Adding a Homelink Visor to a Non-Homelink...

[forz20T]

Hi! I am new to the forum, because, we are new Audi owners... I did a quick search but couldn't find an answer...

I am curious whether I can get a driver side visor with homelink and replace the one I have that isn't equipped with it. I was told by the parts guy at my dealership that the car needed to be factory wired for it. I have had cars with homelink in the past, which consisted of a self contained unit mounted to the visor, powered by a watch/garge remote battery. So I a bit skeptic...

Does anyone know for sure whether the parts guy is right on this one? I figured the wires in the visor were just for the vanity light...

If anyone has a service manual, and could scan the pages related to it, I could figure it out...

Thanks!

[VZWalex]

sounds like a god Idea .. I'll ask my bud at the dealer and see what he says. If you find something on this b4 me please update.

[TSlice]

Unfortunately, your parts guy is right. If you read in the owner's manual, the homelink system has some kind of antenna/transmitter behind the front bumper, and I'm guessing a control module hidden somewhere else as well. To retrofit the entire system would be very involved. You'd probably be better off finding a self-contained homelink unit from another car and retrofitting it. There are many on eBay and elsewhere that only require 12 volt power that you could easily mount them to your visor or the headliner. Good luck.

[R1NSE]

I am pretty sure that the transmitter for the homelink system is actually wired into the bumper or is behind the bumper. I think he was right but that is not saying it can't be done. I just think it involves more than just replacing the visor.

[forz20T]

Thanks for the quick replies! I guess that makes sense... First German car we've owned, so I could see where it is wired with a little more thought (experience from the german injection molding machines I work with).

I am still trying to wipe the perma-grin off my face after this morning's drive into work...

[forz20T]

I guess one of these could work:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gentex-Homelink-Temperature-Compass-Auto-Dim-Mirror_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33699QQihZ007QQi temZ170219124139QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[TSlice]

Make sure that your car is not equipped with auto-dimming exterior mirrors before you replace your interior rearview mirror. The sensor that dims the interior rearview mirror also dims the exterior mirrors, so changing the interior rearview mirror will cause this function not to work anymore.

[VZWalex]

I guess one of these could work:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gentex-Homelink-Temperature-Compass-Auto-Dim-Mirror_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33699QQihZ007QQi temZ170219124139QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

thats pretty slick !

[greene08]

I had one of those mirrors installed in my old Ford Explorer and loved it. Worked great. Gentex is the OEM supplier for all GM and Honda vehicles.

[4RingRook]

would that unit work for an audi? How would you get it to work?

[forz20T]

@ TSlice: I don't have to worry about auto-dim, since we didn't get that package, but thanks for the heads-up!

@ 4RingRook: I did a little more research; the wiring would be easy enough (up into the headliner, down the a-pillar). The manufacturer warns that German rearview mirrors typically have proprietary mirror "clips", which is the clip that is adhered to the windshield. That might present a wrinkle... I will investigate when I get home...

[TSlice]

Yes, the factory mirror does have some kind of proprietary clip mounting system. I don't know how handy you are, but you may be able to disassemble your factory mirror and use some if its parts to attach your new mirror to your factory windshield mount, which would be perfect. Keep in mind, you're probably also going to need to take the new mirror apart and spray it so it matches your interior. Tell me if you need tips on unclipping the factory mirror, it comes down pretty easy.