The Audi RNS-E, sold as Navigation Plus, is a factory sat nav and radio. After a battery change or power cut it locks and asks for a 4-digit code. Every RNS-E has its own code, set for the serial on its label.
Is it an RNS-E?
The RNS-E fills the radio slot with a colour screen, sat nav and radio in one unit. It was commonly fitted to the A3 8P, A4 B6 and B7 (including the Cabriolet) and TT 8J. There are several versions over the years, including the later units often called "RNS-E PU" or "PU LED". They all use the same 4-digit code system.
Got the wrong code before?
RNS-E owners often tell us they've tried other code services and got codes that didn't work. When that happens, it's almost always one of these:
- One character misread. The serial has 14 characters. A letter Z read as a 2, or a 0 read as an O, gives a completely different code. Check the label against a photo.
- The part number was used instead of the serial. The part number starts with digits, such as 8E0 035 … or 8P0 035 …. Only the serial starting AUZ gives the code.
- The radio was swapped. A code from the car's VIN or an old code card belongs to the radio the car first had. If the RNS-E has been replaced, it needs the code for its own serial.
- The unit was still in a lockout. After several wrong tries the RNS-E waits before it accepts any code, even the right one. See the warning below.
We check the serial against the photo of your label before working out the code, so a misread character gets caught before you pay for the wrong code.
Step 1: find the AUZ serial
The serial is on a label on the unit's casing: 14 characters starting AUZ. The RNS-E comes out with a standard set of Audi/VW radio release keys. Push them into the slots on the front until they click and slide the unit out far enough to read the label; there's no need to unplug it. More help: where to find your radio serial number and Audi AUZ serial numbers explained.
Step 2: get the code
First check the service book wallet for a code card with the same serial. If there isn't one, order the code from the serial: £24.99, delivered by email in 1–3 hours on average.
Need your Audi RNS-E (Navigation Plus) code? Original 4-digit code from your AUZ serial: £24.99, 1–3 hours on average, money-back guarantee.
Get my codeStep 3: enter the code
- Switch the ignition on and let the unit start up fully. Navigation units can take a little longer, so give it time. Keep the engine running or a charger connected.
- Wait for the code screen. It shows four digits or asks you to enter the code.
- Set the four digits. Follow the prompt on the screen. On most units, the large right-hand knob changes the highlighted digit and pressing it moves on to the next one.
- Confirm after the fourth digit, as shown on the screen. The unit unlocks and the radio starts playing.
Check each digit carefully before you confirm.
Quick answers
Does every RNS-E version use a 4-digit code?
Yes. Earlier units and the later versions often called RNS-E PU or PU LED all use a 4-digit code, set for the serial on the unit's label.
Why did other code services give me the wrong RNS-E code?
Usually because a character in the serial was misread, the part number was used instead of the serial, or the code was for a different radio the car had before. The code has to come from the AUZ serial on the unit fitted now.
Where is the serial number on an Audi RNS-E?
On a label on the unit's casing. It is 14 characters long and starts with AUZ. Slide the unit out with radio release keys to read it.
How much is an Audi RNS-E radio code?
£24.99 from RadioUnlock, fixed price, delivered by email in 1–3 hours on average, with a money-back guarantee if the code doesn't work.