Re: Headlight updates

[Frank Deutschmann <fhd@interport.net>]

Alex Chernushin sez:
> Anybody updated their headlight circuit like RDH did, only with a newer 
> quattro?

Yes, I did.  I upgraded both headlights and fogs (and added a harness for
driving lights, though I didn't cut the bumper for those, yet).  My car is a
'91 Coupe.

I actually was able to make the whole installation very nice -- I added
relays and fuses right into the stock main fuse/relay box (using unused
sockets), and ran the wiring pretty much along the stock wires.  As far as
the Auto-Check thing goes (the front light control unit), you have two
choices: 1) disable it, so that it will not recognize burened out bulbs, but
also will not constantly show a dead bulb, or 2) try to work with it.  I
chose option 1), as I wanted to be able to run 150W high beams, and I'm not
sure that the control unit could handle this.  With my layout, the
Auto-Check actually monitors the condition of my relays....(While I was at
it, I added a fuse in the main fuse unit for my radar detector -- I'm really
pleased with all this, as these mods really lokk like they were
factory-installed now! -- Well, perhaps the factory would also have put a
relay on the radar detector: I swear that this car has more relays than most
phone co central offices!)

Actually changing the headlights was the 2nd hardest part; they're installed
like one of those magic puzzles (once you take it apart, its tough to get it
all back together).  I managed to do it without removing the bumper, but I
did have to remove the front trim above the bumper and the grill.

  I spoke with Competition Limited about their harness kit, which 
> includes a female connector for the 9004 receptacle, harness, relays, and 
> 80/100 watt bulbs.  They said that on late model Audis the in-dash "Check" 
> computer says that with this setup you've got a burned out headlight.  Any 
> thoughts on getting around this?  I haven't looked at the wiring diagram, 
> yet.

Competition Limited also has a harness specifically for Audi's which avoids
this problem, I believe.  But if you're handy with wiring, etc, I would
encourage you to try it yourself -- you can do a complete integration, and
you can get exactly what you want, with no relays hanging out in the open
engine compartment.  Just take it slow, plan everything before you start,
and study the Bently books (you'll need both the chasis and wiring manuals).

-frank
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