looking to replace a dead slot on the dash with a button

[drumnjuny]

not having any luck searching the interwebs, wondering if any of you have replaced these dead keys with buttons.

preferably with a light & backlight but at this point any leads are valuable.

Goal is to hardwire my radar detector's mute button to it. I did it in my b7 a few years ago but haven't found anyone who has done it on a Q5 yet, so i don't know if there are any buttons that fit here. I've seen S5's which come with traction control & drive select buttons, but I don't want to have any duplicate buttons on the dash.

[drumnjuny]

closest hit i've found is "ESP OFF" button, which i guess might be the euro button for traction control, and no light. hoping for something better

http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/imag...IS5-1588_6.jpg

[QUBE5]

Goal is to hardwire my radar detector's mute button to it. I did it in my b7 a few years ago but haven't found anyone who has done it on a Q5 yet, so i don't know if there are any buttons that fit here. I've seen S5's which come with traction control & drive select buttons, but I don't want to have any duplicate buttons on the dash.

Are you planning on actually using any of these buttons for their intended purpose (such as the ESP OFF button) or are you just looking for a single button to use solely for muting your radar detector? The reason I ask is because I'm pretty sure your wiring harness can't accommodate adding functional buttons from other models, but I could be wrong. However, if your intending to use it solely for connecting to your radar detector that is definitely a possibility.

I have a Valentine1 Radar detector wired into my rearview mirror, with the V1 LE unit. While connected via bluetooth I can mute alerts really easily by tapping my iPhone's display(mounted to the dash), which also relocates the arrow notifications to my phone(out of sight of vehicles around me). Perhaps this may be an option for you?

Here are some more photos of the Q5/SQ5 buttons up close.

[drumnjuny]

QUBE5... you are spot on. i am just using the button to work as the mute button for my radar detector. I have a old escort 9500ix (not sure if they even make this model anymore) and basically ghettofab my own alert light and button switch. I did it with ease on my b7 hoping to replicate that.

after posting this i found out that the buttons on the dash are a set of three. If i could find the left piece in your second image, except with Drive select on the left , blank middle, start stop on right (right now i have drive select, blank, blank), i think that would be perfect for me so i could retain the drive select. But, the RS5 spoiler button works for me too... and I think that module is quite a bit cheaper.

right now my issue is i need to find the harness AND the module, together

[DanMontgomery]

Drumnjuny,

Can you post a picture of the RS5 switch assembly....and what harness and module you talking about.

Been thinking about doing something like this too...however using this button set up....just not sure yet how to actually do it.

Can't post pictures on here yet, so here is a link to the goggle image page. Look at the first couple of images. It is the coin holder with a AUTO-STOP switch in it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=8K29...w=1366&bih=681

V/r
Dan

[QUBE5]

QUBE5... you are spot on. i am just using the button to work as the mute button for my radar detector. I have a old escort 9500ix (not sure if they even make this model anymore) and basically ghettofab my own alert light and button switch. I did it with ease on my b7 hoping to replicate that.

after posting this i found out that the buttons on the dash are a set of three. If i could find the left piece in your second image, except with Drive select on the left , blank middle, start stop on right (right now i have drive select, blank, blank), i think that would be perfect for me so i could retain the drive select. But, the RS5 spoiler button works for me too... and I think that module is quite a bit cheaper.

right now my issue is i need to find the harness AND the module, together

There are a few vendors on Audizine that might be able to source that for you, or you may get lucky and find what your looking for in an auto scrapyard/junkyard.

If you want to get a newer radar detector(since these detectors do lose calibration over time and new tech has been added to the newer models), Escort does have a Trade-In program(That applies to your Escort 9500ix) where you'll get a credit of $120 towards the purchase of a new Escort Max 360($650), Passport Max($550), or Passport Max 2($600).(Click Here for the Escort Trade-In Program Website) Escort Live is available for the Escort Passport Max2, which adds some great features(like smartphone integration and live updates from users in your area) that you might be interested in. Of course, you'll have to weigh the pros/cons and cost associated with that upgrade, to see if that would be right for you, but a new detector with smartphone connection may be an easier alternative to sourcing the button and harness or wiring that all up.


Whatever you decide, Good Luck with your project and please let us know how it turns out.

[drumnjuny]

Drumnjuny,

Can you post a picture of the RS5 switch assembly....and what harness and module you talking about.

