VW RNS 510 Code Guide

Q: How to Enter the Code on the RNS 510 Touchscreen

Switch the ignition to position II. The screen shows SAFE. A numeric keypad appears on the touchscreen. Tap in your four-digit code. Tap the OK or confirm button on the touchscreen to submit. If the code is correct, the navigation system boots normally. If incorrect, the screen returns to SAFE and a lockout countdown may begin after further wrong attempts. Note: On some early RNS 510 firmware versions, the touchscreen code entry does not appear automatically. In this case, use presets 1–4

The VW RNS 510 is the top-tier factory navigation unit of the Golf VI and Passat B7 era — a full-colour touchscreen satellite navigation system with DVD playback and SD card support. Like all VW Group units, it shows SAFE after a power interruption. This guide explains where the VWZ6Z serial lives and how to enter the code on the touchscreen interface.

About the VW RNS 510

The RNS 510 (Radio Navigation System 510) is a double-DIN unit manufactured by Continental and Bosch for the Volkswagen Group. It was the flagship factory navigation option from approximately 2006 to 2015, fitted in:

Golf VI (2008–2012) — especially GTI, R, Cabriolet
Golf V (2003–2008) — later build dates
Passat B6 and B7 (2005–2015)
Tiguan I (2007–2016)
Touareg II (2010–2018) — some configurations
Skoda Octavia II and III — via SKZ serial variant
SEAT Leon II — via SEZ serial variant

It is identifiable by its 6.5-inch colour touchscreen and the DVD slot on the lower portion of the unit. If the screen shows SAFE, you need your VWZ6Z serial and the matching code. Start your lookup here.

Finding the VWZ6Z Serial on the RNS 510

The RNS 510 serial is 14 characters long and begins with VWZ6Z. There are three ways to retrieve it:

SAFE screen combination (easiest): With the unit displaying SAFE, press and hold presets 1 and 6 simultaneously for two seconds. The VWZ6Z serial appears on the touchscreen.
Settings menu (if the unit is not in SAFE mode): Navigate to Settings → System → Unit Information or Device Data. The serial is listed here.
Unit label: Remove the unit using double-DIN extraction tools and read the serial from the sticker on the unit body.

How to Enter the Code on the RNS 510 Touchscreen

Switch the ignition to position II. The screen shows SAFE.
A numeric keypad appears on the touchscreen. Tap in your four-digit code.
Tap the OK or confirm button on the touchscreen to submit.
If the code is correct, the navigation system boots normally. If incorrect, the screen returns to SAFE and a lockout countdown may begin after further wrong attempts.

Note: On some early RNS 510 firmware versions, the touchscreen code entry does not appear automatically. In this case, use presets 1–4 to cycle digits and the seek button to confirm — the same method used on the RCD 310 and RCD 300.

RNS 510 vs RCD 510 vs RNS 315 Comparison

Unit	Type	Serial Prefix	Navigation	Media
RCD 310	Radio/CD	VWZ	No	CD, MP3, AUX
RCD 510	Touchscreen media	VWZ6Z	No	CD, SD, USB
RNS 315	Navigation	VWZ	Yes (SD)	CD, SD
RNS 510	Navigation touchscreen	VWZ6Z	Yes (DVD/SD)	DVD, SD, USB

Lockout and Error Codes on the RNS 510

SAFE: Normal post-power-loss state. Multiple attempts available.
WAIT 60 min: Wrong code entered. Keep ignition in position II and allow the full hour to elapse.
1000: Final attempt remaining. Only enter the code when you are confident it is correct.
Permanent lock: VW ODIS dealer reset required with proof of ownership.
Komponentenschutz (Component Protection): If an RNS 510 has been swapped from another vehicle, VW's Komponentenschutz system may block it at a deeper level than a simple code reset. This requires dealer ODIS pairing to the new VIN — separate from the radio code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RNS 510 need a radio code and a navigation code separately?

No — there is a single unlock code tied to the unit's VWZ6Z serial. Entering this code unlocks both the radio and navigation functions simultaneously.

I bought a second-hand RNS 510 and it shows SAFE — can I still unlock it?

Yes, provided the unit is not subject to Komponentenschutz. Retrieve the VWZ6Z serial from the unit label or the on-screen display (using presets 1+6) and request the code online. If Komponentenschutz is active, you will need a VW dealer to re-pair the unit to your vehicle's VIN in addition to the code.

Why does my RNS 510 keep going into SAFE mode even with a good battery?

A secondary cause is a failing internal backup battery within the unit itself. The RNS 510 has a small capacitor or battery to retain settings; if this fails, the unit may lose its authorised state on every engine start. A VW specialist can diagnose this.

Is the RNS 510 still worth keeping over a modern aftermarket unit?

For Golf VI purists and originality enthusiasts, yes — the RNS 510 integrates with the instrument cluster, steering wheel controls, and parking sensors in a way that aftermarket units cannot replicate without additional adapters. The unit is very much worth unlocking and retaining.

Unlock your RNS 510 today — enter your VWZ6Z serial online and get your navigation code in minutes.