Greetings to all A2 owners,

For over a decade, I have been upgrading and repairing A2s. Having dedicated myself to just one model of car, I have intimate, specialised knowledge of the vehicle we all love. Countless reviews and recommendations are scattered across the pages of this forum. My hope is that, with incremental revisions, this thread will give A2 owners a clear and condensed overview of the services that I provide and how I deliver them.

Timmus was originally a childhood nickname, born from my sister's early attempts to say 'Thomas'. Upon joining A2OC, back when A2s were first starting to appear on the second-hand market, my nickname seemed a suitable choice of username. Even when I was building models as a young boy, I showed an enthusiastic desire to improve and innovate. Studying physics and engineering at university honed my understanding and developed in me the skills necessary to innovate and improve in line with established principles and with a due respect for correctness, caution and consideration.
I soon found that my understanding of the A2's electrics was an asset to the club. My lifelong and apparently innate fixation on detail and desire for the very highest standards of neatness, efficiency and safety has meant that I have acquired a reputation in the club for factory-standard perfectionism. I am known not just for my meticulousness and painstaking care for the work that I do, but also for my honesty, flexibility, cooperativeness and integrity with the people for whom I work.

Below is an overview of the range of services that I offer for the Audi A2.

Retrofitting of Optional Extras

With the exception of OpenSky and climate control, I can retrofit all of the original factory options, plus many others. If you've seen it in an A2, I can add it to yours. It'll be just like your A2 left the factory with that option...
  • Cruise Control
  • Instrument Cluster Upgrades...
    • Mini DIS
    • DIS
    • Colour DIS
    • Customised Clusters
    • Bulb Check System Deactivation
  • Audio System Upgrades...
    • Bose Premium Sound System
    • Rear Speakers
    • Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming
    • Audi Music Interface (AMI)
    • Stereo Head Unit Upgrades
    • Later Generation Audi Stereos
    • CD Changer
  • Seat Upgrades...
  • Steering Wheel Upgrades...
    • Multifunction Steering Wheel (Many Different Designs)
    • Non-Multifunction Steering Wheels
  • Fog Lights...
    • Front Fog Lights
    • Twin Rear Fog Lights
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
    • Front Fog Lights as DRLs
  • Rear Electric Windows
  • Double-DIN Dashboard
  • RNS-E Integrated SatNav
  • Komfortblinker Indicators
  • Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror (3 Different Designs)
  • Bluetooth Phone Integration
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Optical Parking System
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Windscreen Washer Jets
  • Headlight Washers
  • SideGuard Curtain Airbags
  • Speech Dialogue System (Voice Control)
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
  • False Floor Boot
  • Twin Interior Boot Lights
  • Pop-Out 12V Boot Socket
  • Additional Keys
  • 12V and USB Charging Sockets
  • Anti-Hijack Locking
  • Beep-on-Lock Full Closure Confirmation
  • Aftermarket Dashcams
  • HID Headlight Conversions
  • Custom Requests
As time passes, more and more of the options listed above will link to further details. If you have any questions, please send me a private message or post in this thread.

Electrical Diagnostics, Services and Repairs

I have a complete understanding of the A2's electrical systems and have great experience of diagnosing and repairing most electrical problems.
TDI Engine Upgrades
Accessing My Services

I'm based near Lancaster, just off M6 J34. My workshop is where a majority of my work is performed, and everyone is welcome to visit me by appointment. I'm sometimes to be found at 'satellite stations' in the Midlands and the South East. I also perform work on A2s at A2OC social events, where suitable/appropriate.
Very occasionally, I also do 'retrofitting tours', where I travel between multiple A2 owners to deliver upgrade and repair requests at owners' homes or places of work. Please note that I do not drive for individual jobs; it’s much easier to bring your A2 to my workshop than to bring my workshop to your A2.
For Central European owners, I'm happy to travel/fly. I also have a base in The Hague, which serves A2 owners in the BeNeLux region.

Please be aware that I am my own secretary and that I can struggle to reply to private messages promptly when work is busy. Rest assured, no message goes unanswered and I will get back to you. Thanks for your patience.

My list of services is always increasing, and I will continue to update and expand this thread as needed.

