RJP3

<b>Visualize Success</b>

"Before the battle begins, visualize what the battlefield will look like <i>after</i> you have won. See that in your mind, and you will know how to enagage the enemy."

<i>The Art of War - Sun Tzu (500 BC)</i>

When trying to figure out how to change the way a cellphone gets power in a 2004 A6, what does the battlefield look like <i>after</i> the problem has been solved?

The optimum solution would be for for Audi to have handled this issue in the first place with a proper "standard" installation. So when succesful the outcome needs to look like the car came that way from Audi.

Armed with that vision, the great info I've found here, and desire I decided to undertake a "factory" install of an auxilliary lighter in my center console.

Here's a short write up with a few pictures.

There was some question as to wheher a lighter could be installed in the back of the storage bin, horizonal to the ground, in this area:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/lighter.jpg">

I was told "not possible" due to the assembly supporting the arm-rest:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30439/bentley_armrest.jpg">

Upon poking around in there however, it sure seemed close. It occured to me that with a "short" lighter assembly and a bit of a down-angle - about 45 degrees or so - it could fit.

So, for a "factory" install I figured I needed OEM parts, so I got an Audi lighter on e-bay for $10...

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/ebay.jpg">

...and to create the angled mounting surface I got a piece of front door wood trim from a used parts seller for free. Pretty scratched and "un-sellable" but perfect for my needs:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/panelfront.jpg">

Now I needed to create an "original" ligher mount, so with a compound mitre saw, a drill press, and some "Liquid Nails" I was able to mount the ligher assembly in a piece of the right size and shape cut from the door panel:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/mounted.jpg">

Next I needed to make the proper cutout in the bin, so I removed the bottom, made some measurements, and had at it with a Dremel, cutting out just enough from the bottom and the rear of the bin to accept the assembly - about 1 inch wide and 3/4 forward on the bottom and up on the back:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/cutout.jpg">

I also needed to cut out a notch in the carpeted plastic piece on the bottom of the bin.

Next I wired the assembly by first tapping in to the existing wiring for the lighter in the rear seat, using Radio Shack wire tap-ins:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/tapins.jpg">

Then I wired the assembly to correspond with the three wires from the back: neutral, hot and lighting from top to bottom:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/wired.jpg">

All that was left was to put it all back together (including some velcro to keep it all from coming apart while plugging/unplugging) and I'm fairly pleased with the results.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/topempty.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/top.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78241/pass.jpg">

I'd go as far as to say that other than those who know the car DIDN'T come equipped this way, no one could tell some guy did it himself in 2 hours with $11 worth of parts.

:-)

Thanks to those who offered advice, info, etc and of course those who tried and posted the other installs that my work was based on.

Ray

SloopJohnB@mac.com

.

shwee

Nice!

Cargasm2.7

Well done!

eric strauss

Hi RJP3

In looking over your mods, I noticed the clear bra install..
Where did you have it done (aftermarket, dealer, DYI). Our dealer (Tracy Audi on Cape Cod) wants $500-600 to do the job. I've just gotten an '04 S-Line and I want to protect the nose - but that seems awfully steep... Besides, that's halfway to my Dahlback/MTM Cat-back system... hmm

Best,
eric

bitterman

cool

saabSean

Worthy of a Stoney FAQ inclusion

DWP

You could buy the kit and DIY to save a few shekels, but It's kinda like DIY window tint - high risk of crappy results

Boston Driver

room for the outlet by angling down. Question, with the lighter adaptor in the power socket, where do you keep your phone? Is there still room in the bin?

Now I know why you were looking for some wood trim...nice mod!

RJP3

...with the outlet at an angle the plug sticks up and away from the bottom of the bin.