Hot Tech Tips and How To's

[Sven]

Tips, fixes and mods regarding the Audi A8 & S8


Do you have a good tip or a detailed 'how to' procedure to fix a problem or do an upgrade/mod on the 8? This is the thread to post it, to save it for posterity. This thread will be made 'sticky' so it'll remain on top.

What to post:

<ul type="square">[*] Any useful tried &amp; tested tip [*] Any detailed 'how to' project[*] Any easy DIY fix for these cars [*] A link to a (short) useful thread if that's better for clarity (copy pasting is better for single posts)[/list]
What NOT to post: (these will be removed!)
<ul type="square"> [*] Replies like "cool tip dude" or any questions! (You may do that elsewhere! Use a link or copy the post)[*] Posts like "I've heard something, but not sure it works" (Tried and tested tips only please - discussions elsewhere!)[*] External links (that's what the 'useful links' thread is for)[/list]
The exceptions:
<ul type="square">[*] Links to www.audipages.com Since that is the Audi 8 bible. Always a good idea to check there first...
<font color="#666666"> (NB: it's not very useful to repost everything or put up a link to every single article - there is an index on Audipages - but if you have another tip based on an Audipages article, feel free to link to that) </font> [*] External links to clarify your post - but if possible please copy it in here (it's a nicer reading, and links may stop working). [*] Links to other posts on TSN - but again, the idea is to copy it in here for clarity and convenience.[/list]

Try to keep it neat and organized for every ones convenience. <ul type="square">[*] If you copy an existing post please remove the [ quote] [ /quote] codes. It looks much better if not compressed by the software![*] However, do make a reference to the author if it's not you.[*] Don't know how to copy a post? put a link in here to the intended post, and I'll replace it with the text later on.[/list]
Anything you think should be in here? Please post it. It doesn't necessarily have to be your post, as long as you refer to the author.

I can't do this alone, so if you know/remember something good and useful... Please!

Need help? Did I forget anything? Send me a PM! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

[Sven]

Okay, I'll start off:


As promised, the procedure to install the rings.



The 'before' pic...

Taking out the dash cluster is pretty straightforward, just move the steering wheel all the way towards you and lower it as far as possible.



Remove the covers like above.



Loosen hex bolts (#5)

Now carefully pull the cluster towards you.

There are three cable connectors on the back, one on the right, two on the left. They are held in place by a clamp, you have to open this (they are hinged on one side) before you can pull out the connectors. Pretty self explanatory when you see it. They are color-coded, so don't worry, it's virtually impossible to mix them up later on. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]



Out of the car, ready for the operation...




The back. The torx screwdrivers indicate the two torx #8 screws you need to remove.



The white arrows indicate the clips you need to loosen. There's a couple more at the bottom, so an extra hand is useful...





Pay attention to the clear plastic bit, indicated by the red arrow; it will fall out when you take the cluster apart! Put this part of the instrument cluster in a safe place, you won't need this for now.



The rings. Note the sloped back, and the rim for the glue.



The front. These things are very well crafted...



Put them in place. You need to squeeze the big ones a bit to get them through, but no worries, they get right back in shape. Tape them firmly in place so you have your hands free for the glueing. Note the tissue, to prevent any accidents (glue, scratches). Obviously I covered the whole screen.



The arrows indicate the rim where the glue goes.



Mighty Bison Power, must be good then, eh? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I found it very practical to use a toothpick to apply the glue. Just dip it in the glue, and let it slide into the rim. Easy enough, but you do need steady hand. (Therefore not recommended on the day after the night before). [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Let it dry for a bit (dependent on the glue you use). When the glue is dry, remove the tape and glue the parts that were covered by it. (You don't want to chance a rattle or the rings coming off after you reinstalled the dash so make sure they are firmly fixated.)

When that's dry, reassemble the cluster. (mind the plastic bit and the two torx screws).



Ready!



Back in the car... does that look good, or what? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]



Gratuitous S8 dash shot... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]


All in all a pretty easy job to do. Just a little care, that's all!

And This is where I got them. Not the cheapest, but definitely the best looking ones! Very nice folks to deal with as well. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

[Sven]

By Per Svarre (A8UK)

I finally did it, and it work like a charm.

The only thing I needed to do was to cut the GALA, I put in a toggle switch hidden in the glove box so I only disable it when I use the TV.

Just use this link if you want to do it, it worked very well for me.

[Sven]

The question reappears frequently, so here's a quick how to:


- On gas-discharge headlamps, switching slider -1- is accessible from outside.
- R/D - Position for RHD
- L/G - Position for LHD

<ul type="square"> [/list]
- On halogen headlamps, switching slider is in headlamp.
- Insert actuator pin in hole -arrow- at reflector.

[herold49]

I have an 1994 A8. It is European specs. WHat do I need to do to bring it back to the states. Also how can I convert from KPH to MPH. My onscreen display is all in German, can I change it to english?

[turbo_a6]

The dash display can be changed by a dealer with the VAG tool...mines in German because the a**holes cancelled the service warning and forgot to reset the language but 1 hours drive away is stopping me getting it reset.

[herold49]

I am in Germany so I will see if I can get the German Audi dealership to do it. What about changing my KPH to MPH. Do I need a whole new dash or can anyone help me. Lastly I would like to put navigation in my car. My car's interior is just like a 1997 A8. Will my wiring harness fit any nav unit or what nav units would be compatible.

[gunsmoke]

Anyone repaired a faulty dash?
Got the thing out and apart piece of cake!! But the LCD clocks are dim / distorted and i dont have the conkers to totally strip the thing!.... anyone have any ideas? tips? links?

[gunsmoke]

Car Computer repair.

Until the other day, i thought i had no dash computer due to the fact the the stealers told me it was an option and my control pad (next to the coffee cup holder) had no function. You can imagine my surprise when, after spilling what seemed like a litre of coffee into the control box, the on board computer came to life.

The problem was with the control switch located next to the cup holder. This simply pulls out (once you have removed the cup holder) and the wires are connected by a one way push clip.
The casing is easily removed by pressing in all six latches and pulling the main part free from the outer casing.
(pictures to follow)

Inside, you will find: A PCB, 2LED's, 2 button switches and 2 spring switches, with some misc components. This part is definately worth repairing because its simple and costs 160 pounds from the stealers!!! Slap yerself Audi!!

I cleaned the PCB, and checked the tracks :- finding some broken and corroded. I re soldiered the tracks to bridge the damage or used wires to bypass the tracks in badly damaged areas. The rotary switch uses the spring switches to monitor its movement. These switches can be cleaned with wet and dry paper to remove oxidation - and should then be good as new!!!

Replace all components in reverse order and hey presto!! Car computer!!

[Sven]

ABS fix by Paul W