MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Technical Workshop => Topic started by: rdfcpete on May 23, 2013, 07:35:12 pm

Title: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 23, 2013, 07:35:12 pm
I've given this some thought for a while now but question is, can you retrofit just the auto light sensor (part of the dimming mirror kit) to MK5 platform cars?

Specifically the car in question this time is an 8P 2010 Audi A3 that has factory LED DRLs and Xenons. What I want is the coming home and leaving home functionality, not the auto light functionality. I know that of course the CH/LH function relies in the dusk auto light sensor to trigger it's behavior, which is what I need without the bells and whistles.

I've got VCDS so the software side isn't the issue.
I've seen people like Mike (TFSI Mike) fit the auto dim mirror components to the existing mirror in a Leon without changing the windscreen.

The question is can I fit this and the necessary wiring to my existing rear view mirror?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: Eddie-NL on May 28, 2013, 12:14:09 am
I've done a full install (autolights and rain sensing wipers) to a 2013 Skoda blackline Octavia

you will need the windscreen Rain sensor, if you don't want to spend on a new screen it could be fitted in a different place
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 28, 2013, 05:42:06 pm
you will need the windscreen Rain sensor, if you don't want to spend on a new screen it could be fitted in a different place

Cheers Eddie  :happy2:

Your second line is exactly my requirement really.
Surely the autodimming RV mirror casing can be retrofitted along with the regularly placed sensor, like TFSI Mike did in his Leon Cupra if I'm not missing something very obvious?

But yes, the original windscreen must remain. Refitting simply isn't an option and adds hassle and cost from the off.
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: marko on May 28, 2013, 06:49:07 pm
boldsport do a unit that plugs into existed control switch and run a tiny sensor  up to the bottom right of windscreen.
works fine for me...
 :happy2:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 28, 2013, 06:59:59 pm
boldsport do a unit that plugs into existed control switch and run a tiny sensor  up to the bottom right of windscreen.
works fine for me...
 :happy2:

I'm intrigued...
Tell me more fella? How much is a retrofit including parts and how long do they need the car for etc?...  :happy2:

>> ** EDIT**   http://www.bold-sport.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=166

That one?
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: marko on May 28, 2013, 07:24:32 pm
YEAH..thats the one....i have it fitted nice and tidy in the corner.
i wanted to fit the wiper/light sensor and the kit for rear view dimming mirror but settling for this instead for now until i get the rest of the kit
 :happy2:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 28, 2013, 07:45:30 pm
YEAH..thats the one....i have it fitted nice and tidy in the corner.
i wanted to fit the wiper/light sensor and the kit for rear view dimming mirror but settling for this instead for now until i get the rest of the kit
 :happy2:

Hazzydayz have dropped their price I notice (nearly 33% off what it used to be) for the full retrofit although I was looking at the 8P A3 kit of course.
http://www.hazzydayz.com/genuine-audi-auto-lights-rain-sensor--dimming-interior-rear-view-mirror-package-521-p.asp

Did you install that one yourself? Top shout to bring it to my attention though Mark, cheers  :happy2:
My only concern is whether it will fit my A3 headlight switch(?).
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: marko on May 28, 2013, 08:02:02 pm
maybe pop out your switch and get a part number off it....
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 28, 2013, 08:08:03 pm
maybe pop out your switch and get a part number off it....


...And when I've got that, what will it tell me?  :laugh:
 :happy2:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: marko on May 28, 2013, 08:13:09 pm
if its compatible with the mk5 switch!!
 :laugh:

dont think it will be but sure check it out
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 28, 2013, 08:15:15 pm
if its compatible with the mk5 switch!!
 :laugh:

dont think it will be but sure check it out

I'd rather not change it if I can avoid it in truth, it's got the DRL and 0 markers which I want to keep. Couldn't I clip or connect in the sensor kit into my OEM BE Audi one?  :happy2:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 29, 2013, 08:05:12 pm
Just looking at the link again Marko, it says the auto lights won't function with DRL'ed cars (which mine is of course).

I'm not worried about that though presumably as I only want it for the dusk sensor to trigger the leaving home/coming home lights, right?

Cheers  :happy2:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: Eddie-NL on May 29, 2013, 08:20:47 pm
YEAH..thats the one....i have it fitted nice and tidy in the corner.
i wanted to fit the wiper/light sensor and the kit for rear view dimming mirror but settling for this instead for now until i get the rest of the kit
 :happy2:

Hazzydayz have dropped their price I notice (nearly 33% off what it used to be) for the full retrofit although I was looking at the 8P A3 kit of course.
http://www.hazzydayz.com/genuine-audi-auto-lights-rain-sensor--dimming-interior-rear-view-mirror-package-521-p.asp

Did you install that one yourself? Top shout to bring it to my attention though Mark, cheers  :happy2:
My only concern is whether it will fit my A3 headlight switch(?).

They may have lowered the price, bet they won't do it unless the windscreen is changed (which is not included in the price)
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on May 29, 2013, 08:32:49 pm
They may have lowered the price, bet they won't do it unless the windscreen is changed (which is not included in the price)

Nope indeed, fully aware.

It's only the sensor I need for the Leaving home and coming home lights though, which is what I'm now pursuing.
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: omeydz on May 30, 2013, 12:03:16 am
You dont need to change the windscreen... Get the parts and follow this guide and it works!!! :

http://tos.pp.fi/koukku/VWJettaRainLightSensorInstall.pdf (http://tos.pp.fi/koukku/VWJettaRainLightSensorInstall.pdf)

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/multi/rain-sensor-auto-wiper-retrofit-vw.htm (http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/multi/rain-sensor-auto-wiper-retrofit-vw.htm)

Just need to have the confidence to do it yourself :) !
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: alexperkins on May 30, 2013, 01:33:13 pm
Or alternatively, get one of these kits

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTO-Head-Light-Sensor-AND-Switch-Compatible-4-VW-GOLF-MK5-6-TIGUAN-PASSAT-JETTA-/161014428732?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257d35343c

I have the version for the polo fitted in my little polo GTI - works an absolute treat.
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: marko on May 30, 2013, 01:37:00 pm
same kit as boldsport sell....
not so sure will work on an audi a3 though
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: omeydz on May 30, 2013, 02:14:16 pm
Pretty sure that aftermarket sensor can be used with an audi headlight switch. Just get the pin allocations right.

Or do a full OEM parts swap  :happy2:

Yes yes Im a sucker for factory fit bits  :grin:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on June 01, 2013, 03:41:45 pm
That's my current headlight switch Marko, as you can see it's the 'all in one' moulded unit that Audi use, unlike the independent chamber on the VW headlight switch.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv394%2Frdfcpete%2F20130601_153451_zpsff330f74.jpg&hash=246c47d082f3bd5b201d155acd9e692c90827f32)

If you've got ETKA I can give you my plate index to check the exact part number?  :happy2:
Title: Re: Auto light Sensor R/F
Post by: rdfcpete on June 02, 2013, 10:58:18 pm
Or alternatively, get one of these kits

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTO-Head-Light-Sensor-AND-Switch-Compatible-4-VW-GOLF-MK5-6-TIGUAN-PASSAT-JETTA-/161014428732?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257d35343c

I have the version for the polo fitted in my little polo GTI - works an absolute treat.

Alex, thanks dude, I didn't even know these existed in truth. Possibly exactly what I've been looking for blindly, however does the leaving home and coming home functionality work on your Polo with it fitted?

That's what I want as opposed to needing the actual auto light function, slightly niche I know  :happy2: