? That is, was it identical to the sharkfin antenna on the GLI?

Oh, I just looked them up, and that does seem to be the case -- same part number for the sharkfin for both variants:
Image

Image

Anyone have any other hints on doing this -- besides making sure I get a good SAFE code?
 
#2 ·
Hey @Marek K, that's a solid upgrade plan to swap the RNS-510 into your wife's Jetta, and it's smart that you already checked the sharkfin part number. Have you figured out if you'll need any specific adapters for the GPS or satellite radio connectors behind the head unit itself? Sharing a bit more about the connections might help someone who's done this exact swap before weigh in.
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
ForaFrank said:
Hey @Marek K, that's a solid upgrade plan to swap the RNS-510 into your wife's Jetta, and it's smart that you already checked the sharkfin part number. Have you figured out if you'll need any specific adapters for the GPS or satellite radio connectors behind the head unit itself? Sharing a bit more about the connections might help someone who's done this exact swap before weigh in.
Click to expand...
Um, are you a real person, or AI? Just asking because of your icon... And because of the syntax... ;)

No, I haven't figured out about the antenna connections. And I haven't torn the two dashboards apart to actually check -- like I said, I always break clips when I do that, and I'd rather just do it once.

From online, here's an image of the back of the RNS-510, with the blue and white antenna connections at the lower-left:
Image

And here's an image of the Premium-7:
Image

The large black connectors for power, speakers, etc. look identical. But the antenna connectors are different...

I remember I started a thread back in 2018, where i was thinking of temporarily installing a Premium-7 into my 2009 GLI while the GLI's RNS-510 was being repaired (I didn't need to do that, since as I remember it was a software issue): RNS-510 vs. Premium-7 Connectors? | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum

Username Drval85 (he's still around!) commented that "[the antenna connectors] are different. The blue ends are the connectors that would be used on the premium 7. The white solo end would go on an RCD/RNS."

I never needed to find out, but I wasn't sure what he meant by "ends." Is that on the radios, or on the antenna wires? And what did he mean about an "adapter" -- on the radio, or the wire(s)?

And what's that rectangular black connector on the RNS-510 below the antenna connectors?
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
drval85 said:
The rectangular black connector is for a rear view camera. RGB style only.
Click to expand...
Oh, OK. I know the RNS-510 has a capability for a back-up camera. I've actually got an aftermarket one in the box, and may actually get to installing it. May need more help then. :)

drval85 said:
I think a FAKRA adapter will solve the double/single cable issue for the antennas.
Click to expand...
I've heard of FAKRA connectors, but don't know anything about them. Except that the name comes from the German Fachkreis Automobil, and is a connector standard.

I do see that there are a bazillion (actually about 50) different types of FAKRA connectors and maybe more adapters. How are they interchangeable? What do the different colors mean?

In other words, can I just find a FAKRA adapter in the correct configuration (single v. double, or single-to-double or vice-versa); and in the correct color(s)...and it should work?

How about the white double connector on the RNS-510, if it turns out the Jetta only has a single connector?

drval85 said:
and you can get the radio codes off eBay for 10-15$.
Click to expand...
Yes, I know. Or pay more for a unit that comes with a SAFE code, but that would be guaranteed...
 
Discussion starter · #7 · (Edited)
So here's a breakdown of the various FAKRA connectors (What are FAKRA Connectors? - everything RF) -- it looks like the various colors are just the keying options for the plugs and jacks:
Image

And here are the colors corresponding to the letters:
Image

Here's an enlargement of the RNS-510 antennna jacks:
Image

I would think the blue one is a FAKRA C (Signal Blue); the ribs look correct.

And the white ones are either FAKRA B (Cream) or FAKRA I (Beige) -- doubled? But the ribs look wrong...

And here's the premium-7:
Image

So maybe FAKRA B (Cream), and FAKRA I (beige)? But again the ribs look wrong...

And why are there twin white antenna jacks on the RNS-510?
 
#8 ·
I believe the twin antenna jacks on the RNS are the same cables as the beige and cream on the 7. So you need an adapter that would take the solo cables coming from the car that were going to the beige/cream and adapt them to the twin style on the RNS.
The blue is for the GPS you need to add, I think. Which may cause some issues. I see the shark fin you posted has a green connector. Don’t know if that would match. My shark fin has a blue connector with matching blue connector on car side. But I never had GPS, only Sirius.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
drval85 said:
I believe the twin antenna jacks on the RNS are the same cables as the beige and cream on the 7. So you need an adapter that would take the solo cables coming from the car that were going to the beige/cream and adapt them to the twin style on the RNS.
Click to expand...
So those would be for the AM. FM, and SiriusXM radio frequencies (all of which the Premium-7 has)? Wonder why they'd be twinned on the RNS-510.

