~~META:
title=Renault R-Link 2
description=Update Renault R-Link 2 radio
keywords=Renault, R-Link2, rlink2, update, upgrade, Android Auto, unlock, guide, tutorial, modify, hack, CAN, ELM327, DDT4All, Debug, mode, flags, patching, skinning, Renolink
~~
====== Renault R-Link 2 ======
R-Link 2 is a multimedia radio system from LG. If you have software version 2 preinstalled, then you have Gen 1.1 hardware. If you have version 7+, it is Gen2.x. \\
⚠️ WARNING: For updating your R-Link 2 Radio from software version ⩽3 to >=7 you need the "Arctic 49605" update from your official Renault dealer! ([[https://www.gps-rlink.com/2019/07/23/r-link-2-update-from-v2-to-v7-possible/|source1]] and [[https://www.megane4-forum.de/forum/thread/4734-r-link-2-update-v3/?postID=169812#post169812|source2]]). Do not attempt to update past version 3 yourself, it will brick the R-Link radio, because the bootloader version is too low (at least). An update from USB will NOT update the bootloader. \\
If you have a Gen2.0 device and/or are already on 7.0.24.16x, you can update to the newest 9.0.37.21x yourself via USB. For Android Auto you need to do the given extra steps. \\
This is not a project but a short guide with links and info I have gathered to update Renault R-Link 2 from 2.2.17.803 to 3.3.16.980 with bootloader version **XXXX (#TODO:lookup)**.
\\
If you want to use Android Auto with [[https://lineage.microg.org/|microG]] instead of google, you might be out of luck - at least it has not worked for me (yet?). \\
===== Disclaimer =====
⚠️ WARNING: You can brick your radio. I take no responsibility for what you do. All links provided are not mine. There is no piracy involved or encouraged here. It is just a collection of links for educational/research purposes. All info are found online, sources given. Always think before you act.\\
🗒️ Note: I am not sponsored, I do not affiliate or try to do advertising even if providing links, nor encourage to buy anything. Always try to get official genuine tools and hardware to support the original developers. If there should be non-genuine links, it is by mistake (and apologize). I do not take any responsibility for external content, bricks or any other harm.
===== Updating R-Link 2 =====
If you want to unlock Android Auto for R-Link 2, you first need to be on version >=3.
⚠️ Do not update to v7+ on Gen1.x! See what [[https://github.com/cedricp/ddt4all/discussions/950|trouble you are hopelessly in]] if you do.
See which versions are possible to update yourself and its changelogs: \\
[[https://www.gps-rlink.com/r-link-2/update-software/]] \\
**READ IT FIRST!** \\
Download R-Link2 Firmware from here: \\
[[https://mega.nz/folder/6ZNywAIb#PggWmvCYA4cu4r37P7zkWw]] \\
alternative links found on the web: \\
[[https://auboncoindurlink.fr/fichier/Mise%20a%20jour%20R-Link/]] \\
or here (inside pdf guide): [[https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/files-319/1612317169_Update20RLINK20tutorial_ENG.pdf]] \\
Even though some of the downloads are for Kadjar, they are the same for models like Megane IV(tested myself)/Scenic/Talisman/Espace V/Koleos too - if you follow exactly which version is possible to update to - read the link above. \\
Take the already modified version from mega.nz or use UnpackR2.exe and modify yourself like this: \\
1. Unpack R-link.zip. The R-Link folder contains the following:
- kette.pem
- mm2014_upgrade.lgu (this file is of interest)
- mm2014_upgrade.lgu.sig
2. Use UnpackR2.exe
3. (Thanks to djeman & Cacou13 & SLL), make the following changes: File -> Open LGU -> Select mm2014_upgrade.lgu from the R-Link window, and we have the information shown in Figure 1.
4. Change the following:
- Set flags from MASS to TEST
- Set security flags from S-FULL to S-PART
- Press both the SET UPDATEALL buttons on Fingerprint All and Fingerprint 109
5. Check the integrity using the XW Integrity Check button.
6. Save the new lgu file to a new file.
7. After saving, you will find the following three files in the R-Link folder:
- kette.pem
- mm2014_upgrade.lgu
- mm2014_upgrade.lgu.sig
And the file: mm2014_upgrade_dec.lgu
mm2014_upgrade.lgu (Date modified 09/13/2017 2:38 PM) R-DIN folder link AND renamed to DIN mm2014_upgrade_dec.lgu generator file mm2014_upgrade.lgu version
