DIY Tiptronic Paddle Shift Conversion
#34
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I haven't done a write-up on it yet, been too busy. Overall, I'd say it's an excellent $300 exhaust! Is it as good as a $1,500 system from one of the bigger names? Perhaps not, but it's staying on the car which says something at least.
Pro's:
Con's:
Pro's:
- Super reasonable pricing.
- Super fast shipping.
- Seems like quality material and welds.
- Sounds quite nice.
- Tips look fine to me, some complained that they stuck out too far but I wonder if that wasn't a less than perfect installation? They stick out slightly farther than stock, but looks good imho.
- Feels like a bit of a power bump, but could just be that it 'sounds faster' :-)
Con's:
- Some minor grinding on mounting tabs needed.
- Installation takes a bit of care to make sure it all lines up properly.
- Initially blew out small amounts of fiberglass dust.
- Slight metallic whistling noise under certain conditions, haven't been able to figure out if it is an internal whistle or perhaps a very small leak. Every sound like that is far more noticeable with the clear HIP cover.
#35
Hey guys, thanks for the great how-to. I got all the parts, did the conversion, wired everything like the diagram shows. However I can only go from 1st gear to second and back. It will not shift up to 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Any thoughts?
#37
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I assume:
- You have a tip, it had thumb shifters?
- The thumb shifters worked fine in all gears before the change?
First, I'd check the mechanical installation... Are the switches operating fully and cleanly? Steering wheel rubber parts aren't interfering with switch movement? the switches are securely mounted and not flexing without moving the actual switch?
Then I'd go back and verify wiring, maybe check that the circuit is closing with a test light or DVM.
#38
No, I didn't go out for a drive, I just tested it in the driveway. I just reconnected my old wheel and the old shifters will not go past 2nd either. Going to bolt the wheel in good and take it for a proper drive. See if that does the trick.
#39
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Take it for a test drive if you haven't already!
#40
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I see you outsmarted yourself by testing it in the driveway before taking if for a drive!
At least your getting good at removing/installing the steering wheel... Make sure you torque the bolt correctly, and you might even want to add some thread locker if you've already had it off and on several times The bolt comes pre-coated with thread locker, but it diminishes with each use.
At least your getting good at removing/installing the steering wheel... Make sure you torque the bolt correctly, and you might even want to add some thread locker if you've already had it off and on several times The bolt comes pre-coated with thread locker, but it diminishes with each use.
#41
So yes it seems you can't just test it in the driveway...
It is shifting perfectly when up to speed.
I do have threadlock and didn't want to apply it before knowing that the shifting was working.
Now the problem is, I have no horn and the airbag light is on. All connections are good, clicked in and and seated.
It is shifting perfectly when up to speed.
I do have threadlock and didn't want to apply it before knowing that the shifting was working.
Now the problem is, I have no horn and the airbag light is on. All connections are good, clicked in and and seated.
#42
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Airbag light usually trips when you connect/disconnect things when the ignition is on or have a loose connector. Unfortunately it will never self-reset. You'll need an OBDC tool to reset the airbag light. Likely tripped by the same loose or unplugged connector causing your horn to not work?
I know you said everything was plugged in correctly, but the horn is a pretty simple device, and if it's not working, something isn't connected properly.
From your previous post, it sounds like you actually have two separate wheels and two separate wiring harnesses. Are you sure you have the correct wiring harness on your second wheel for your options/year?
I know you said everything was plugged in correctly, but the horn is a pretty simple device, and if it's not working, something isn't connected properly.
From your previous post, it sounds like you actually have two separate wheels and two separate wiring harnesses. Are you sure you have the correct wiring harness on your second wheel for your options/year?
#43
Instructor
Is the airbag correctly seated in the wheel? What is the part number of the wiring harness you ordered for the paddle shifter? I have made 3 of these wheels and all of them worked correctly first time using the part numbers I posted previously.
#44
I reseated the horn connector and its functioning fine now. Air bag light is on, but just may need to be reset by a mechanic. I need to do the handover procedure on the car anyway. I'll see if I can get both cleared up at the same time. Thanks a lot guys.
#45
Instructor
Did you do the work with the battery connected? I have replaced 3 wheels and always had the battery disconnected. I never got the airbag light on, although I have the tools to clear the light anyway.