Atlanta Allroad Adventure

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Hey, folks. New member here with the New Year’s Eve purchase of a 2013 Audi Allroad Prestige Plus. For the backstory, my wife and I wanted a dedicated kid hauler. We had a 2009 Volkswagen Passat wagon that had been serving that function, but I also used it for hauling around music gear (I’m a bassist in my free time). (You can read about my adventures with that car over here.) When our son was small, it was no problem – just move the bucket from car to car. But as he’s aged out of the bucket into the big seat, we needed a kid-only car. But I wanted to be able to haul gear without taking out the big kid seat. In short, I wanted the Passat! So began the search for another wagon (we don’t like SUVs or crossovers) and something nicer.

Then this appeared for sale nearby in an Athens Acura dealership:

Front quarter view by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

Rear quarter view by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr


It has navigation and a backup – the things we really wanted plus a firm but not harsh ride. It had only 33,000 miles and was still under warranty. It had also been on the lot for nearly four months and they wanted to get it out of there. The trade was good, and a PPI didn’t reveal any major problems, so we went for it.

Driver's view by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

Wood accents by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

Rear passenger view by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

The downsides: This was a Northern vehicle that lived Manhattan for most of its life. So, we have a little rust to deal with. Some bits are just surface-level…

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

…but the clamps for the catalytic converter need replacement.

Rusty cat clamps by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

Also, the cargo cover is missing. I’m seeing replacement prices online around $900, so I’m trying to find something secondhand.

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

And the top of the spare key fob is missing.

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

Also, Georgia is a non-front plate state so this grille has to go.

Front view by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

I’m still not a huge fan of the grille style; it looks like a vintage electric shaver. When I get the non-plate version, I’ll probably black it out since there doesn’t seem to be a drop-in aftermarket for Allroads.

Other plans in the immediate future are to get a couple of TSB-type things looked at while it’s under warranty:

POWER STEERING CONTROL UNIT SOFTWARE UPDATE
CAUSE: 48K8
48402599 UPDATE J500 CONTROL MODULE
FC: 48K899

Service Campaigns: Crankcase Pressure Regulating Valve
REPAIR NEEDED
START DATE: Nov 10, 2015
AUDI ACTION CODE: 17F9
DESCRIPTION: On certain Audi vehicles with 2.0L TFSI engine, the diaphragm of the crankcase pressure regulating valve may have been damaged.
REMEDY: Inspect and, if necessary, install a repair kit for the crankcase pressure regulating valve.


Apart from that, we’re still getting used to driving it and in the “how the @#$! does this work” phase. I’ll be lurking to get more information for future changes. I can see the following:

• VAGCOM updates – remote windows, cornering lights, individual gear display, etc.
• Side window shades for the youngun’. The Passat had them built into the doors; kind of surprised they weren’t standard in the Allroad.
• S-line pedal set (if such a thing exists). I have an R-line in the Passat and it’s a nice little touch.
• Wheel / tire update. Even my wife thinks the stockers are a little blah. 19” peelers would be nice.
• Stage 1 tune when the warranty’s up.

Looking forward to learning more from the group - especially on getting rid of that surface rust on the brake calipers, bushings and diff. Let’s get started!

[treginginco]

Congrats. I wouldn't really worry about those rusty spots. I'd make the dealership get your key situation squared away as that is pricey. As for the rear cargo cover.... good luck.

[blbroo]

I have some rust in the same areas. Plan to hit it with a wire wheel and some new paint

[integroid]

Congrats....I commented in 4 rings atl about your cargo cover:)

As far as pedal set, these fit perfectly in my Allroad and was simple enough to install. A lot cheaper than the OEM pedal set. They were even in OEM Audi bags.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371443974631...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Also, a lot of us have vagcom cables in ATL. Just post up before the next meet and someone will bring one.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

A friend of a friend works at a local Audi dealer, so I'm seeing if I can get a reduced rate on the parts. Unfortunately the Allroad was purchased at an Acura/Volvo dealer, so they won't be much help with the key.

I'm going to get the warranty work finished before doing any VAG-COM updates. I should probably get my own cable now that we have two VAG cars.

Thanks for the tip on the pedals! I'll need to look up a DIY.

[Willënskraft]

Nice purchase and welcome!

[AllroadCorbin]

We have the exact same AR with the exception of the smooth wood trim inside. Great color combos

Feel free to reach out if you ever need any help/ have questions as you go forward with your new Allroad!