8. Delete the boot file.
9. Take the stick to the machine and start the upgrade by following the on-screen instructions!
[[https://www.megane4-forum.de/forum/thread/2524-update-version-2-auf-version-3-ohne-garantie/|German source of how to modify]]
Then create a directory called "R-LINK" inside root dir of your USB drive and just copy the update into it. If you need a fancy, coloured tutorial, see here [[https://www.rnews.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/user-guide-RLink2-upgrade-UK.pdf]] or the [[https://www.garagebrem.ch/pluginAppObj/pluginAppObj_13_01/user-guide-RLink2-upgrade-DE.PDF|German version]] \\
Do not open door, shut down radio or disturb the update in any way! Don't run engine but keep ignition on at all times! Try reading what's on the screen. Modified update gives nice output for reading at some point :)
===== Unlocking Android Auto =====
Now that you are on version >=3, you can unlock Android Auto. You can do this either with a service cable or with debug mode enabled.
==== Debug mode ====
To enable the debug mode, follow this guide:
[[http://kousholt.org/renault-kadjar-opdatering-til-rlink-v3-og-android-auto/]] \\
or \\
[[https://www.megane4-forum.de/forum/thread/2132-aktivierung-r-link-2-developer-mode-ddt4all/]] \\
or follow some video guide: [[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rlink2+debug+mode]] \\
then follow the following guide: [[https://www.reddit.com/r/Renault/comments/1f049xs/comment/m5qlg9r/]] \\
IMPORTANT
In the developer menu you will see some buttons at the top right that say HIGH and MID (DisplayMode options). Do not touch these buttons, as you may end up with a black screen.
- start ignition, not engine. Don't open the door to risk a shutdown.
- In Developer Mode, activate
Android Auto Projection with its button
A green field will then light up.
#the reddit guide also sets
# Aha Production Mode (iOS only)
# Ethernet ADB for CarPlay (off)
#to active.
- Perform an R-Link reset
⚠️ WARNING! DO NOT TOUCH "Virgin Mode"!*
- If you have hardware Gen 2.0 or higher, set
DiagRw
and additional entries in
Gen 2.0:
set AAP to Present
set CarPlay to Present
then Save
then R-Link-Reset
\\
[[https://www.megane4-forum.de/forum/thread/4317-upgrade-von-rlink-2-v2-2-19-auf-3-3-5/?postID=160104#post160104|another German source]] \\
*[[https://github.com/cedricp/ddt4all/issues/303|here]] you can see how hopeless you'll become if you touch virgin mode. NEVER TOUCH IT! \\
if you have the black screen issue, you can pray and try this: [[https://gitlab.com/py_ren/pyren/-/wikis/how%20to%20rlink2%20black%20screen]]
==== Service cable ====
You can also enable Android Auto via OBD-2 CAN adapter cable. You can e.g. use a cheap aliexpress clone of [[https://mhhauto.com/Thread-RenOLink-2-11-30-%E2%82%AC-for-Obdlink-SX-EX-ELS-and-ELM-Interfaces|Renolink]] or use DDT4ALL with e.g. ELM327(v1.5):
[[https://www.gps-rlink.com/r-link-2/activate-android-auto-waze-apple-carplay-on-r-link-2/]] \\
For ddt4all also see: \\
[[https://www.drive2.ru/b/498093336985338243/]] \\
and [[https://mhhauto.com/Thread-Renault-DDT2000-4-0-9-patch-inside-Bases-02-2021-Torrent-without-pass|mhhauto]] \\
[[https://web.archive.org/web/20240723090450/https://elm327scantool.wordpress.com/]] \\
If you need to modify your ELM327 cable: \\
[[https://blog.chinaobd2.com/tech-support/81.html]] \\
[[https://github.com/cedricp/ddt4all/issues/34]] \\
[[https://www.drive2.ru/l/468057702971474426/]] \\
[[https://myrenaultzoeblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/18/wiring-up-an-obd2-splitter-cable-to-read-a-renault-r-link-radio/]] \\
or if you like french: [[https://www.tlemcen-electronic.com/forum/tutoriels/109031-modification-liaison-elm327-pour-seau-multimedia-renault.html]] \\
You can also modify [[projects:rlink2#stuff_you_can_get_for_your_car|OBD-2 Y-splitter cable]] as shown in github and drive2.ru link right above. \\
There are different versions of ELM327. Get one with PIC18f25k80 (and preferably with MS-CAN/HS-CAN switch).
