Coming home feature on non-light sensor models

[dracolnyte]

we'll continue this tmr, it is 3am here in toronto. night

[DavidB8]

3pm here. Goodnight.

[NPuter]

dracolnyte - I don't have any problem ordering that for David, if you have not already done so... (never mind, I just saw that ocarbon took care of it)
For $9.99 I'll order one for myself anyway.

The P/N David sent me for the sensor when we were originally talking about this costs $170 from genuine - and you have to get the $30 adhesive kit...

If I do this, I'm going to install it properly; after yesterday, I really want auto wipers now. During the summers here, it rains every day, off and on, heavy and light, all afternoon long. I went out for a drive for about and hour and was constantly fiddling with the wipers. So right now, I would be doing this mostly for auto wipers... The light sensor and CH/LH is another perk.

(let this thread be another example of why we need chat)

[NPuter]

I just thought of something - you guys are saying that just leaving the sensor under the dash will give you CH/LH without the hassle of installing it on the mirror... Don't you have the have the switch turned to auto for this to work? If so, that would mean that your headlights will be on all the time....

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

[NPuter]

I just thought of something - you guys are saying that just leaving the sensor under the dash will give you CH/LH without the hassle of installing it on the mirror... Don't you have the have the switch turned to auto for this to work? If so, that would mean that your headlights would also be on all the time....

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Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

[dracolnyte]

well, if you look at how porsche models does it without light sensor, they have a switch position called "home" and so every time an owner gets out of their car, they will have to switch it to "home" to get the CH/LH effect. but since im just using it for the CH/LH effect, i might as well use it as my low beams too

[DavidB8]

Well I would wait for anyone else that is thinking of buying one of these. The rumour mill has whispered that the VW Lin Bus is not the same as the Audi. I still don't mind trying but we don't need to be cleaning out ECS only to find out that everyone has a $10.00 sensor for sale in the classifieds. If it was using the Can Bus then I wouldn't be to concerned since that has to be a specific ISO standard thanks to the US. However I have no idea about the Lin Bus language and how it's transmitted.

FYI there are 10 Audi sensors for sale on eBay.de for 44 euro each. They ship to the US but for 38 Euro. If you guys organized some people together you could do a single buy and split the shipping. http://cgi.ebay.de/AUDI-A4-A6-A5-Q5-...item51998cfd26

[dracolnyte]

oh damn thanks for the heads up David, I almost hit order. Alright I'll wait for your good news

[haroulli]

Wow you guys were busy! Let me know if I can help. I do have VCDS.

[dracolnyte]

Okay! my cable is working again, software issue, not hardware. back in the game

[haroulli]

Well I would wait for anyone else that is thinking of buying one of these. The rumour mill has whispered that the VW Lin Bus is not the same as the Audi. I still don't mind trying but we don't need to be cleaning out ECS only to find out that everyone has a $10.00 sensor for sale in the classifieds. If it was using the Can Bus then I wouldn't be to concerned since that has to be a specific ISO standard thanks to the US. However I have no idea about the Lin Bus language and how it's transmitted.

FYI there are 10 Audi sensors for sale on eBay.de for 44 euro each. They ship to the US but for 38 Euro. If you guys organized some people together you could do a single buy and split the shipping. http://cgi.ebay.de/AUDI-A4-A6-A5-Q5-...item51998cfd26

Thanks David. I found a few a while back that included the sticky adhesive but I'm sure it can be sourced some where else. Worse case at the dealer.

[dracolnyte]

Thought I give an update with the auto switch pics and how to remove:


basically remove the fuse panel, and the panel underneath and pop it out from behind. it is held in by metal spring clips and then just detach the wire, it has a small clip.

[DavidB8]

You know if the A5's don't come standard with Auto lights you could probably resell your old switch to one of them so they can add rear fog lights :)

Just not sure if they got something standard that we had as an option.