Been thinking about doing something like this too...however using this button set up....just not sure yet how to actually do it.

Can't post pictures on here yet, so here is a link to the goggle image page. Look at the first couple of images. It is the coin holder with a AUTO-STOP switch in it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=8K29...w=1366&bih=681

V/r
Dan

Dan, thanks! Yes this is the piece i am looking for. (well this will work too) HOWEVER this is for RHD models, and therefore cannot be used in our cars. in US spec cars this piece will fit where our parking does.

[QUBE5]

Can't post pictures on here yet, so here is a link to the goggle image page. Look at the first couple of images. It is the coin holder with a AUTO-STOP switch in it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=8K29...w=1366&bih=681

V/r
Dan

I've seen those 2011 Q5 coin holders with Start/Stop buttons on Ebay (Here is one for less than $15), but do you know if that would fit our newer coin holder slots?

It would make a great Aux. ON/OFF button if it does.


Edit:

HOWEVER this is for RHD models, and therefore cannot be used in our cars. in US spec cars this piece will fit where our parking does.

I just noticed that it is for RHD only. Good catch. Thanks!

[drumnjuny]

There are a few vendors on Audizine that might be able to source that for you, or you may get lucky and find what your looking for in an auto scrapyard/junkyard.

If you want to get a newer radar detector(since these detectors do lose calibration over time and new tech has been added to the newer models), Escort does have a Trade-In program(That applies to your Escort 9500ix) where you'll get a credit of $120 towards the purchase of a new Escort Max 360($650), Passport Max($550), or Passport Max 2($600).(Click Here for the Escort Trade-In Program Website) Escort Live is available for the Escort Passport Max2, which adds some great features(like smartphone integration and live updates from users in your area) that you might be interested in. Of course, you'll have to weigh the pros/cons and cost associated with that upgrade, to see if that would be right for you, but a new detector with smartphone connection may be an easier alternative to sourcing the button and harness or wiring that all up.


Whatever you decide, Good Luck with your project and please let us know how it turns out.

damn that's a good idea. i thought about getting a new detector but mine seems to be working fine. for now, i want to stay with my detector as long as I can get the hardwired button working, i am happy. maybe upgrade in the future.

will start looking for junkyards to find a wrecked RS5. good call.

[drumnjuny]

I've seen those 2011 Q5 coin holders with Start/Stop buttons on Ebay (Here is one for less than $15), but do you know if that would fit our newer coin holder slots?

It would make a great Aux. ON/OFF button if it does.

i would guess that it would fit... problem is it fits on the wrong side

[drumnjuny]

wow, just found this randomly. I would love a blank button to be honest, any button works i guess but would prefer one without a nonsensical label such as the spoiler button.

either way great pictures from this page...

https://www.bks-tuning.com/oem-audi-...r-spoiler.html

[QUBE5]

wow, just found this randomly. I would love a blank button to be honest, any button works i guess but would prefer one without a nonsensical label such as the spoiler button.

https://www.bks-tuning.com/oem-audi-...r-spoiler.html

Excellent! Thanks for the link.

[drumnjuny]

As far as trade in goes... I see my radar detector is still sold on their site for $450. it might be a good time to try to sell it on craigslist and then upgrade to a detector with more sensors, before I go to lengths to hardwire it...

looks like i could even use the bluetooth functionality to mute it remotely. i could even consider a V1 at that point, although I am pretty brand-loyal and have no complaints about my current detector. The only thing is I think looking at my phone would be a step i would rather not take. i prefer to have the button discreetly within arms reach... hmmm decisions decisions. I will probably end up hard wiring this one because i'm cheap.

[QUBE5]

As far as trade in goes... I see my radar detector is still sold on their site for $450. it might be a good time to try to sell it on craigslist and then upgrade to a detector with more sensors, before I go to lengths to hardwire it...

looks like i could even use the bluetooth functionality to mute it remotely. i could even consider a V1 at that point, although I am pretty brand-loyal and have no complaints about my current detector. The only thing is I think looking at my phone would be a step i would rather not take. i prefer to have the button discreetly within arms reach... hmmm decisions decisions.

That's a good idea. You may be able to get more than the $120 by selling it on Ebay as well.