Version Description Compatibility Notes
v1.0 Original spec from Elm Electronics Good Rare; genuine; limited PID support
v1.3 / v1.3a Improved command support ✅ Good Often best for Renault tools
v1.4 / v1.4b Adds power-saving, better sleep ✅ Very good Some OEM PIDs supported
v1.5 (unofficial) Most popular clone version ✅ OK (if decent clone) Not officially released by Elm; behavior varies
v2.1 (unofficial, often fake) Buggy clones, broken AT commands ❌ Avoid Common on cheap eBay/AliExpress adapters
🚫 Why You Should Avoid v2.1
Most v2.1 adapters:
❌ Fail basic AT commands (ATAL, ATSH, ATMA, etc.)
❌ Don't support custom protocols (used in DDT4All, PyRen, etc.)
❌ Lack flow control — crucial for UDS/ISO-TP over CAN
✅ Recommended: Use v1.4 or v1.5 (Good Clones)
v1.5 clones (with PIC18F25K80 chip) are the best compromise if you can’t find a genuine Elm Electronics unit. Should support ATSH, ATAL, ATH1, ATMA, ATDPN. Look for those tested with PyRen, DDT4All, or CanZE.
🔍 How to Check Version
Connect via terminal app (like ELM Terminal or Putty)
Send: AT I
Confirm your car’s OBD protocol using an ELM327 terminal:
Send: ATSP0 (auto detect)
Then: 0100
If the adapter reports success, it’s CAN (usually shows ISO 15765-4 (CAN))
✅ Renault Megane IV (and similar R-Link 2 models)
OBD-II Protocol: ISO 15765-4 (CAN)
ECU communication: UDS over CAN (ISO 14229) for diagnostics
Also uses: ISO-TP framing (important for reading multi-frame responses)
Type Usage Notes
Bluetooth (Classic) Android tools like Torque, PyRen, CanZE Widely supported
Wi-Fi iOS + PC software Less common today, but useful for iOS (e.g. Torque Lite)
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) New Android/iOS apps Low power, but many tools don’t support BLE yet
USB DDT4All, PyRen on PC reliable, compatible with PIC18F25K80 (v1.5)
\\
You can even find Arduino library for ELM327: [[https://github.com/PowerBroker2/ELMduino]] \\
and OBD-2 WiFi&BT&BLE adapter combined with SIM, GNSS and accelerometer: [[https://github.com/stanleyhuangyc/Freematics/]] \\
==== more advanced ====
If you want Android Auto to be wireless, you can now look on aliexpress for a cheap USB-WiFi adapter for Android Auto. (I don't see the usecase [for me], as AA drains the battery, USB is connected for charging anyways.)
If you like youtube videos and want to unlock video in motion: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTHeO554tSU|random yt-video]] \\
Have a complete look at [[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0_lM34jB4W-P_XvmnT1dxEKMvjcf8WKj|DDT4ALL playlist on YT]] \\
You can also set more settings and flags. See this summery: \\
[[https://www.reno.ro/-t316334.html]] \\
See pyren and check its wiki
[[https://gitlab.com/py_ren/pyren]] \\
[[https://gitlab.com/py_ren/pyren/-/wikis/Using%20launcher]] \\
[[https://gitlab.com/py_ren/pyren/-/wikis/Getting%20started]] \\
[[https://mhhauto.com/Thread-How-to-upgrade-rlink2-with-vci-and-token?page=2]] \\
If you want to downgrade from version 9 back to v7 for any reason, see here: [[https://www.club-renault.ru/forum/topic/83495-neoficialnye-dorabotki-i-modifikacii-sistemy-r-link-2/page/44/]]
===== Updating Maps =====
🗺 Official map support ended ~2019. Create your custom map package from iGO files. \\
Use SKU-creator to do this: \\
[[https://www.navitotal.com/nissan-renault/sku-creator-create-your-custom-map-package-link-t21463.html]] \\
You can also see \\
[[https://support4715.rssing.com/chan-59967731/article12292.html]] \\
and \\
[[http://www.meganeclub.it/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=55891.0]] \\
Updating the maps seems to take ages. Best just to trigger the update before you start driving and let it update on the way (do, when you don't rely on the multimedia). \\
===== Skinning / Patching =====
You can also change e.g. icons if you want to. Translated from [[https://www.club-renault.ru/forum/topic/83495-neoficialnye-dorabotki-i-modifikacii-sistemy-r-link-2/page/40/?tab=comments#comment-2419898|Source]] \\
To change graphics (or something else in the patch), follow these steps:
1. Use UnpackR2.exe, open mm2014_upgrade.lgu of the patch for your firmware version and extract the iso image of the IGO partition (0_IGO.img) from there.