[dracolnyte]

You know if the A5's don't come standard with Auto lights you could probably resell your old switch to one of them so they can add rear fog lights :)

Just not sure if they got something standard that we had as an option.

oh great thanks for the idea!

i just want to further update with the progress
what I noticed is that the words "auto" on the euro switch light up red instead of the NA orange


what I also notice is that when the switch is in auto mode, i ran a scan and it did not throw errors, it just acts as if it was daytime all the time. if only it can somehow be inverted that it is always night time

[NPuter]

if only it can somehow be inverted that it is always night time

The way I see it, that wouldn't help. In that case, your headlights would be on all the time - a big price to pay for just CH/LH IMHO....

[dracolnyte]

The way I see it, that wouldn't help. In that case, your headlights would be on all the time - a big price to pay for just CH/LH IMHO....

I wouldn't mind, it was just 40 euros for CH/LH feature, I dont care for "auto" lights really since I am already switching them around between night and day anyways. I will just use the auto as the new "ON" during night time.

David, do you know which channel reads the input from the light sensor?

[naemcivic]

The way I see it, that wouldn't help. In that case, your headlights would be on all the time - a big price to pay for just CH/LH IMHO....

+1....money and time could be better spend else where.

[NPuter]

I wouldn't mind, it was just 40 euros for CH/LH feature, I dont care for "auto" lights really since I am already switching them around between night and day anyways. I will just use the auto as the new "ON" during night time.

David, do you know which channel reads the input from the light sensor?

Fair enough... When I do it, I'm going for the proper install though - mainly for auto wipers. We had that on/off heavy/light rain crap again yesterday - I couldn't go 30sec without touching the wiper stalk...

[haroulli]

I'm just wondering does anyone know if there is a rearview mirror from say a b6/b7 that would fit with the rain sensor perhaps without requiring replacing the windscreen. It's just a thought. I'm on the same page as nputer if I do this I'll do it right. Which mean we will need the following:

Rain sensor
P+ mirror
P+ windshield with mount
Auto switch
Wiring harness

[haroulli]

Just found a pretty nice guide on installing a windshield with rain sensor for the B8

http://www.glassmagazine.com/article/auto/2011-audi-a4-117785

[DavidB8]

You don't have to replace the windhield to do the mirror swap or add a the sensor. You also don't have to do one to have the other. Of course the trim that hides the sensor does need the base of the newer mirror if you want to hide the sensor. You don't really notice the sensor that much though without the trim.

[NPuter]

I'm not getting a new mirror or glass - I am just going to stick the sensor above the mirror - I am not too worried about how it will look...

[DavidB8]

Like I said it really doesn't stand out that bad. The mirror still hides most of it from the inside of the car.

[haroulli]

Not a good idea since the rain-sensor (remember it's a rain&light-sensor) needs to be mounted within the clearing range of the windshield wipers.
The link I posted in Januar was just to show a mounting option for those who don't have the large mirror bracket - simply adopt this way for the windshield.

David regarding the mirror I know it not necessary for the rain sensor. It's just for overall factory look.
Regarding the replacement of the windshield i was referencing this post on page 2 of this thread. which I don't know what's true since I don't think anyone has swapped out the P- for the Prestige option with the auto dim option which I think a lot of people did in the older B6/B7. I'm looking for a cheap grey one on eBay so I might be the first to confirm whether you need the larger mount or not.


Thanks for everyone's input I know I have more question than answers right now.

[DavidB8]

You need a larger mount if you swap the entire mirror, however you can open the mirrors and swap the mounts so you don't have to replace the windshield.
Someone has reported using lockwire to saw off the old mount. It's the wire used to hold bolts and nuts in place on race prepped cars. I believe the diameter was 0.25. Supposedly the wire broke a few times and took time but was successful. There are definitely more than one way to skin this cat.

For those that are not as well prepared to make harnesses I really do recommend you buy the harness from Kufatec. A lot of their harnesses are sometime a bit short but it's easier to lengthen a wire if needed than to make an entire harness.

