Can you fit cruise control on a car that didn't come with it?

[henners38]

Hope the question makes sense. I have an A3, 2004 2.0 TDI, BKD engine that didn't come with cruise control. Obviously that would have been an optional extra. WOuld it be possible to fit it to the car? and any idea on what sort of cost I'd be looking at?
My daily commute is 65 miles each way on the motorway and would LOVE cruise control!!

[Guest 2]

Anything is possible - you may or may not need the extra wire going to the ecu but a auto scan from vcds will be needed to see which steering ecu you have.

I retrofitted it to my 2009 - all it is is remove the airbag, steering wheel, lower steering trim, upper steering trim, slip ring, steering angle sensor and the steering ecu itself and insert the new twin stalk with new lower trim to accommodate the new stalk.

Sounds worse than it is actually is - I had mine done within an hour but word of advice - you will need a m12 spline bit and a t9 torx

NHN or a8 tech could advise on the possible extra wire needed

Where abouts are you?

[henners38]

so there wouldnt be any engine modifications then? Its just as 'simple' as adding the switch?

[Guest 2]

Just enabling it with vcds is needed afterwards

Cost - stalks are as little as £35-50 and if you need a m12 and t9 factor in those aswell and if you're getting someone to do it for you or fit it yourself.

Autoscan is needed and make sure you research heavily as there are differences in some of the steering ecu.

[henners38]

Hmm, that is interesting.. I had assumed it would cost lots so wouldnt bother! Think I may well get this done in that case - my partners dad has VCDS and is a whiz with Audi's so could probably chuck him 50 quid and have it all done for under £100! Brilliant thanks!

[Guest 2]

Get him to do an autoscan and post it up here

[Guest 2]

I forgot - the lower steering trim is about £20 from eBay.de and I think about the same from Audi themselves.

[henners38]

How can I find out what steering ecu I have? Just by scanning? And how do I know if I need the extra wire?
how sensitive is the airbag when you take the steering wheel off? Don't ent any 'mishaps!'
sorry for all the questions!

[Guest 2]

How can I find out what steering ecu I have? Just by scanning? And how do I know if I need the extra wire?
how sensitive is the airbag when you take the steering wheel off? Don't ent any 'mishaps!'
sorry for all the questions!

Yes you will need to do an autoscan to get the ecu revision then we can advise further

From what I've read online it's only usually the petrol models that need it but ill let Nigel confirm or correct me on that

I had no issues with mine but before working on the car I disconnected the battery then left it 30 minutes to settle down before doing anything. Remember to place it down with the audi logo facing upwards.

[NHN]

The kit is about £90-£100 from audi, trims can be got if you hunt about, but no guarantee its not scratched tbh which is why I tend to buy new when fitting.

If the pic in your sig is your car, it may need the extra wire run tbh as its an original double grill A3, so some didnt have the wire.

Also age wise it may not have a compatible module fitted for the cruise, so as advised by chris, it needs a scan & you will need vcds to cear airbag lights & code engine/steering module, just be careful removing the module & slip ring as its easy to break things.