2. Unpack 0_IGO.img and change the necessary files (you can do it in Windows). If you change graphic files, then the names and resolution of the files must be completely the same as before, the format is NNG-bmp.
3. Mount the image in Linux and update its contents with the corrected one.
4. Set full access rights to all files in the mounted image (chmod -R 777).
5. Unmount and copy 0_IGO.img back to Windows.
6. Open mm2014_upgrade.lgu using UnpackR2.exe and replace the IGO partition with 0_IGO.img.
7. Write a new lgu, the file name should be exactly mm2014_upgrade.lgu, rename if necessary.
To fully create and modify the patch, you will need any text editor, a graphic file viewer/converter (DView), a lua compiler (JiGOLua), some Linux (can be e.g. in VirtualBox) and the UnpackR2.exe utility
Info: 55 x 1760 pixels is the largest resolution, there are also two other sizes.
If the sources are vector, then it is better to convert from them so as not to downsample bmp.
Unfortunately, there is no documentation, there are only discussions of some issues on specialized forums and examples from iGo Primo/Nextgen. User Мышун offers help on kind request.
🎯 Suggestion: Somebody should set up a page for collecting skins/icon packs. \\
🔊 To add [[https://www.club-renault.ru/forum/topic/83495-neoficialnye-dorabotki-i-modifikacii-sistemy-r-link-2/page/40/|Voice files]], read the posts starting from ~page 40.
===== Forums / Archived links =====
More tutorials in the following collection: [[https://myrenaultclioblog.wordpress.com/]] \\
Check ddt4all discussions: [[https://github.com/cedricp/ddt4all/discussions]] \\
Check car forums, I have given some examples. There are some specific for models but can often applied to the car plattform/generation. Search yourself on the web, use google translate for complete language translation of non-english forums.\\
Using pages like archive.org is one of your [[life_hacks:start#life_lessons|lifehacks]]. \\
renaultkadjarforum.com is closed since Q1 2025. You can still read the forums on archive.org: \\
[[https://web.archive.org/web/20250211212332/https://renaultkadjarforum.com/forum/android-auto.html]]
===== Going further yourself =====
Try using other apks on R-Link2 (untested):
>Extract firmware, inject APK into /system/app/
>Repack firmware
>Flash to device
>
>Instead you can also enable USB ADB / Ethernet ADB and try using
>'adb install your_app.apk'
>
>Launch app from Developer/Debug menu
If you want to do some more stuff with the software, decompile the apps with help of this repo: \\
[[https://github.com/egonalter/R-Link-RE]] \\
Repo of egonalter also has \\
//R-Link-uBoot// and //R-Link_kernel (2.6)// \\
//Project idea:// create R-Link2 app to use USB/WiFi connected cameras as reverse camera/dash cam recorder. Use this [[disassembled_devices:usb_dash_cam|dash cam model]]? (¿achievable?) \\
Show OBD-2 info and phone data on [[projects:bmw_hud_projector|modified BMW HUD projector]] \\
### \\
If you need to remove your head unit, see some video tutorials like [[https://youtu.be/D03oxUBorPo|nicely picture slides for Kadjar on YT]]. Don't just jump in with your screwdriver, there is always somebody having done that and you can learn from it. Youtube is you friend here, like iFixit would normally be. \\
Somebody took off the rear door panels for you: [[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.drive2.ru/l/708188293698702823/|Google Translated]] \\
There is a guide to fix Error p0545 for the toxicity reduction system: [[https://www.drive2.ru/l/607534601245563834/]] \\
==== Software ====
Following are useful looking software and guides I have found. I have not tried them all out (yet). \\
- [[https://github.com/Ircama/ELM327-emulator]] \\
- See fdroid and github/lab for OBD-2 apps. E.g. [[https://f-droid.org/packages/com.fr3ts0n.ecu.gui.androbd/]] \\
- There are python libraries and even software for rPi on github to use with ELM327 \\
- OBD2 PID commands: [[https://www.smart-emotion.de/forum/thread/2440-abrp-obd2-pids-commands/]] \\
- create PIDs: [[https://www.dacianer.de/threads/werte-aus-allen-steuergeraeten-anzeigen-in-torque-pro-z-b-reifendruck.32042/]] \\
- External PIDs for Renault K9k engine parameters in Torque Pro and similar: [[https://github.com/MeganeClubUkraine/k9k_pids]] \\
- //does anybody have the following PID files mentioned here? [[https://www.drive2.ru/l/605487035716745860/]]// \\