[TR464]

David regarding the mirror I know it not necessary for the rain sensor. It's just for overall factory look.
Regarding the replacement of the windshield i was referencing this post on page 2 of this thread. which I don't know what's true since I don't think anyone has swapped out the P- for the Prestige option with the auto dim option which I think a lot of people did in the older B6/B7. I'm looking for a cheap grey one on eBay so I might be the first to confirm whether you need the larger mount or not.


Thanks for everyone's input I know I have more question than answers right now.

No, you won't be the first :-)

The mirrors you mentioned need the large mounting bracket.
Look at these pictures http://img4web.com/g/1TY7W and imagine the part shown in picture 5 being screwed in the middle of the larger mirror base (sorry, no more pics available) - this will mount any "large" mirror to the "small" mounting bracket.
Of course you can't put the light&rain sensor into this bracket, so you might go the way I showed before in the PDF.

[DavidB8]

P.S. I have a grey mirror. Whats your idea of cheap? :D

[haroulli]

TR646 i see what you mean. You guys must be pretty handy with a hack saw lol braver than me by far!

hmmm not wanting to insult you David but like less than $100 lol. I have a feeling my wife might freak if i get anything for the car right now! Is it auto dimming or just the standard one with the larger base for the rain sensor? Thanks for the offer :)

[DavidB8]

Yeah I think You may have to keep looking for a mirror. Good luck I'm sure if you wait long enough you may find one for that price. Mine is an auto dimming compass mirror.

[NPuter]

Any update on this? I am dying for the rains sensor

[haroulli]

Nputer since the recent posts by David I have decided I want to do this and I'm sourcing the stuff from ebay.de (not bought a thing yet but looking for some good deals).
I think the only kind of question about this is the wiring? Kufatec sells the loom for this but I have no idea of the fitment. I hope they supply the instructions.

This reminds me does anyone know if the High Beam assist can be retro fitted? I've seen a few rear view mirrors with that option and figure "hey why not". I'm just hoping that doesn't open a whole new can of worms!

[DavidB8]

This reminds me does anyone know if the High Beam assist can be retro fitted? I've seen a few rear view mirrors with that option and figure "hey why not". I'm just hoping that doesn't open a whole new can of worms!

Yeah it can be retro fitted. I know someone that did it and I've wired mine for it as well. One of these days I'll get around to offloading my spares including a Headlight assist mirror for a 2009 single zone AC car.

Any update on this? I am dying for the rains sensor

Still waiting for the sensor. Mat was finishing up some carbon work on my trim before he shipped it. Still not so sure the VW one will in our cars but I committed to testing it.

[NPuter]

Yeah it can be retro fitted. I know someone that did it and I've wired mine for it as well. One of these days I'll get around to offloading my spares including a Headlight assist mirror for a 2009 single zone AC car.



Still waiting for the sensor. Mat was finishing up some carbon work on my trim before he shipped it. Still not so sure the VW one will in our cars but I committed to testing it.

Ok sounds good David. Can we even buy the VW one anymore?

[dracolnyte]

Ok sounds good David. Can we even buy the VW one anymore?

we cant buy the vw anymore, ECS probably saw this thread and jacked up the price

[DavidB8]

Well there is a different cheap one still available I think. I would wait though to see if it even works. If it does by some miracle I will have a cheap one for sale.

If not.... Well I will have a cheap one as a Christmas ornament.

[NPuter]

Well there is a different cheap one still available I think. I would wait though to see if it even works. If it does by some miracle I will have a cheap one for sale.

If not.... Well I will have a cheap one as a Christmas ornament.

I call dibs

[dracolnyte]

I call dibs

darn! i was too slow!

[haroulli]

Ha im like 2hrs too late!

I'm finding all sorts of rain sensors on eBay.de they all "look" the same can't verify if they are or not. We will just have to sit tight since David has one on the way.

[NPuter]

I am still doubtful that the VW sensor will work. It would be a pleasant surprise though...

[dracolnyte]

any update on the light sensor? has it arrived yet?