RNS-510 Dim Backlight

[jamie]

Hi,

Has anyone else had an RNS-510 that has a permanently dim screen?  I understand there is a light level sensor on these units that dictates the brightness of the display.

I wondered if this is a common fault or if it is repairable.

Thanks!

[omeydz]

Go into settings and display. You can adjust brightness from there.

The light sensor will still take over for ambient display but in full daylight you should have the brightness level you selected.

Hope that helps 

[jamie]

Thanks, I've not got the unit in front of me but I'll get it checked.

Thanks.

[jamie]

OK, I've added a reply to the sticky firmware update topic...sorry to cross-post!

[Viking]

Hi all,

Thanks for this helpful topic.

I've just bought a car with a RNS-510 with a very very dim screen.  As if the backlight isn't working.  The unit functions, there is sound and I can operate the menus.  Infact, it's all working as normal apart from the screen.  I've tried adjusting the brightness but it's as if the backlight is off.

I've downloaded the 2760 firmware and burned to a CD.  I inserted the disc, it rebooted and started the firmware installation - however the screen was still dim.  Would this be the case until the firmware is replaced?  This is my first attempt at a fix - otherwise I'll have to remove the unit and send it off to be repaired.

I've tried to get into the "secret" menu, but all I see is three radio mode options FM, AM and DAB.  As I see DAB in the list, might this suggest the firmware has been upgraded at somepoint?

As anyone else had this issue?  The screen is almost like an "inverse of colour" if that makes any sense?

Many thanks.   

I've quoted your post here.

The fact that the unit says "AM, FM, DAB" just means that it's a DAB radio mate. You should have DAB reception (at least you should if the DAB aerial is fitted).

The fact you can't get into the secret menu just means it's not activated on your RNS, and you need VCDS to do that.

It does sound as though someone has tried a firmware update at some point which has been done incorrectly and has changed the screen coding. There's a firmware fix which is reported to fix some issues but I don't think the dim screen is one of them. Best send it away to be repaired mate. Further mucking about with firmware could be fatal.

[jamie]

Hi mate,

Thank you for the info...I did think it sounded like a firmware update that had failed. Would the firmware think its a different type of display (LED) if it was updated to a too newer firmware? Hence, switching the backlight off?

I read the page here:

http://www.my-gti.com/3097

Has anyone had a similar problem?

I don't mind having a go at the firmware change. I've got as far as nearly applying the 2760 update but thought I'd ask again here first.

Thanks - any help much appreciated.

Jamie

[Viking]

You can try a firmware downgrade, but you need to know what firmware you have at the moment, what the model is of your particular RNS, and what firmware it originally had ideally. Then you can go back to the start and load on the factory firmware it should have. That would give you the best chance of sorting it.

To downgrade the firmware you need access to the secret (developer) menu which you don't have. Throwing firmware cds at it in an attempt to fix a firmware issue will likely end in tears, or just plain failure.

[jamie]

OK - thanks for your help.

I'll look for a place to help diagnose the fault!

I'm tempted to try my local VW as an initial port of call.

[Viking]

VW don't repair, they replace.

I'd drop this guy a message and ask him, he's a proper good guy.  Link.

[jamie]

Thanks!