Bench VCDS rns-e?

[jj94tt]

Is it really as simple as just connecting the k-line pin from the VCDS cable to the k-line pin on the rns-e... with a 12v bench power supply to 12v and gnd? Has anyone done this?

[CJ_]

I’m going to be trying it tomorrow. You may need to connect can hi and low too

I’ll report back with my findings

[jj94tt]

Thanks... I suspect that VCDS will require connection to the ECU to initialize. Maybe a less sophisticated scan tool would work better. :/

This post says has a bit of a clue... but next to no information:
http://audiforum.us/threads/vag_com-...for-rnse.8074/

[CJ_]

Just found what seems to be a decent thread here. Haven’t read through all of it yet, but FYI:

http://forums.ross-tech.com/showthre...estbench-setup

Just found this on nefmoto also, it’s for a cluster, but same concept

http://nefariousmotorsports.com/foru...?topic=3205.15

[jj94tt]

K-line:
OBD2 connector, pin 7 (corresponding pin on the VCDS cable)
to
rns-e connector B, pin 5

I am tempted to try this... I wonder if there is any risk of damage.... ?

[superdlux]

K-line:
OBD2 connector, pin 7 (corresponding pin on the VCDS cable)
to
rns-e connector B, pin 5

I am tempted to try this... I wonder if there is any risk of damage.... ?

Let us know :)


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[jj94tt]

Let us know :)

Well.. it doesn't seem to be that simple. No response from the controller with only the k-line connected. I am only using a test wire... nothing fancy.

[LINDW4LL]

Why the complication when you could just hook up the harness and connect to VCDS via OBD2?

[jj94tt]

Why the complication when you could just hook up the harness and connect to VCDS via OBD2?

Because why take the easy road?

In my particular case, I purchased a used rns-e without a PIN. I would like to retrieve the serial number from the unit so that I can call and get a pin... and if that doesn't work for some reason, I would not have spent the $ on a harness and removed my Symphony2 head unit. Also, it would be nice to be able to eject the nav disc without going through the hassle of hooking it up to a car (if the drive is locked).... or update software, etc.

[LINDW4LL]

OK; so you haven't purchased the harness yet. Understood. I'd just buy. Audi can always get the code, and once you have the harness, you can have the Symphony ejected, RNS-E powered up, and the AUZ obtained in ~ 5 minutes. Another ten minutes with Audi and you'll be up and running!

I've powered up many on the bench, but never connected to VCDS that way. Simple power/ground to the unit allows you to do everything else you mentioned once you have the code.

[CJ_]

You get the AUZ code by simply hooking up power, no need for vcds for that. Then, I’ve never done it, but call audi or use the online chat and give them the AUZ and your vin and they will give you the pin

[superdlux]

You get the AUZ code by simply hooking up power, no need for vcds for that. Then, I’ve never done it, but call audi or use the online chat and give them the AUZ and your vin and they will give you the pin

True-ish. Depends on the version of software running on the RNS-E. Older versions do not show the AUZ on the screen, so you need to go in via VAGCom

[LINDW4LL]

You get the AUZ code by simply hooking up power, no need for vcds for that. Then, I’ve never done it, but call audi or use the online chat and give them the AUZ and your vin and they will give you the pin

If it's running an older (pre 0260, I believe) software version, then the AUZ isn't displayed on the lock screen and that's when VCDS comes into play. But yeah OP, try just power first- there's a good chance it will show.

[CJ_]

Interesting, didn’t know that. Both of my units are running above sw260 though

[jj94tt]

True-ish. Depends on the version of software running on the RNS-E. Older versions do not show the AUZ on the screen, so you need to go in via VAGCom

I hooked up power immediately to make sure it was not DOA... shows the red-ish lock screen, no code. Plus, isn't that one pictured an MK2? I guess I can deduce from this, that I should be considering a SW update too.

Thanks for the tips, anyway. I am sorry to say that I have accepted defeat and ordered a harness. :/

[CJ_]

Yes mine is a mk2, but I also have a mk1 with sw0260 that shows the code. Yours is probably just running an older SW.

On a side note, I got my bench setup started. I started with the cluster and was able to connect with my VAG-401 just by hooking up the k-line and power to my OBD harness. I performed coding and output tests with no issues. I haven't tried VCDS yet, but I assume it would work the same.

[jj94tt]

On a side note, I got my bench setup started. I started with the cluster and was able to connect with my VAG-401 just by hooking up the k-line and power to my OBD harness. I performed coding and output tests with no issues. I haven't tried VCDS yet, but I assume it would work the same.

This is interesting. I did not rig up a bench OBD harness... connected power and ground directly to the radio and simply connected the k-line from the radio to the VCDS cable. I wonder if the VCDS scanner relies on the +12, chassis ground, or signal ground to activate (it has a blue LED that turns green when connected; some signal must be activating it... it never turned green during my tests).

[kRussia]

How can I tell which version mk1/ml2 I have with out powering the unit. Thank you

[LINDW4LL]

How can I tell which version mk1/ml2 I have with out powering the unit. Thank you

Part number on the top sticker. If it ends in 192, it's a Mk1; 193 is Mk2.

Other differentiators include the MK2 saying "MEDIA" instead of CD on the second button from left, and generally having piano black screen trim and aluminum knobs; though I have seen a few outlier Mk2s with matte screen trim, and some late 192 units with aluminum knob.

[kRussia]

Thank you Lindw4ll,