Warm regards to all,

Tom
 
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would be really interested in the cruise control fit on both our A2s and both 2005 tdi. i have just started a thread today regarding a rear electric window issue i have and wondered if you can help/repair?
Hi Anthony,

It'd be nice to meet you and your A2s. :)

Cheers,

Tom
 
Greetings to all A2 owners,

For over a decade, I have been upgrading and repairing A2s. Having dedicated myself to just one model of car, I have intimate, specialised knowledge of the vehicle we all love. Countless reviews and recommendations are scattered across the pages of this forum. My hope is that, with incremental revisions, this thread will give A2 owners a clear and condensed overview of the services that I provide and how I deliver them.

Timmus was originally a childhood nickname, born from my sister's early attempts to say 'Thomas'. Upon joining A2OC, back when A2s were first starting to appear on the second-hand market, my nickname seemed a suitable choice of username. Even when I was building models as a young boy, I showed an enthusiastic desire to improve and innovate. Studying physics and engineering at university honed my understanding and developed in me the skills necessary to innovate and improve in line with established principles and with a due respect for correctness, caution and consideration.
I soon found that my understanding of the A2's electronics was an asset to the club. My lifelong and apparently innate fixation on detail and desire for the very highest standards of neatness, efficiency and safety has meant that I have acquired a reputation in the club for factory-standard perfectionism. I am known not just for my meticulousness and painstaking care for the work that I do, but also for my honesty, flexibility, cooperativeness and integrity with the people for whom I work.

Below is an overview of the range of services that I offer for the Audi A2.

Retrofitting of Optional Extras

With the exception of OpenSky and climate control, I can retrofit all of the original factory options, plus many others. If you've seen it in an A2, I can add it to yours. It'll be just like your A2 left the factory with that option...
  • Cruise Control
  • Instrument Cluster Upgrades...
  • Audio System Upgrades...
    • Bose Premium Sound System
    • Rear Speakers
    • Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming
    • Stereo Head Unit Upgrades
    • Later Generation Audi Stereos
    • CD Changer
  • Seat Upgrades...
  • Steering Wheel Upgrades...
    • Multifunction Steering Wheel (3 Different Designs)
    • Non-Multifunction Steering Wheels
  • Fog Lights...
    • Front Fog Lights
    • Twin Rear Fog Lights
  • Rear Electric Windows
  • Double-DIN Dashboard
  • RNS-E Integrated SatNav
  • Komfortblinker Indicators
  • Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror (3 Different Designs)
  • Bluetooth Phone Integration
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Windscreen Washer Jets
  • Headlight Washers
  • SideGuard Curtain Airbags
  • Speech Dialogue System (Voice Control)
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
  • False Floor Boot
  • Twin Interior Boot Lights
  • Pop-Out 12V Boot Socket
  • Additional Keys
  • 12V and USB Charging Sockets
  • Anti-Hijack Locking
  • Beep-on-Lock Full Closure Confirmation
  • Aftermarket Dashcams
  • Custom Requests
As time passes, more and more of the options listed above will link to further details. If you have any questions, please send me a private message or post in this thread.

Electrical Diagnostics, Services and Repairs

I have a complete understanding of the A2's electrical systems and have great experience of diagnosing and repairing most electrical problems.
  • Central Locking Faults
  • Door Lock Faults / Microswitches
  • Central Convenience Unit Replacement
  • Immobiliser Faults
  • Instrument Cluster Repairs
  • Engine Management Unit Services
  • Additional Keys
  • Climate Control Faults
  • Bulb Check System Deactivation
  • CAN Bus Upgrades
  • Wiring Loom Replacement / Repairs
  • Anything Involving Electricity
TDI Engine Upgrades
Accessing My Services

I'm based in Lancaster, just off M6 J34, and always appreciate it when A2s come to me. I'm sometimes to be found at 'satellite stations' in the Midlands and the South East. I also do 'retrofitting tours' a few times a year, where I travel between A2 owners to deliver upgrade and repair requests at owners' homes or places of work.
For Central European owners, I'm happy to travel. I also have a base in The Hague, which serves A2 owners in the BeNeLux region.