Doesn't look like two single connectors would have space to fit on the twin RNS-510 connectors...

drval85 said:
The blue is for the GPS you need to add, I think. Which may cause some issues. I see the shark fin you posted has a green connector. Don’t know if that would match. My shark fin has a blue connector with matching blue connector on car side. But I never had GPS, only Sirius.
Click to expand...
OK, so the blue is probably the GPS.

What year is your Mk5? Does it not have the capability for GPS? That might explain the color difference.

Because, again, for 2009 (which the Jetta is), the antennas for the Jetta and the GLI have the identical part numbers -- which tells me the Jetta antenna at least has the capability of receiving GPS signals. Or they may be the same as used for SiriusXM...?

Though there's no telling what the cable(s) look(s) like between the antenna and the head unit...

I was really hoping someone had specific experience doing this. Though you've been really helpful...

Hmmm... Much as I hate to, I may have to start tearing the Jetta apart to see what the actual cables look like...
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
GTI's said:
Contact OEM VW RNS510 HDD Navigation Systems 3C0035684 3C8035684 – Eurozone Tuning and get what you need in one stop
Click to expand...
Thanks for that.

I've already got the RNS-510 on order, with SAFE code. But this will be helpful.

I pulled out my Bentley Manual to see what it has to say. It's not really specific, but does shed some light.

Both the Premium-7 and the RNS-510 are supposed to use the same J525 digital amplifier under the passenger seat. And I do see some kind of module under the Jetta seat, so that should be the same.

And the Jetta already has the R146 satellite radio module under the rear parcel shelf.

But as far as the GPS antenna, here's a diagram:
Image

So it looks like the GPS antenna isn't in the shark fin -- it's in the rear window. And the module for it is (4.), "above rear of headliner." So it's likely that the Jetta doesn't have those.

I think I'm going to have to get a separate GPS antenna like this from EuroZone Tuning:
Image

VW/AUDI External Puck-Style GPS Antenna – Eurozone Tuning

It's got a blue FAKRA connector on it, so should plug right into the blue jack RNS-510.

I can install the square antenna right under the vent on the dashboard. The GPS signal should get through the vent, though obviously not quite as well as the rear window.

I seem to remember now that people did this a decade ago when doing this...

Now I'll just have to figure out how to handle the twin white antenna connectors on the RNS-510...
Image
 
Discussion starter · #13 · (Edited)
GTI's said:
What version did you get there are a few and the newer ones are better, is the fir ware update to the latest greatest version?
Click to expand...
I wanted to get the same RNS-510 version as my 2009 GLI has, since the Jetta is also a 2009 and I didn't want any surprises. I'm happy with how the one in my GLI is working.

According to my latest VCDS scan, the GLI has 3C0 035 684 C. I believe the firmware is now 1140 -- in any case, I believe it's the highest that my unit would take. Firmware version isn't critical for the Jetta.

GTI's said:
Have you checked out FAQ of Eurozone to see what is need and what is not.
RNS510 Navigation System Overview – Eurozone Tuning
Click to expand...
Oh, I didn't see that FAQ. Thanks, I'll take a look at it now. I've already ordered the GPS antenna from them.

OK, I see this there:

When retrofitting this unit into a Volkswagen which did not have GPS from the factory (MFD2 or RNS315), you will at minimum need a GPS Antenna. For 2005.5-2009 models, you will need an AM/FM Adapter, and Sirius Antenna/Sirius Extension Cable. An external bluetooth module is necessary if your vehicle did not originally come from the factory with bluetooth capabilities or does not have a 9W2/9W7 bluetooth module installed.

Well, I've already ordered the GPS antenna from them.

I'll have to research what they mean by "AM/FM Adapter," and "Sirius Antenna/Sirius Extension Cable." Hopefully the Jetta already has the "Sirius Extension Cable". And I think the "AM/FM Adapter" is how I adapt the current single antenna connector to the dual RNS-510 jacks:
Image

So this adapter -- duplex, that'll hopefully adapt the two Jetta antenna cables to the twin RNS-510 jacks:
Image


AM/FM Adapter for 2005.5-2009 VW's – Eurozone Tuning

Also ordered.

Bluetooth would be nice. There's currently a Bluetooth adapter plugged into the Jetta's iPod dock in the center console; it works well. Hopefully the RNS-510 has the same connector for that iPod dock as the current Premium-7... Like an AUX output...?
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
drval85 said:
I have a 2009. No GPS from factory. That duplex adapter is exactly what you need for the antennas.
Click to expand...
Good to know. Thanks.

drval85 said:
If you’re in the market for an OEM Bluetooth module
Click to expand...
No. Like I said, the Jetta was one of those that came with an iPod dock in the center console:
Image

So I just got a Bluetooth module that plugs in there.
Image

Image

Works real well. It's accessed through the CD button on the Premium-7. I don't know how that dock is wired at the back of the head unit; but hopefully it'll work with the RNS-510.