I believe the Escort Passport Max2 has voice alerts, so you wouldn't have to look at your smartphone, if you did chose to upgrade your detector. My V1 doesn't have voice alerts, but I have an iOS app that allows for setting custom colors/alerts for specific radar bands and I have paired that with a ProClip mount so it's always within my scope of vision. I personally prefer Valentine1 because of the detector's arrows, but Escort's Max2 is a great detector as well(Escort Live is hard to beat). Blend Mount also makes great rearview mirror mounts for V1s and Escort detectors, which helps you avoid those pesky suction cup mounts that never seem to stay connected for me.

I will probably end up hard wiring this one because i'm cheap.

The costs do add up rather quickly.

[drumnjuny]

That's a good idea. You may be able to get more than the $120 by selling it on Ebay as well.

I believe the Escort Passport Max2 has voice alerts, so you wouldn't have to look at your smartphone, if you did chose to upgrade your detector. My V1 doesn't have voice alerts, but I have an iOS app that allows for setting custom colors/alerts for specific radar bands and I have paired that with a ProClip mount so it's always within my scope of vision. I personally prefer Valentine1 because of the detector's arrows, but Escort's Max2 is a great detector as well(Escort Live is hard to beat). Blend Mount also makes great rearview mirror mounts for V1s and Escort detectors, which helps you avoid those pesky suction cup mounts that never seem to stay connected for me.

ah, that's awesome. the new escort MAX 360 has the arrows as well, and the only reason i would want the app is to hit the mute button, really. i think that and change the settings like if i want it to be dark, that would be convenient. i posted my detector up for sale lets see what happens. i live in the only state in the US (DC isn't a state) where radar detectors are illegal but constantly travel to MD which is why it would be nice to turn it on/off (or dark mode hehe) from the app. if the escort app does this, i would consider upgrading, but i'm not sure it does and anyway I would want a hard button so i don't have to open the app on my phone to hit mute.

lets see what happens, if someone buys mine for a solid price, i will upgrade. otherwise i'll just keep looking for the button (honestly, i will want the button either way, and i can just route to under the steering column so its modular if i need to change the resistor or wiring to get it to work with a new detector.


edit: just skimmed the manual for the app, looks like you can change brightness, alert settings, and you can mute it. damn, makes sense to upgrade if you have your phone on the whole time while driving so you can keep muting alerts. I would want a hard button even if i upgraded, most likely. going to push forward to try and get the button installed, and will get the button working with the new detector whenever I upgrade.

[QUBE5]

lets see what happens, if someone buys mine for a solid price, i will upgrade.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope it sells for nice chunk of change. Good Luck!

[drumnjuny]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope it sells for nice chunk of change. Good Luck!

in yet another epic twist, the new escort detectors are not invisible to Spectre RDD... whereas my trusty old 9500ix is mostly undetectable by the Spectre, it seems... going to stick with the tried and true for now, I can always upgrade once i get this one confiscated LOL. The cords are interchangeable, and my wire-resistor map is just a broken down circuitboard from the with the light and mute button so it should work just the same for any escort detector should i decide to upgrade, which is great news. supposedly have to wait a few years to upgrade if i want it to be undetectable


jackpot! 8K1927325 auto start stop, LHD

[QUBE5]

in yet another epic twist, the new escort detectors are not invisible to Spectre RDD... whereas my trusty old 9500ix is mostly undetectable by the Spectre, it seems... going to stick with the tried and true for now, I can always upgrade once i get this one confiscated LOL. The cords are interchangeable, and my wire-resistor map is just a broken down circuitboard from the with the light and mute button so it should work just the same for any escort detector should i decide to upgrade, which is great news. supposedly have to wait a few years to upgrade if i want it to be undetectable


jackpot! 8K1927325 auto start stop, LHD

I wonder why they didn't integrate that Spectre RDD into the newer models, but sounds like the unit you have will currently work best for you.

I found this image which shows the auto start/stop LHD part you mentioned, as well as the other components, may be it will help you out(click the image to enlarge). Thanks for the part# btw.

[DanMontgomery]

You may also be able to use item #14. It the is the parking brake with the Hill assist button. I have that switch assembly already but plan on actually installing the Hill Assist.

V/r
Dan

[DBFL]

not having any luck searching the interwebs, wondering if any of you have replaced these dead keys with buttons.

preferably with a light & backlight but at this point any leads are valuable.

