PDA

View Full Version : Question Blank Switch Replacement - Help Needed



Audi Nick
23-07-2011, 08:41 AM
Help.........

The big blank bit on my dashboard for the 'Drive Select' is going and I have a switch to take its place :approve::approve::approve::approve::approve:

But .........

Am I right in believing that the same wiring loom is used on all cars and that all I have to do is connect the loose connector and hey presto, my non working switch will illuminate like the rest of the switches.

Or does the car ecu blow a gasket by recognising a switch with no function???

Anyone able to help???

:1zhelp::1zhelp::1zhelp::1zhelp::1zhelp::1zhelp:

ScottyUK
23-07-2011, 10:06 AM
I don't know but I'm confused....

You're installing a switch why?
Is it the Drive Select swtich?
Do you expect it to have some kind of function?
I'm intrigued !

Audi Nick
23-07-2011, 10:20 AM
No I do not expect or want it to function as a switch, just look like it does.

I don't like blanks, strange but I know I am not the only one.

Bratty
23-07-2011, 11:51 AM
Can you not just run the New switch in parallel with an existing switches lighting wires.

Dunk

Audi Nick
24-07-2011, 04:45 PM
I'm sure I can work it out, its just that I am trying to get the garage to do it (I take delivery of my new allroad in a few weeks time) as money has made me lazy and beside which, it creates employment.

The garage have not refused, but it seems oh so bloody difficult which seems strange as nothing is too much trouble for my own customers, even when they can be equally demanding.

I have been telling the garage how easy it is, I just want to make sure that my demands are realistic.

kodkod.84
24-07-2011, 07:20 PM
Why even do this mod if you are getting a new car in a few weeks :confused: or is it for the allroad?

Guest 2
24-07-2011, 07:27 PM
Drive select is only ~£220 according to the configurator. What's the point fitting something that won't function?

Audi Nick
25-07-2011, 07:32 AM
Thanks guys, the switches (I am having the hill descent button too) that I am fitting are to my new allroad. In relation to the £220 for Audi Drive Select, you have to add Dynamic Steering which is an additional £725 making a total of £925.

I don't want Dynamic Steering, I don't need Dynamic Steering but I don't want blank buttons either.

This is my third (and final but that is a different thread) new Audi and I hate the blanks with a passion, hence the need to change them for proper switches even if they don't work (but should illuminate).

Bratty
25-07-2011, 08:13 AM
I am surprised that an AUDI garage would even touch your request, quite honestly?

Dunk

legendamongus
25-07-2011, 10:10 AM
^Me too.

On all the other VAG cars I've had different looms are used for the different optional extras fitted, making retrofitting others difficult. I'd be very surprised if the wiring for the options that you mention would be left behind the dash disconnected. Anyway, I can see why they wouldn't be keen on cutting into a brand new wiring loom to get the illumination working, maybe Audi UK have some sort of warranty issue with it, in the same way that modifications void the warranty?

NickH A4
25-07-2011, 11:45 AM
Is this for the anti tank missiles, ejector seat and flux capacitor switches? :cool:

Audi Nick
25-07-2011, 12:51 PM
I do not think that Audi would have a different loom for different specs, if you look at the different permutations this would be unmanageable.

Rocket launchers to the ready.

ScottyUK
25-07-2011, 01:54 PM
http://www.audienthusiasts.com/Project_ADS.html

The above does what you want and more. If it helps, please make a donation on his website. He does loads of things like this and should be supported.

[edit] I just noticed that he only posted this on a US forum today. When he did he also said :

"Against my better judgment here is a bit of info for those that prefer pretty pictures. There is a ton of stuff missing from this but there is more than enough for an average mechanical person to get this done. It will be awhile before I have the other pictures since I don't have everything wires and the car is still apart.

Please don't repost this as there is still lots of work to be done on this write up but enough to get you through it."

I hope this still helps you understand what's involved and maybe delivers more than you was originally expecting.

Audi Nick
25-07-2011, 06:18 PM
Thanks Scotty, this is a lot more than I was expecting.

I was just wanting an illuminated switch and this offers a whole lot more.

ScottyUK
25-07-2011, 09:31 PM
It certainly does. I guess you can now choose whether to pick and choose or whether to go for the full thing. If it was me and I was wiring up a new switch and I knew I could actually get functionality etc then I'd be REALLY tempted.

Good luck and let us know what you do ;)

Audi Nick
26-07-2011, 08:55 AM
The garage are going to fix the switches and do what they can to illuminate them. I don't know whether its my age or position in life which makes me intolerant, but I do hate negative people and certainly the garage have been less than enthusiastic.

When I get the car on the 2nd September (ordered in December ahhhhhh) I will take it to a specialist independent garage if I am still not happy. On that issue, does anyone know of a good independent garage who understand Audi’s and particularly the newer ones like the B8?

I can see that you will not get full functionality as additional hardware is needed but looking at the information provided there is certainly far more flexibility within the current vehicle set up and I will be playing with it as because we are dealing with computer software, no damage can be done as you can always reset!

Watch this space for updates!!!!!

Sam
26-07-2011, 10:42 AM
When I get the car on the 2nd September (ordered in December ahhhhhh) I will take it to a specialist independent garage if I am still not happy. On that issue, does anyone know of a good independent garage who understand Audi’s and particularly the newer ones like the B8?

If you fancy taking your new car on a test drive to Nottingham (Sheff > Notts ~35 miles?), you'd be hard pushed to find a better independent (in my opinion) than C & R Enterprises (http://www.candrenterprises.co.uk/), owned and operated by Crasher. (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/member.php?6324-Crasher)

Audi Nick
26-07-2011, 10:47 AM
Thanks Sam, this is now logged as a 'favourite'.