I thought that I had read a post that said you could enable the on-board display(temp, avg. mpg, ect) on non-equipped cars via the computer. Is this correct? If so, how is it done? Also, how do you scroll through the functions without the extra stalk that comes on equipped cars?
Thanks,
Pat

 

It is well worth it. You can add outside temp, avg mpg, avg speed, miles to empty.

Mine was totally off, (some cars show only the temp). I went to two dealers...first one told me it could not be done. The second one said sure....took a total of five minutes using their diagnostic tool. It was Free of Charge. This will give you the default read-out (outside temp).

I used an empty spot on the horshoe to wire in a factory switch. I used a window switch to flip through the different settings. The right side changes display and the left resets. Also, you have to purchase a VW/Porsche wire with a specialy connector. The wire was $3 and the switch was $28 I think....

Fairly straightforward to do. You need to pull the cluster and run the wires. There is a plug to remove where the wire you buy will insert (you actually cut the wire in two and splice in some extra wire you supply). There is a write-up somewhere online...I believe it was by a member named Tool Pants.

Good Luck.

 

Or you can buy the 4 stalk switch bank.....They are on ebay frequently and are an easy replacement. Then have the dealer turn on the computer.

 

With the stock you also get the speed gong and it looks more stock set-up. I opted for the switch as I saw no use for the silly speed gong. If you go for the switch make sure you get one like mine that lights up so you can see it at night... (See link to my car below)

Paul

 

Speed gong? Might that be a chime that goes off when one's speed exceeds a pre-determined level? If so, I rather like the gong; it's quite reassuring when I zoom past 3 digits. ;-)

 

You are correct, the gong = reminder you have exceeded a predetermined speed. And this is the only thing you give up by going the switch route vs. the stalk.

Yes, remember to run the wires to 'light-up' the switch. I forgot to do this when I added this switch and my garage door switch. FYI, use the targa button for this -- sideways it looks like a garage door!

 

Can you post a photo or two of your garage door button? Also possibly a link to DIY?

Paul

 

I used Kirby's instructions found here: Garage Door Hack

Pretty much the same thing, except I tucked mine up in the dash.

Glad you asked, or I would have forgotten to mention that...make sure you purchase the correct year button. They come in Matte or Glossy. Because of that I was not able to use the targa button myself (so I do not have a pic available). I used a window switch since mine was a 99' -- I had to have a 'gloss' button and the targa did not match, comes in matte only.

 

I did the OBC hack with the factory-type stalk.

I'm not sure where you can find the installation instructions at this point in time. I had gotten them from www.babblers.org.

Total parts were around $170, most of which was the new stalk set. It's not the easiest hack to do, but in the end, I got full OBC functionality and factory appearance. Installation time was about 2 hours, not counting the time to fabricate the connecting harness (which I soldered rather than using crimp conectors).