Please be aware that I am my own secretary and that I can struggle to reply to private messages promptly when work is busy. Rest assured, no message goes unanswered and I will get back to you. Thanks for your patience.

My list of services is always increasing, and I will continue to update and expand this thread as needed.

Warm regards to all,

Tom

Hi Tom and fellow A2 nuts. Just like to say I trucked up from Bath to Lancaster to visit Tom to have cruise control fitted last week. Left my place around 7am and got to Tom after a couple of stops around 12. He got straight to work and by 1.30 ish it was all done. We took the car for a road test and it worked superbly. Tom also added a couple of complimentary extras so I now have an MPG readout added to the info screen, car bleeps when it locks and the all the doors lock when I drive off In case I ever want to visit Tower Hamlets.
As I write I am in Bruges as me and my gf are driving down to Greece, Kefalonia to be precise, for a holiday, hence the need for cruise. Anyway, the car is performing superbly, and it is ideally suited to long road trips like this. Off tomorrow and heading into Germany. Get cruise control fitted chaps, it’s absolutely worth it. Thanks to you too Tom??
 
Hi Tom,
I have found myself with a 1.6 FSI which is in superb condition but unfortunately has no a/c. You advise that a retrofit of climate control is not on offer, so assuming that all the required parts are to hand from a breakers, what is it that prevents you offering a retrofit, or me doing it myself? Thanks for advice on this topic, as I would like to get it done if possible.
 
Hi Tom,
I have found myself with a 1.6 FSI which is in superb condition but unfortunately has no a/c. You advise that a retrofit of climate control is not on offer, so assuming that all the required parts are to hand from a breakers, what is it that prevents you offering a retrofit, or me doing it myself? Thanks for advice on this topic, as I would like to get it done if possible.
Theoretically, it is possible to retrofit climate control. However, the amount of work involved cannot be overstated. You would need to remove the dashboard and its support structure and change the entire heating and ventilation system. You would also need to upgrade or replace the entire interior wiring loom. It's also highly likely that you'd need to remove the engine in order to fit all the additional hardware and install all the wiring looms associated with the climate control system.
Inside the car, you've got all the motors, sensors and potentiometers associated with an automated climate control system. Under the bonnet, you've got all the pipework, the condensor, the compressor and the radiator. You've also got the intelligent fan control module, the G65 sensor, the N280 valve, etc, etc. All of these things would need wiring up, plus integration with the ECU, diagnostic system, etc.
Of course, it's possible if you really want it. If your skill set is broad enough to undertake such a project, it is feasible. However, it is not a service that I offer, because it could take weeks. Even if you were to do the job yourself, with a donor vehicle for most parts, it would still get expensive.

Kind regards,

Tom

---

To all members who have sent me a private message recently and are still awaiting a reply, I thank you very much for your patience. I've been very busy working on A2s recently and haven't always been able to find the hours in the day to also keep up with enquiries. Rest assured, you are not being ignored and I shall reply as soon as possible. I thank you all.
 
Theoretically, it is possible to retrofit climate control. However, the amount of work involved cannot be overstated. You would need to remove the dashboard and its support structure and change the entire heating and ventilation system. You would also need to upgrade or replace the entire interior wiring loom. It's also highly likely that you'd need to remove the engine in order to fit all the additional hardware and install all the wiring looms associated with the climate control system.
Inside the car, you've got all the motors, sensors and potentiometers associated with an automated climate control system. Under the bonnet, you've got all the pipework, the condensor, the compressor and the radiator. You've also got the intelligent fan control module, the G65 sensor, the N280 valve, etc, etc. All of these things would need wiring up, plus integration with the ECU, diagnostic system, etc.
Of course, it's possible if you really want it. If your skill set is broad enough to undertake such a project, it is feasible. However, it is not a service that I offer, because it could take weeks. Even if you were to do the job yourself, with a donor vehicle for most parts, it would still get expensive.