Welcome

[skis4hire]

key should be no problem
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smart-Remote...-/131506904430

$8 for the blank and can't image in would cost much to get it cut to match the other key.
The expensive part of the keys is the electronics which you have.

congrats on the purchase!

[billybob_lee]

In the Avants only section, we have an Allroad Info and Resource Thread that you might find useful.

For side window shades, I purchased a set that is featured in this post: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/588486-Custom-fit-sunshades-Anyone-have-these. I initially got the wrong window clips, but they sent out replacement clips very quickly. The fit is very good, and I am happy I purchased them. I don't use the rear hatch shade, preferring to use the one that came with the car.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Thanks for the suggestions! I've been checking out the Allroad resource and B8.5 VCDS threads and planning my next moves. As luck would have it, I found a cargo cover on eBay; someone who had an allroad sold their car and forgot to put it back (sounds familiar). I'll probably pick up the key blank and pedal set while I'm at it. In the meantime I'm getting the TSBs checked out on Friday.

BillyBob: Are the shades the same ones from the resource thread? I had those on my list, too.

Integroid: I might be hitting you up for the VAG-COM once I get the TSBs taken care of.

[billybob_lee]

BillyBob: Are the shades the same ones from the resource thread? I had those on my list, too.

I believe the person who started the thread about the sun shades is the same person who started the Allroad resource thread (dropshadow). He first purchased the sun shades when he had his S4. I purchased a different, but similar set from ECS, but the mounting method was not as nice or engineered as well as the ones from the link.

[integroid]

key should be no problem
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smart-Remote...-/131506904430

$8 for the blank and can't image in would cost much to get it cut to match the other key.
The expensive part of the keys is the electronics which you have.

congrats on the purchase!

Unfortunately the a-holes that own the equipment to cut those keys will charge you an arm and a leg.....mainly because they know they can because they are still cheaper than the dealer. I asked 3 different key cutting places around me and the cheapest I could find was $50 to just cut the key.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Unfortunately the a-holes that own the equipment to cut those keys will charge you an arm and a leg.....mainly because they know they can because they are still cheaper than the dealer. I asked 3 different key cutting places around me and the cheapest I could find was $50 to just cut the key.

Huh... I'm assuming this is something Ace Hardware can't do? I did end up getting the blank so if they can't do I'd appreciate any recommendations of who can.

I also picked up your recommended pedal set (on sale!), so let the accessorizing begin.

[dropshadow]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome. I've added this thread to the allroad megathread.

[integroid]

Huh... I'm assuming this is something Ace Hardware can't do? I did end up getting the blank so if they can't do I'd appreciate any recommendations of who can.

I also picked up your recommended pedal set (on sale!), so let the accessorizing begin.

The ace hardware by my house was the place that did it for $50. He even told me the reason that I stated above before cutting.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[bermudakid]

You will have to hang out with us in FourRingsATL some time !!!

[ATL_wagon_guy]

I went to the local Audi dealer (Jim Ellis) today to see about the TSB items. They replaced the pressure valve on the crankcase, no charge. (Should this issue be added as a sticky somewhere? Anyone else received a notice about it?)

On the other hand, they couldn't find anything wrong with the steering. It was raining heavily this morning, so not the best time to test drive the issue. But the system scan showed that my Allroad has the most recent steering column part and that the software is up to date. Perhaps I was just imagining the notchy feel - I don't know. It's nothing major and my wife doesn't notice anything being wrong, so I guess we're good on that front.

I also asked for a price quote on a new grille. $1,085! So, back to online searching. So far the best deal I've found is on genuineaudiparts.com for $410.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

The key blank arrived this week and I tried to get it cut at the local Ace. Unfortunately they weren't able to. They said the offset drilling requires equipment to keep the key steady that they don't have. Guess ill price out some locksmiths.

Aside from that, just more considering and gathering of parts. Europrice has the plateless grille and an amber rear turn signal kit that looks promising (but pricey).

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Further parts gathering! The cargo cover I found on eBay was like new at 1/5 the cost. The previous owner must have taken it out immediately and stored it.

Also, I took integroid's suggestion and got the pedal set on eBay. They arrived yesterday:

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

Stainless steel and rubber. And, like his, they came in an OEM bag.

image by thaddeusthompson, on Flickr

"Made in Germany" but shipped from China. Works for me! Now I just need to read up on the installation process and block out some time to do so. From what I understand, softening up the rubber with boiling water and using some grease will help. (My wife is going to really wonder about what I'm doing to her car.)

