trip computer stalk

**j4s0n88** · 02-01-2009,06:58 PM

Hi,
Ive got quite a low line dash in my 1.9tdi 04 plate golf, and i was wondering how hard it was to upgrade the stalk to give me the trip computer for mpg etc? Could this be a DIY job or need to use VAG software?

Also is the cruise control stalk the correct one? or is there another upgrade just for the trip computer without the cruise control?

Thankyou

**Flash2** · 04-01-2009,11:03 AM

I don't think that it would be possible to upgrade your instruments. You would have to replace the instument cluster, steering electronics ECM and the switch for a start. You would have to recode the cluster and the steering ECM with vagcom, then hope that the extra wiring needed to make it work was already in your vehicle wiring loom.
In addition to that, the instrument cluster is where the can bus gateway is located. All the control units on the vehicle communicate through the cluster, so who knows what other problems that could cause.
If you found someone breaking a higher spec golf and you got all the parts cheap then you could try it, but I don't think it would be a straight forward job.

BTW, the cruise control stalk comes as a separate part and you can't have cruise unless you have the trip computer.

Regards.

Jim.

**radox** · 04-01-2009,02:15 PM

I agree that it would be a big job to replace all the necessary parts but I imagine that it is technically possible.

The trip computer is controlled by extra buttons on the wiper stalk. The cruise control's controls are on the (opposite) indicator stalk. You shouldn't need to add cruise control just to add the trip computer. My 04 Mk V has cruise but not the trip computer.

Hope that helps,
Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5

**Flash2** · 04-01-2009,04:31 PM

You don't need to add cruise to add the trip computer, but you do need the trip to be able to add cruise.

Jim.

southbynorth · 05-01-2009,01:28 AM

Dealer should be willing to retro fit cruise pretty cheap (think about £100) as its just a stalk install - all the required stuff inside will be there

As for the trip computer stalk I have spoken to a few people and they echo what the other posters have said - huge job, far costlier then any sensible person wouldbe willing to spend (their words not mine lol)

The cruise stalk btw is the left stalk, the trip is on the right

**Flash2** · 05-01-2009,08:16 PM

Originally Posted by southbynorth

Dealer should be willing to retro fit cruise pretty cheap (think about £100) as its just a stalk install - all the required stuff inside will be there

Not on an 04 plate. You need to run a wire between the engine ECM and the steering ECM to make cruise work on older Golfs. That involves removing the wiper arms, scuttle trim, bulkhead extension, wiper motor/linkage and then drilling out a couple of shear bolts that secure the engine ECM connectors. Not that all that matters because you can't fit cruise if the car doesn't have the trip computer.

Jim.

**radox** · 06-01-2009,10:43 AM

Jim,

Are you saying that you can only retro-fit cruise control if your car also has a trip computer? But you accept that a car fitted with cruise control at the factory might not also have a trip computer (like mine)?

Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5

**Flash2** · 06-01-2009,08:34 PM

Originally Posted by radox

Jim,

Are you saying that you can only retro-fit cruise control if your car also has a trip computer? But you accept that a car fitted with cruise control at the factory might not also have a trip computer (like mine)?

Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5

Yes Stuart, that's what I'm saying. And yes I accept that the factory could fit cruise without fitting multifunction display.

It's all to do with the steering electronics ECU fitted to the vehicle. If the vehicle is supplied without the multifunction display, then the ECU fitted doesn't have the circuitry to read the paddle switches on the end of the stalk switches. Vehicles that are supplied with the multifunction display have the circuitry in the ECU to read the paddle switches, so you can retrofit cruise control. Your vehicle must have the same steering electronics ECU as a car that has the mulifunction display.

Jim.