iPod connection in '08 Golf

OSI

Picked myself up a rather lovely 08 GTI on Friday and while poking around I found an iPod connection in the glove box. "Awesome!" I thought, but I can't seem to get it work.

When I plug the iPod in, I get a VW logo appearing on the screen of the iPod like below, but no amount of button pushing on the radio seems to do anything related to the iPod. I did some googling and read that you use the CD mode with no CD in to use the iPod, but pressing the CD button does nothing but make a bong accompanied by a "No CD" message on the radio. It seems to have the standard RCD300 from what I can tell.

Any suggestions?

R.O.R

I think you might need a special cable for the VW I-Pod system, I know you do for the Audi and BMW I-Pod connections.

Can you play music through a USB stick to check if that part is working?

vetstu

Try pressing CD twice to get into cd changer mode, that's how my one works(it's Toyota though).
A lot of ipod inputs make the radio think that it is a cd changer.
Hope this works for you.

Henry Ford III

Ipod and usb connectivity should really be standard these days.

Delirium

This happens now and again in my VW Fox, which a similar setup.

Disconnect the ipod. Make sure have not to have a CD in the radio. Turn off the radio.

Connect the ipod. Then turn on the radio and press the CD button. I just repeat the process a couple of times at most and the ipod will then work.

This problem only ever happens for me if I have played a CD in the radio. The radio seems to have a problem the first time after playing a CD when you try to connect the ipod. But once you get it working, the problem will go away, at least until the next time you listen to a CD.

JoeA3

I had a similar connection in my GTI. If the iPod displays the VW symbol and starts charging etc, then at least you know the cable is working and the radio should detect it.

Pressing the "CD" button should start it up. Press CD twice if you have a CD inserted into the radio.

Assuming it works, the radio "thinks" your iPod is a CD-changer. The first 5 playlists are CD 1-5 and button 6 is all-music I think. It's not a great solution to be honest, cos you cannot navigate artists/songs/playlists and the radio will only display "Track 1", not the artist/song name.

If it's refusing to work, try plugging it in and out a few times, or perhaps try another iPod. Also make sure you have some playlists!

JoeA3

OSI wrote: »

Will have to give both suggestions a try, thanks.

All though it's a bit disappointing hearing that it only works by playing the playlists. Does anyone know if any of the upgraded HU's provide better iPod support? Was considering getting the RNS510 in the future anyway, if it offers better connectivity, it might push me to get it sooner.

Absolutely. I have the RNS 510 in my current car and it's a million leagues ahead. Full artist/track/playlist control. I think you would need to upgrade to the newer MDI iPod connection though, not 100% sure on that. It's even better if you couple it with Bluetooth, as the RNS supports bluetooth audio-streaming.

There's a few threads on it here already!

-Corkie-

I had one of those cables and I thought it was useless before I got a Parrot kit. Talk to EPM about the rns before you buy..

Henry Ford III

I've had a dedicated ipod socket (with full built in remote steering wheel controls) on my last 3 cars. I've never ever used it.

I do use the usb option though, and it's great.

alphanumeric

I had the same problem. I had to bring it to the VW Garage to get the AUX input activated on the radio.

If you know anybody with a VAG kit they can do it easily for you either.