Help Head Unit Has Died and We Don’t know what to replace it with

[Coopsontour]

Hi

Our head unit died on us and we are looking at replacing it has anyone tried the head units from Pluscentre? This is the unit that’s died.
Also has anyone replaced one of these themselves? We have a reversing camera and steering wheel controls that we need to ensure work with the new head unit too. Thanks
View attachment IMG_4544.jpeg

 

[dspuk]

Various posts on this and alternative units available via search.

 

[lfm]

In my T5.1 I went for a Kenwood installed by Absolut5 in Amesbury. You need a specific interface to support parking sensors, camera etc.

I know nothing about PlusCenter but I imagine you get zero customer support.

Absolut are excellent.

(Updated now I found a picture of it!) Can't remember the model, but it was the latest in 2022 and gave the van a real lift. No faffing around with Tomtoms/phones etc.

 

[Georgeo]

Hi

Our head unit died on us and we are looking at replacing it has anyone tried the head units from Pluscentre? This is the unit that’s died.
Also has anyone replaced one of these themselves? We have a reversing camera and steering wheel controls that we need to ensure work with the new head unit too. Thanks
View attachment 149856

How did it die? Just not lighting up?

 

[nigpdreadingfc]

In my T5.1 I went for a Kenwood installed by Absolut5 in Amesbury. You need a specific interface to support parking sensors, camera etc.

I know nothing about PlusCenter but I imagine you get zero customer support.

Absolut are excellent.

100% agree. The guys at @Absolut5 Audio ltd are the experts on all things advice, supply and fit

 

[Wilko]

I’d recommend to get in touch with https://www.hazzydayz.com/. My head unit failed in my T5.1 and they repaired it for me, excellent customer service and very helpful. I fitted a RCD330 (pictured) in the meantime.

 

[gleneagles]

Hi

Our head unit died on us and we are looking at replacing it has anyone tried the head units from Pluscentre? This is the unit that’s died.
Also has anyone replaced one of these themselves? We have a reversing camera and steering wheel controls that we need to ensure work with the new head unit too. Thanks
View attachment 149856

I have one of these radios ready for immediate installation, genuine VW and it will cope with a multi function steering wheel and camera etc if that is any help. Will fit T6

 

[Shaun&kerry]

I have one of these radios ready for immediate installation, genuine VW and it will cope with a multi function steering wheel and camera etc if that is any help. Will fit T6

What model is it

 

[WelshGas]

I have one of these radios ready for immediate installation, genuine VW and it will cope with a multi function steering wheel and camera etc if that is any help. Will fit T6

Has the Component Protection been removed so it can be fitted to another T6?

 

[S9 Hotel Cali]

Hi

Our head unit died on us and we are looking at replacing it has anyone tried the head units from Pluscentre? This is the unit that’s died.
Also has anyone replaced one of these themselves? We have a reversing camera and steering wheel controls that we need to ensure work with the new head unit too. Thanks
View attachment 149856

Hello,
We upgraded ours a few years ago on our California T5. I opted for Sony head unit which was capable of Android auto/Apple play.

The USB plugins lead into the glove box so when we plug the phone in it's set securely in the glove box and hidden away.

I would highly recommend this unit, however it can get pretty warm to the touch due to direct sunlight and sometimes it can be tricky to see the screen if you haven't got your settings correct due to the angle of the dashboard and the screen. An example of this is having your maps in dark mode versus light mode, this is a visual setting.

But I love it and I've had no issues with it.

Head unit
Sony XAV-AX5650

Facial surround
Connects2 CT24VW12 VW Transporter T5 / T5.1 Double Din Fascia Panel
- Model: CT24VW12

 

[The Fockers]

Previous owner of my T5 replaced it all with a Kenwood. It has Android auto and Apple carplay, reverse camera, Bluetooth, DAB, FM radio, CD player AND Garmin navigation all built in. It probably has other stuff I've never discovered as well. The only down side is the angle of the screen makes it difficult to see if the sun is shining on it. But that's not the unit's fault.

 

[Coopsontour]

Has the Component Protection been removed so it can be fitted to another T6?

Hi I would be interested in it, if it’s an identical unit. Sorry for my ignorance what is component protection? Thanks

 

[Alexlex85]

I got myself an RCD330 from Ddren website here https://www.rcd330.com/

I get oem integration with steering wheel, looks original, apple carplay. no DAB. but you can get it through global radio on your phone
I also retrofitted the reversing camera which retains the dynamic parking lines and reverse sensors.
you can ask him directly through the chat on the website any questions you might have. eg. will the rcd330 work with your reversing camera.

see below parts ordered for my T5.1



Before/After

 

[WelshGas]

Hi I would be interested in it, if it’s an identical unit. Sorry for my ignorance what is component protection? Thanks

VW Infotainmentbsystems are electronically coded to the vehicles BCM , Body Control Module the vehicles electronic brain , so they cannot be used in another vehicle. The Component Protection has to be electronically removed for the unit to be used.



To remove Volkswagen (VW) Component Protection (CP), you must re-sync the replaced control module with VW's official central database using ODIS software with valid GeKo online credentials. Component Protection is an anti-theft security feature built into Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) vehicles. It triggers automatically whenever a "protected" module (such as an infotainment unit, instrument cluster, or gateway) detects a VIN mismatch. This mismatch immediately restricts or completely disables the part's functions.
Standard diagnostic tools like VCDS or basic OBDeleven cannot remove Component Protection on their own because they lack authorization to access VW's secure backend servers.

---

Method 1: The Official Dealership or Specialist Route (Recommended)
This is the safest and most reliable way to clear the P02095 - Component Protection Active fault code without risking module damage or software corruption.

• The Requirements: A diagnostic technician must use a pass-thru hardware interface (like a VXDIAG Device) combined with ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic Information System) software.
• The Server Connection: The software connects directly to the VW AG factory servers via a secure GeKo login.
• The Verification: The database scans the donor part's serial number against global database logs to ensure the part is clean.
• The Final Adaptation: The system performs a Software Version Management (SVM) update, writes your car's VIN to the new module, and fully restores all locked functions.

Many independent VAG retrofitting garages offer this as a fast service. Providers like UTL Performance or Retrofit South West can complete the process in less than an hour.

---

Method 2: Custom Firmware Patches (DIY / Aftermarket Alternative)
If you are retrofitting an upgraded module (e.g., swapping a stock infotainment setup to a newer MIB2 or MIB2.5 system with Apple CarPlay) and want to bypass the dealership, enthusiasts often turn to customized software patches.

• Developer Mode Activation: The car's infotainment unit is put into developer mode using diagnostic tools.
• Firmware Update Installation: A custom toolbox software script is loaded onto a FAT32-formatted SD card and inserted directly into the car's glove box card reader slot.
• Green Engineering Menu Menu Patching: By accessing the vehicle's hidden "Green Engineering Menu", users can manually run a custom software patch that forces a "CP Off" command inside the unit's local operating memory.
• System Reboot: Restarting the hardware forces the local infotainment system to permanently ignore the background VIN checks