Goal is to hardwire my radar detector's mute button to it. I did it in my b7 a few years ago but haven't found anyone who has done it on a Q5 yet, so i don't know if there are any buttons that fit here. I've seen S5's which come with traction control & drive select buttons, but I don't want to have any duplicate buttons on the dash.

I did this exact thing on my S4. I am using the engine stop/start button as the power button for my radar detector. Using it as a mute switch will work as well.

You want part number 8K1959673KV10. This is the button assembly that has Drive Select and engine stop/start. If you are ordering it from Audi, make sure that the 10th character is the letter K. There are multiple versions of this assembly, and it is the 10th character of the part number that determines which buttons are present and which ones are dummies. The way I have it wired, the orange LED lights up when the system is powered on. If you use it as a mute switch, you can wire the LED to blink when there is an alert.
You also will need part number 000979009E. This is the factory repair wire with the connector that clips into the wiring harness for the switch. The switch has one harness that is used for all three possible buttons so you will have some empty spots on the harness. The repair wire has a connector on both ends, so you can cut it in half and use one for the button and one for the LED.

-Daniel

[JayCar]

Beautiful! Do you happen to have any pics of any of this?

[drumnjuny]

I did this exact thing on my S4. I am using the engine stop/start button as the power button for my radar detector. Using it as a mute switch will work as well.

You want part number 8K1959673KV10. This is the button assembly that has Drive Select and engine stop/start. If you are ordering it from Audi, make sure that the 10th character is the letter K. There are multiple versions of this assembly, and it is the 10th character of the part number that determines which buttons are present and which ones are dummies. The way I have it wired, the orange LED lights up when the system is powered on. If you use it as a mute switch, you can wire the LED to blink when there is an alert.
You also will need part number 000979009E. This is the factory repair wire with the connector that clips into the wiring harness for the switch. The switch has one harness that is used for all three possible buttons so you will have some empty spots on the harness. The repair wire has a connector on both ends, so you can cut it in half and use one for the button and one for the LED.

-Daniel

nicely done! this is good news... will look into this if i give up on the auto start stop coin tray setup! thanks!

[DanMontgomery]

Drumnjuny,

Please keep us updated on this project.. really curious on how this turns out.

V/r
Dan

[drumnjuny]

Drumnjuny,

Please keep us updated on this project.. really curious on how this turns out.

V/r
Dan

hey, just got your PM. my parts store is closed for the holidays. literally just waiting for them to open it up, putting in my order for the repair wires, harness, and module. I will start by just running the wires under the steering column and to the fuse box. from there i will test my configuration of wires and resistors and make sure it works, finally I will run a RJ-11 line up to the headliner.

[JayCar]

hey, just got your PM. my parts store is closed for the holidays. literally just waiting for them to open it up, putting in my order for the repair wires, harness, and module. I will start by just running the wires under the steering column and to the fuse box. from there i will test my configuration of wires and resistors and make sure it works, finally I will run a RJ-11 line up to the headliner.

When you hear from them, I'd be curious on price and availability too. I'm doing the same for my light bar.

[DanMontgomery]

JayCar,

Want to install some driving lights on mine too.

Plus, like to have custom stuff with a OEM look.

V/r
Dan

[drumnjuny]

Price is $70 ish. But yet again haha... Thinking of changing plans. Shop needs to open so I can install something and be done with it!!! Lol.

Decided I'm going to try to use the start stop button / parking brake rocker and try to set up the parking brake rocker to toggle power to the detector, lol.

[JayCar]

Price is $70 ish. But yet again haha... Thinking of changing plans. Shop needs to open so I can install something and be done with it!!! Lol.

Decided I'm going to try to use the start stop button / parking brake rocker and try to set up the parking brake rocker to toggle power to the detector, lol.

Yep, like we're talking about in the other thread. LOL

- - - Updated - - -

JayCar,

Want to install some driving lights on mine too.

Plus, like to have custom stuff with a OEM look.

V/r
Dan

I'm with you on that. I like the OEM look as well. This vehicle deserves it. :-)

[JayCar]

I wonder why they didn't integrate that Spectre RDD into the newer models, but sounds like the unit you have will currently work best for you.

I found this image which shows the auto start/stop LHD part you mentioned, as well as the other components, may be it will help you out(click the image to enlarge). Thanks for the part# btw.

That looks like a good solution too. Here's an actual picture of it I found earlier.