I'm just wondering what EuroZone Tuning mean when they write that, for 2005.5-2009 models (the Jetta is 2009), I'd need a "Sirius Antenna/Sirius Extension Cable." Since the Jetta already has Sirius XM, I assume that's already there...
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
GTI's said:
Read through the EuroZone FAQ The RNS and RCD series radio do not need this module and need a direct connection from the Sharkfin roof antenna to gain a signal.
Click to expand...
Which module doesn't the RNS-510 need? (If it's the Bluetooth, yes, we've already settled that -- I shouldn't need it.)

They seem to have several FAQs. I'm looking what I think is the main at the FAQ: FAQ's – Eurozone Tuning

Here's what it says:
Image

So I'm supposed to need everything that's required for the RCD-510. Supposedly to include a "SiriusXM Antenna Extension Cable," since the Jetta did come with factory SiriusXM.

That cable looks like this (VW Sirius Radio Extension Cable – Eurozone Tuning):
Image

They say I'd need the 20ft Female to Female type for the sharkfin antenna.

I have no idea where on the back of the RNS-510 that would plug in -- the Antenna Adapter would plug in at the twin white FAKRA jacks, and the GPS would plug in at the blue FAKRA jack. I'm all out of jacks...:
Image

Maybe they meant "if your car did not come from the factory with SiriusXM radio"...? :unsure: Again, the Jetta now already has SiriusXM from the sharkfin.

I'd shoot EuroZone a question, but I haven't had much luck getting responses from them so far...
 
#18 ·
"Choose 10 feet for vehicles which have the Sirius module under the passenger seat.

Choose 15 feet for vehicles which have the Sirius module located in the trunk.

Choose 20 feet Female to Female if retrofitting a sharkfin roof antenna and need a cable to reach from the new radio to the antenna. One antenna is needed per each connection (I.E. Sirius, GPS)


If your 2005.5-2009 Vehicle's factory radio does NOT have Sirius Radio/Sirius Module underneath the seat, please purchase the External Sirius Antenna which is also available in the Eurozone Store."
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
Ugh... I didn't scroll down far enough on that extension cable page. :rolleyes:

OK... this is all making a bit of sense now.

What's different is that the SiriusXM module is only used with Premium-7 radios, like our Jetta's. While the RNS-510 doesn't use a SiriusXM module, since it has "a direct connection from the Sharkfin roof antenna to gain a signal. And sure enough, my GLI (with OEM RNS-510) doesn't have a SiriusXM module.

Here's what the SiriusXM module looks like under the parcel shelf of the Jetta:
Image

And here's the Bentley WD -- all the wiring is accounted for:
Image

So it seems that when the RNS-510 is installed, I'll be totally bypassing the SiriusXM module, since the RNS-510 doesn't use it.

Here's another view of the extension cable:
Image

Hard to tell what the connector look like. But I think I'd be plugging one end into the green FAKRA connector from the R170 and R172 satellite antennas under the parcel shelf...? And the other end at the RNS-510... But where? To the single end of the AM/FM adapter?
Image

The only other antenna jack on the RNS-510 is for the GPS.

Wait! I just found EZT's installation guide for this! Attached...

And here's what it says about the RNS-510's dual white connector:
Image

So, yes, that's where the extension goes.

And I guess all that other wiring between the SiriusXM module and the radio, on the Quadlok connector, just doesn't get used.

Well, I obviously need to order the 15ft extension and do some cable running. Thanks!
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
Next questions, since the RNS-510 and all the parts from EZT are going to be here in the next couple of days...

I'm obviously going to have to unplug that green FAKRA connector from the Jetta's existing satellite module...
Image

...in order to plug the extension cable into the cable from the shark fin.

From the green color, it should be a FAKRA-E connector. Anybody know how to remove it? There's so little room that I can't really get to it -- I could barely contort enough to take the photo. I may be doing this by feel.

FAKRA-E connectors are supposed to have locking tabs, and I can see a tab on the photo above. But what's the pink thing? A second lock, as often exists on VW connectors?

The other option would be to drop the module from the parcel shelf. But it doesn't look like the four fasteners are removable from the bottom -- looks like they're bolts threaded into speed nuts from the top:
Image

And removing the parcel shelf would require, according to Bentley, taking apart half the back seat area...
 
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Marek K
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