[Killerboots]

The dead pedal was easy to install, just be careful when removing the original one. The tabs can break. I had to wrestle with the other two, gas and brake.

Ended up using KY Jelly to slide those bitches on there. NOICE!

[ATL_wagon_guy]

The dead pedal was easy to install, just be careful when removing the original one. The tabs can break.

How did you do it? The DIY I found said to slide the pedal back to release the top tab, but that's not clear. There are so many tabs on the back it doesn't seem as if there is much wiggle room. (EDIT: I should also add the DIY called for modding the dead pedal to work with the stock backing; my pedal looks like a direct drop-in replacement.)

Another fun item: the pedals' shipping box is also OEM but turned inside-out and re-taped. I'm guessing there are some off-the-books sales for Audi China.

[dnoyeb]

Just bought some of those same chinese ones...How long did they take to get to you? Date range looks like a full month for delivery; so who knows when / how long they'll really take.

I'm interested to see any insight you have into installing them...

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Just bought some of those same chinese ones...How long did they take to get to you? Date range looks like a full month for delivery; so who knows when / how long they'll really take.

I'm interested to see any insight you have into installing them...

Mine took about 2.5 weeks to arrive; that's about average from parts I've previously ordered from China.

As for the install, I'll take some pictures as I go since I haven't found a direct DIY for these. Besides, I have to post something in this thread. Pics for clicks!

[integroid]

The install is fairly simple. The dead pedal was pretty simple for me since I didnt care about breaking it. I just ynked up on it untilit came up. I think I broke 2 tabs but I tossed it in the trash along with the brake pedal.

Did you ever find a place to cut your key?

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Not yet, but I haven't been looking too hard. It's a low priority compared to work, house projects and keeping up with a toddler.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

Oh yeah - did you need to remove the trim panel next to the dead pedal to install the new one?

[integroid]

Oh yeah - did you need to remove the trim panel next to the dead pedal to install the new one?

I didnt with my install but afterwards I realized it would of made it a lot easier if I did to begin with.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

I'm going to need to find a better DIY. I got the brake and gas pedals on fine, but I can't quite see how to get off the trim next to the dead pedal. I loosened it from the doorsill and almost had enough clearance to get the old one out. But it looks like the top part of it is supporting the fuse panel. It looks like the trick is to get the hood release off. I'll need to research further.

[JeriQo]

Mine took about 2.5 weeks to arrive; that's about average from parts I've previously ordered from China.

As for the install, I'll take some pictures as I go since I haven't found a direct DIY for these. Besides, I have to post something in this thread. Pics for clicks!

Search chinese rs5 pedals on this section. I did a diy with pics there

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[TalkToChuck]

Nice Purchase!!!
Interested in how those petals look!
Im in the A too by the way

[ATL_wagon_guy]

I still need to install the dead pedal. This is really my wife's car, so this will be a very slow thread.

[julianwh]

Welcome to the club. My '13 AR only has 28,000 miles and I've enjoyed every single mile. It's a whole different car now with the APR Stage 1 tune running E85!
I also order a set of these pedals w days ago, now the waiting game. any tips on the install will be much appreciated.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

It's a sunny and relatively warm day in ATL, so I finally got around to finishing the pedal install with the footrest. Some y'all wanted tips, so here we go:

Based on my experience with the Passat, I gently pulled up the sill trim:



I didn't need to remove it entirely, though that would make things easier. I just didn't know how to remove the hood release lever. The loose trim provided enough wiggle room to work the pedal loose.

The next step was to push the clip at the top back to release. It fits into the backside of the grey square just below the fuse panel:



Then I pulled up on the dead pedal to release it. Looks like this mod will be permanent; I pulled way too hard:



After that, I gently pulled the sill panel to the right to get it out of the groove in the stock pedal while releasing the other clips. It was a little tight, but it all came off. Looks like I broke a couple of clips on the pedal, too. Into the recycling bin it goes.



Here's another shot of where that top clip goes:



I put the new pedal's clip in there (it just slides in; there's no hard/popping style connection) and then worked the sill panel trim into the pedal's groove. Again, very gently so I didn't break anything.

The final step was pressing the clips in... and voilà!







I also noticed these little tags on the floor mats. Not sure that I'll actually remove them.