I know you already said you found your solution, but just thought I'd share. :-) I'm likely to go this route since I only need it to power on/off an auxiliary light bar.

[JayCar]

You may also be able to use item #14. It the is the parking brake with the Hill assist button. I have that switch assembly already but plan on actually installing the Hill Assist.

V/r
Dan

Dan, have you figured out the pin-out for the hill assist button?

[DBFL]

Dan, have you figured out the pin-out for the hill assist button?

You may want to look in the B8 S4 forum. OP posted the same thing there and it has a ton more information. I have posted part numbers for all of this over there.
If you need pin outs for any of the buttons I listed there just let me know and I can post them.

[Hrp783]

I remember seeing a "Funk" switch for older models... Too bad someone isn't making those for the new models

[JayCar]

I remember seeing a "Funk" switch for older models... Too bad someone isn't making those for the new models

I've seen pictures. Pretty funny. I'd rock the funk button. :-)

[drumnjuny]

Funk button is what i used in my old B7...

Funk means radio in german. so it is used in taxi cabs to switch from CB radio to AM/FM


also yeah sorry i started the same thread in each b8 section lol. figured it would be best but now i'm having a tough time figuring out who is posting where and which posts i will need eventually, etc... LOL.

my plan is to just get the wires extended down to the steering column, marking them of course with the pin numbers, then try to figure it out after. lol.

[DanMontgomery]

Guys /Gals,

If your going to use the Parking Brake / Hill assist switch assembly....make sure you get the correct one.

(LHD) 8K1 927 225 C WEP
(RHD) 8K2 927 225 C WEP



JayCar,

Thanks for the information on the Airbox Mod...ordering a filter this week. Just got to do a bit of research to make sure I get the correct filter for my TDI.

I have that Parking Brake Switch assembly. Will do a pin out...here in the next couple of days. Also, haven't tried this yet but have been told that the switches don't work in a traditional way we are used to. I was told they have circuit cards in them and it isn't just a simple single pole single throw switch.

Will start playing around with it next week to find out exactly how it works....HOPEFULLY.



My question is, how do we relabel the switch (regardless which switch you going to use)...I was thinking about just painting (Gloss or Satin Black) the the switch to cover the OEM label. Keep the Lighted segment untouched. That way i can see where it is on and off. However, want it to look OEM as possible?

Any ideas? Does anyone know the exact black?

V/r
Dan

[DBFL]

I have that Parking Brake Switch assembly. Will do a pin out...here in the next couple of days. Also, haven't tried this yet but have been told that the switches don't work in a traditional way we are used to. I was told they have circuit cards in them and it isn't just a simple single pole single throw switch.

Will start playing around with it next week to find out exactly how it works....HOPEFULLY.

You are correct. The buttons in these cars are not actually switches. They are momentary buttons of the normally-open variety. This means that when you push a button it completes a circuit until you let go of the button. This sends a ground pulse to the connected device.
Also they do have circuit boards inside of them. But they are quite basic. It is so they can mount the buttons and LEDs for multiple features on a single unit using a shared wiring harness.

[drumnjuny]

You are correct. The buttons in these cars are not actually switches. They are momentary buttons of the normally-open variety. This means that when you push a button it completes a circuit until you let go of the button. This sends a ground pulse to the connected device.
Also they do have circuit boards inside of them. But they are quite basic. It is so they can mount the buttons and LEDs for multiple features on a single unit using a shared wiring harness.

this is great news! Means that it works similar to how my old funk button did. the LED will be controlled by a circuit connected to the radar detector, however in order to make the parking brake rocker turn on/off power to the detector will need an auxiliary switch. shouldn't be too complicated to set up.

Can you state your source? How did you come across this, by pulling one apart, or messing with it?

[DanMontgomery]

The Switch wiring as follows.

Pin 10 of switch goes to Pin 16 or 36 of ABS
Pin 11 goes to power
Pin 12 of switch with Pin 8 of ABS


Don't have the tools here (on the road this week) to confirm this or to figure out how to make the switch works...however this is my source.

http://www.audienthusiasts.com/Project_HillHold.html


V/r
Dan

[DanMontgomery]

DBFL,

Can you post a link that information in the S4 section.

V/r
Dan

[DBFL]

DBFL,

Can you post a link that information in the S4 section.

V/r
Dan

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-with-a-button