DIY? - Added Homelink and NAVI ON/OFF buttons next to "ESP OFF" (pics)

I added 3 new switches next to the ESP OFF switch.
By doing this, I converted all 3 of the non-functional plastic covers into something useful: One switch for NAVI ON/OFF to control my Pioneer NAVI unit and another two switches as Homelink buttons.

An early warning: During the process, I had to modify two of the switches, which is not very easy to do. That mod makes this write up ineligible for a DIY in my opinion. However, if you can install a Homelink LED indicator somewhere else (rather than the switches themselves glowing up), you don't need this difficult switch mod. Homelink *does* need an LED indicator.

The original Homelink normally has 3 switches but I have decided to use 2 because erasing the stored Homelink code (when you are selling your car for example) requires pushing only the two outer buttons. On the down side, you can control 2 garage doors instead of 3. So, I have used only the two outer buttons.


Here is the process:

(1) I took a used Homelink unit from eBay. It was originally for an Oldsmobile, but it doesn't really matter. I was interested in only the electronics, not the outer shell. This is what I started with:


(2) The electronics is actually quite small. I removed the printed circuit and put it in a box. I didn't need the original switches, which were on a separate circuit board. Note that I also installed some relays in the same box to control the NAVI unit. Then, I hid the box under the ashtray. Here's a picture of the box still open:


(3) Then, I installed the 3 additional switches in their places and wired them. You need to wire not only the switch contacts but also the illumination LEDs and, for Homelink switches, yellow LEDs. That's because erasing and programming Homelink requires the presence of an LED indicator. So I used the yellow LEDs that exist in those switches I installed for Homelink. In other words, when one of the Homelink buttons is pressed, the yellow LEDs in both switches light up simultaneously. Here's a picture:




I had to modify these two switches internally to be able to use yellow LEDs in a standalone fashion because one lead of the yellow LED in these OEM switches was internally connected together with one contact of the switch, which made it impossible for me to use the LED for Homelink indicator. This is because Homelink unit did not want the indicator LED to be connected together with the switch. So, I opened the switch, cut the extra connection and added an extra pin to the switch to bring out the yellow LED's lead, which was now free. This may be too much for a regular DIY. That's why I can't name this thread a "DIY" (without a question mark, that is).

Again, if you can install the Homelink LED somewhere else, then you can use the switches as they come, with no mod.


(4) I plugged the switches and the "box" together. Plus some more connections for the NAVI ON/OFF function. As for the switch covers (the visible caps that go on the switches), I bought them from carstyle4you.com. They make other covers that you may like. They are pricey at 30 Euros each (cover only) but the looks and the quality are quite good. Besides, when you turn on the lights, they light up in exact OEM color. You can buy just the covers or covers with switches. The switches are OEM VW. They just make the custom covers. Since the OEM switches are momentary, if you order an on/off type switch, they will ship a latching relay with the switch. They also reverse the yellow LED in such a switch, which slightly complicated my work. Bear in mind that you can buy the switches anywhere you want, as they are OEM. For those who'd rather buy the switches from somewhere else: you can always throw away the covers and use a custom cover such as the ones from carstyle 4 you.

Here's a nice document showing all the available switches and their part numbers:
http://rapidshare.com/files/301280170/Taster_Golf_MK6_F.pdf


And, here are some pictures of the finished product:




With the rightmost Homelink button pushed (note both Homelink switches glow yellow):


I hope this gives some good ideas to fellow DIY'ers.


Edit:
The switches I used for Homelink are 1K0927227A (the "W" switch). You can buy it with their standard (OEM) covers, for example
http://oemplus.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75_23_29&products_id=337
and the covers
http://carstyle4you.com/product_info.php?products_id=305
The cost effective way would be to buy covers from carstyle4you.com and the switches from oemp lus or wherever cheaper.

Carstyle4you doesn't give you control over the specific switch part you want. However, I think they will ship 1K0927227A when you place a "switch" type order as opposed to "pushbutton".

VW and Audi dealerships may carry the switches too. Note, however, that some of the switches are not available in US market or may be available for Audi for example, so you may have to obtain it from either overseas or Audi vendors.

I can provide more info to anyone needing it.

holy cow. that's freakin' amazing. best use of those blanks, yet! awesome job!

very nice

Outstanding!

Awesome DIY. I installed a Homelink in similar fashion but I like your buttons more. Mine are buttons tucked away in the ashtray. I did not take apart my control board and all the LEDs are still in original Homelink package. All I needed to wire was power and switchgear.

i wish i could get that done somewhere

Nicely done sir

Can u make me one? LOL JK

Im going to give this a try and see where i get, fingers crossed. I dont need the navi button just the garage door opener.

Is there away to make this work with using just 1 button for the garage door opener. and thats it. I dont think i will need the other 2 buttons.

Thanks everybody for all the nice words.
For those who are interested in doing any kind of switch work, not just what I did above, I can help anytime. Just shoot a message.

Stylist07 said:

Is there away to make this work with using just 1 button for the garage door opener

Click to expand...

Yes, that is possible. Standard Homelink comes with 3 buttons but you can use just 1 of them if you want. Keep in mind though, clearing the stored code requires pushing the outer 2 Homelink buttons for 20 seconds. That is to say, if you have only 1 button, you won't be able to clear your code when selling your car. However, you may be able to work around that issue by storing a new code from an obsolete remote for example, which will erase and replace the previous one... Hope this helps.

I have a question, my garage at home has a "rolling" code ie. once you hit the open/close button on the remote, a new code will be transmitted to the remote for the next use.

Does this homelink function work for that?

itskv said:

I have a question, my garage at home has a "rolling" code ie. once you hit the open/close button on the remote, a new code will be transmitted to the remote for the next use.
Does this homelink function work for that?

Click to expand...

You need to obtain a Homelink module that supports rolling codes. If you log on to eBay and search for used Homelink units, you'll see some of them do support rolling codes. Just buy one of those. If it's not clearly mentioned, make sure to ask the seller.
In my project above, I use a Homelink unit that supports rolling codes, even though my garage door is non-rolling code. I thought it's a better added value for the car.

FWIW, the VW Homelink factory installed in my car works with my rolling code opener. Not sure if all VW sets do, but mine does.