Now what? I'm looking at getting my own Vag-Com cable so I can turn on a few other items. The sun shades are also on the list as the weather gets better (and my suction cup one doesn't cover up the whole window).

[ATL_wagon_guy]

The sunshades arrived this week. Good timing with more sunny weather and my little guy getting a facefull of sun through the back quarter window.

They have a neat design. The shades are your basic mesh with flexible outer rim. You also get metal s-clips. The rounded end clips onto the top of the shade:



Then you roll down the windows and brace the bottom of the shade against them. The square end of the clips then fit between the layers of weatherstripping.





The rear quarters work similarly except that the clips fit into the headliner. Each shade has a pull tab so they can be removed easily. The set also includes a shade for the rear windshield but my wife didn't want me to install it. Maybe later.

[billybob_lee]

I have the same sun shade set. I prefer to use the retractable sunshade/partition instead of the set for the rear hatch. Nothing separate to store or worry about

[ATL_wagon_guy]

I picked up a used Ross-Tech VAG-COM cable on eBay recently so I could start changing some preferences. Since my free time is short and I want to swap a cluster in my Passat, I figured it would be better in the long run to just get my own cable. (Also, more time to think and tweak as I go.) So, first round of changes:

- Needle sweep
- Single gear display
- Cornering lights on
- DRLs on with parking lights
- Fog lights active with high beams
- Adaptive brake lights

Next steps are to activate the hidden menu and available ADS features. Hopefully this will tighten up the steering a bit as it feels too light for my tastes. I also want to figure out how to make the DRLs dim with the turn signals on but not turn off / wink. I turned off winking for a day, but the brightness obscured the turn signal flash. Safety first! (Someone's done this in the VCDS tweak thread and I asked how. Response soon.)

Also, we'll be making our first out-of-town trip for Memorial Weekend - full toddler cargo with Bob stroller, pack-and-play and other fun stuff. This will be the stress test to see if we need cross bars and a cargo box.

[Slimwonder]

I still need to install the dead pedal. This is really my wife's car, so this will be a very slow thread.

My wife has always got new stuff for me to fit on our AR lol

[julianwh]

I picked up a used Ross-Tech VAG-COM cable on eBay recently so I could start changing some preferences. Since my free time is short and I want to swap a cluster in my Passat, I figured it would be better in the long run to just get my own cable. (Also, more time to think and tweak as I go.) So, first round of changes:

- Needle sweep
- Single gear display
- Cornering lights on
- DRLs on with parking lights
- Fog lights active with high beams
- Adaptive brake lights

Next steps are to activate the hidden menu and available ADS features. Hopefully this will tighten up the steering a bit as it feels too light for my tastes. I also want to figure out how to make the DRLs dim with the turn signals on but not turn off / wink. I turned off winking for a day, but the brightness obscured the turn signal flash. Safety first! (Someone's done this in the VCDS tweak thread and I asked how. Response soon.)

Also, we'll be making our first out-of-town trip for Memorial Weekend - full toddler cargo with Bob stroller, pack-and-play and other fun stuff. This will be the stress test to see if we need cross bars and a cargo box.

FYI, I wasn't able to get ADS to work on my '13 AR.

[ATL_wagon_guy]

I had a few more VCDS adventures this evening. I got the DRL dimming with turn signals to work, ambient lighting inside, the MMI hidden menu on and ADS turned on... sort of. I followed the Audienthusiasts.com guide but it doesn't seem to have fully taken. I tried out the Dynamic and Efficiency modes and they seem to have an effect on the throttle (pedal responce!). Efficiency made the accelerator mushy and seek higher gears much more quickly than before and Dynamic felt slightly faster.

However, the steering is the same no matter what mode I use - very light and kind of overboosted. It may just be that the steering module in Allroads can't change sensitivity. Or (I hope) there was some step in the coding process I missed. It's back into research mode for now. Any thoughts on what I might be missing?

Also, I may have a line on 19" Peelers locally. I ran the numbers and it should fit but will need spacers to push them out - stock 26 ET and Peeler 36 ET don't interchange well.

[dropshadow]

S4 or S5 peelers? S4 peelers are et43, S5 are et33. You can run both but will definitely want spacers. I had 10mm in front and 12mm in the rear with my S5 peelers and they still could have come out a couple more mm.

I noticed the same thing you did with the steering after enabling drive select. It just doesn't seem to have an effect on the allroad. I actually test drove an allroad with drive select about a month ago and it made a very noticeable difference in dynamic mode.