- PID creation, Change of pads, disks, lighting: [[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.drive2.ru/l/670909077081041930/|Google Translated]] \\
- ELM327 identifier Android App: [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.applagapp.elm327identifier]] \\
- Torque Android App: [[https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=193433]] \\
- Torque App Guide (ru): [[https://www.drive2.ru/l/558562078466507537/]] \\
- Torque Plugin for Android Auto [[https://github.com/agronick/aa-torque]], see [[https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/16wmlaz/im_working_on_a_torque_plugin_for_android_auto/|demo-video]] \\
- PyClip (PyRen) App: [[https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=944879]] \\
- PyRen & DDT & Apps [[https://www.drive2.ru/b/551980126984733816]] \\
- there is paid software on mhhauto (selling box) \\
- CAN-bus the manual sniffing way: [[https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/hacking-cars-a-guide-tutorial-on-how-to-hack-a-car-5eafcfbbb7ec/]] \\
===== Gadgets you can get for your car =====
Provided links are just examples. Links from aliexpress (Q2-2025) may be expired. Search for alternatives. \\
- 3.5mm audio cable \\
- 3D print phone holder clip like the one from [[https://www.brodit24.de/Brodit-ProClip/Renault/M-gane-IV/Brodit-ProClip-855203-fuer-Renault-M-gane-IV.html|Brodit]] (take [[https://www.stlfinder.com/3dmodels/brodit-proclip/|3D models]] as reference. Don't buy a piece of plastic for that price!) \\
- Gravity Car Phone Holder Air Vent Clip Mount phone holder as alternative [[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005045543230.html|from Essager (ali)]] or [[https://www.action.com/de-de/p/3204385/lab31-auto-handyhalter/|similar from action]] \\
- [[disassembled_devices:car_inverter_as-220_dc_to_ac_220w|DC to 240VAC 220W converter]] \\
- Essager USB-C car quick charger (PD3.0,QC4.0,PPS) buck converter (=12V max!) ([[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006233283690.html|105W ~7€]]) (45W/54W/66W/80W/89W/120W/140W too) \\
- Universal Sun Visor Clip Sunglasses (magnetic, different shapes): [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006138684894.html]] \\
- Hooks for headrest: [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005005997257255.html]] (~2€) \\
- oil smell diffusor from aliexpress (get them which plain sticks and use organic oil): [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007550184010.html]] (~3€)\\
- [[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006083281661.html|ELM327(v1.5)]] with PIC18f25k80 or Renolink service cable. There are also other bluetooth or wifi OBD-2 CAN adapter with apps to play with (pay caution to security!) \\
- OBD-2 splitter Y-Cable (to modify instead of ELM327): [[https://aliexpress.com/item/32655180939.html]] (~5€) \\
- Android Auto WiFi USB dongle (I still won't get one, pointless to me) \\
- door floor projector lights with logo: \\
a) build yourself (and modify/cut door panels) e.g. with [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007290109728.html|angel wings logo]] (2pcs ~6€) or [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005008453064953.html|custom logo/text]] (2pcs ~12€) \\
b) external, battery powered projectors: [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005008710209021.html]] \\
- LED license plate bulbs (check for StVO!) (why change bulbs if not defective? ¿LED might have PWM flicker?) \\
- chaser indicator lights on door mirrors (available for Megane IV with E label :) \\
- electronic parking disc like [[disassembled_devices:parkwaechter|Parkwächter]] \\
- Dashcam | [[disassembled_devices:usb_dash_cam|See what's inside a USB-dashcam]] \\
- cheap "HUD" projector on plexi for dashboard | Also see [[projects:bmw_hud_projector|modified BMW HUD projector project/hack]] \\
- 433MHz RF dublicating remote control (there are also better [[https://aliexpress.com/item/1005008646029791.html|280-868MHz versions]]) e.g. for garage door and remote sockets \\
- silica gel bag in a box for de-humidification / drying: reuse by baking dry again before it gets soggy. \\
====== VAG pendant (VW/Audi/etc) ======
If you are interested what is instead used for VAG (VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat etc.), see [[disassembled_devices:vcds_clone_cable|VCDS cable]]. \\
Also, if you ever wanted to know what's inside the bluetooth device of ADAC insurance, see: [[disassembled_devices:adac_fahr_spar_telematik|ADAC fahr&spar]] \\