Mirror Compass Install Tech Writeup
04-01-2002, 10:13 PM
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Mirror Compass Install Tech Writeup
I always thought the Audi was missing the simple function of an electric compass. Every other car out there has one, but for some reason Audi decided that every audi driver has a perfect sense of direction. Or maybe they just expected us all to purchase their overpriced NAV system? Yet they refused to give us the NAV screen that our European counterparts get! Fortunetly enough for me, and everyone else out there in Audi land, the 2002 audis come with compass rearview mirrors! These mirrors will fit most newer audis perfectly! This new mirror will also still retain the auto dimming features of your original one. Before you do this I feel the need to relate my standard disclaimer. If you break your mirror, glass, fingers, front door of your house, or any other related or non-related items I hereby remove any personal responsibility of myself or anyone else on this forum.
What you will need:
<a href="http://www.clairparts.com">AUDI OEM mirror with compass, part number 4Z7-857-511-01C</a>
Small standard screw driver
Slip joint pliers
Towel or something soft and thick
About 30 minutes of your time
Lets get started with this simple mod:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp1.jpg">
Remove the wire cover that covers the wiring harness that powers the mirror. It's the piece that covers the wires up to the headliner. Just pull rearward on the cover. It snaps right off. Use the a small screw driver if necessary to remove it.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp2.jpg">
Here you can see the cover removed and the wires exposed. Simply pull the plug out of the harness. Again you can use the small screw driver to pry them apart.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp3.jpg">
Now comes the hardest part of the install, removing the mirror assembly from the window. Please be very patient with this and do not simply try to pry the mirror from the glass. Put the towel around the pliers and turn the assembly counter clockwise. It will move around 15 degrees really easily. Keep turning it to 90 degrees. You'll feel it when it comes free and the assembly will fall off the glass. Remember only turn it. Do not try to pull it off. It will fall off at about 90 degrees.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp4.jpg">
You've now removed the stock assembly and are ready to put your new compass mirror on. Push the new assembly onto the glass in the same fassion that you took the old one off (at 90 degrees). It may take some pressure but it should go on. Next, slowly turn it clockwise until it's back into position.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp5.jpg">
Now simply plug the new mirror into the stock plug and pop the wire cover back into place.
Turn the power on your car and the compass should display a "C" for calibrate. Follow the instructions below to calibrate the compass.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp6.jpg">
When reading these instructions keep in mind that ours only has one button that the screw driver in this picture is pushing. Our model does not have a tempature display as we already have that on our dash.
<img src="http://www.mitocorp.com/images/mirrop1.gif">
That's it. Hopefully this will help the directionaly deficient like myself. Here's a picture of the color of the display in action.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp7.jpg">
I got bored and this is my first attempt at a tech article. Maybe audiworld could post it?
What you will need:
<a href="http://www.clairparts.com">AUDI OEM mirror with compass, part number 4Z7-857-511-01C</a>
Small standard screw driver
Slip joint pliers
Towel or something soft and thick
About 30 minutes of your time
Lets get started with this simple mod:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp1.jpg">
Remove the wire cover that covers the wiring harness that powers the mirror. It's the piece that covers the wires up to the headliner. Just pull rearward on the cover. It snaps right off. Use the a small screw driver if necessary to remove it.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp2.jpg">
Here you can see the cover removed and the wires exposed. Simply pull the plug out of the harness. Again you can use the small screw driver to pry them apart.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp3.jpg">
Now comes the hardest part of the install, removing the mirror assembly from the window. Please be very patient with this and do not simply try to pry the mirror from the glass. Put the towel around the pliers and turn the assembly counter clockwise. It will move around 15 degrees really easily. Keep turning it to 90 degrees. You'll feel it when it comes free and the assembly will fall off the glass. Remember only turn it. Do not try to pull it off. It will fall off at about 90 degrees.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp4.jpg">
You've now removed the stock assembly and are ready to put your new compass mirror on. Push the new assembly onto the glass in the same fassion that you took the old one off (at 90 degrees). It may take some pressure but it should go on. Next, slowly turn it clockwise until it's back into position.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp5.jpg">
Now simply plug the new mirror into the stock plug and pop the wire cover back into place.
Turn the power on your car and the compass should display a "C" for calibrate. Follow the instructions below to calibrate the compass.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp6.jpg">
When reading these instructions keep in mind that ours only has one button that the screw driver in this picture is pushing. Our model does not have a tempature display as we already have that on our dash.
<img src="http://www.mitocorp.com/images/mirrop1.gif">
That's it. Hopefully this will help the directionaly deficient like myself. Here's a picture of the color of the display in action.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12268/comp7.jpg">
I got bored and this is my first attempt at a tech article. Maybe audiworld could post it?
04-01-2002, 10:44 PM
#5
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hey zev...
check out my adventure with my new samco TBB a few posts below... the clamps you sent me are the clamps the samcos usually come with right?
anyhow, I have the sensor half-assed installed on the new TBB with a cheapo clamp from pepboys until I get the mini-clamp you sent me.
anyhow, I have the sensor half-assed installed on the new TBB with a cheapo clamp from pepboys until I get the mini-clamp you sent me.
04-01-2002, 11:22 PM
#6
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Very nice writeup. One question: Do you twist the mirror and the plastic piece
that goes up into the headliner. Do they turn as one unit, or only the mirror turns and the plastic where the wiring is stays upright (i.e. pointing up).
It looks like the plastic piece that is the conduit for the wiring also rotates.
Again, nice writeup, although the mirror is quite expensive.
It looks like the plastic piece that is the conduit for the wiring also rotates.
Again, nice writeup, although the mirror is quite expensive.
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04-02-2002, 05:18 AM
#8
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very nice job writing it up!!! First I heard of this mod, questions..
1. How much for the rearview mirror w/ compass?
2. Is this an audi oem part?
3. How long did it take to install?
TIA!
2. Is this an audi oem part?
3. How long did it take to install?
TIA!