Kind regards,

Tom
---

To all members who have sent me a private message recently and are still awaiting a reply, I thank you very much for your patience. I've been very busy working on A2s recently and haven't always been able to find the hours in the day to also keep up with enquiries. Rest assured, you are not being ignored and I shall reply as soon as possible. I thank you all.
Hi Tom,

Thank you for the response to my query. As I intend to keep my car long term an a/c retrofit would be desirable. Bearing in mind your advice I will now do some research and look out for a suitable donor car for the required parts. I am OK with the mechanics of what needs to be done but would certainly need your assistance later with the ECU and electrics integration. Thanks for the advice and the warning!
 
For info - and to give some context here. I have a TDi 90 that I had issues with last year in regard to A/C. I had already replaced the compressor but it seems it went again.

I decided at this point to replace the major components - the dryer, condensor and a new AC compressor (never install a second hand compressor is my new motto).

Parts came in at £350 - and that was using an OEM VW compressor I got cheap from ebay by chance. Included new seals.

Install involved taking the whole front off the car, replacing all components and putting the front back on. Total of 8 hours labour for 2 people.

If you were installing into a car with no AC already I would factor in costs of at least £1k if you are putting in second hand kit and doing some of the work yourself.

It may be far more economical to try and find a 1.6 in good condition but thats my opinion. A/C is probably one of a few things that really aren't a practical retrofit.
 
Hi Tom. I'd be interested in a few upgrades to my beloved and already mightily-specced A2 1.4. I'd be interested in the colour DIS (can it be set to display speed?), bluetooth integration (I have the Bose upgrade) and Komfortblinker indicators (can you get scrollers for an A2...?). Possibly also a multifunction steering wheel. Not sure how often you venture south, but I live in Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire - close to junctions 16 & 17 on the M25. Can you give me an idea of price, too? Many thanks. Steve
 
Hi

Yesterday I drove to Tom (Timmus) for a planned upgrade session.

That is a FOUR HOUR drive either way!!!

That shows the respect I have for him and his work.

0024EFFA-5F26-43E8-BB7A-57D323D33A95.jpeg
If you zoom in on the above picture you can see the “fly kill” and that was just from the journey back.

I have to compliment the A2 as well, four hours of motorway driving without stopping and at “motorway speeds”? not economically driving in any way and it returned 55 MPG (if I drive just reasonably economically that would have been close to 70 MPG.
My cars has a remap on it and it is PERFECT and as you can see it does not harm the MPG (unless you thrash it too much).

AS for the work that Tom did, it was as follows

Q7 multi function Steering wheel,
Colour DIS (which is truly amazing)
Full standard Audi Bluetooth phone installation (which includes speech recognition for the phone operation)
SDS, which is the remainder of the speech control for the other functions satnav, radio etc.
The lumbar loom
.

The colour DIS is not a cheap installation but that is due to the parts prices and the cost of converting the instrument cluster, but to a gadget freak like me it is pure “gadget porn” as well as having LOTS of useful functions and totally configurable. It even contains diagnostics and the ability to reset warning lights. It even lowers the passenger mirror when you select reverse (if you want it to)
The list is endless. I love it.

Some pictures.
A180388B-02B4-4A47-89BD-4EDF65709685.jpeg

53D2795A-4233-4CAF-AB71-3BABF79C1AC3.jpeg

DEA58CAB-6DF9-42D6-9A11-06BB08F319B5.jpeg

9C8AF578-51B7-4640-9A17-AB92CAB6CE70.jpeg

D5406774-B74C-4274-91CC-A452083E637F.jpeg
 
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Tom, Any update on when I might be able to bring the A2 for you to Plug it in and hopefully Diagnose the Power Steering Fault please ?

Regards,

Steve U
 
Hi

Yesterday I drove to Tom (Timmus) for a planned upgrade session.

That is a FOUR HOUR drive either way!!!

That shows the respect I have for him and his work.

View attachment 67791 If you zoom in on the above picture you can see the “fly kill” and that was just from the journey back.

I have to compliment the A2 as well, four hours of motorway driving without stopping and at “motorway speeds”? do not economical driving in any way and it returned 55 MPG (if I drive just reasonably economically that would have been close to 70 MPG.
My cars has a remap on it and it is PERFECT and as you can see it does not harm the MPG (unless you thrash it too much).

AS for the work that Tom did, it was as follows

Q7 multi function Steering wheel,
Colour DIS (which is truly amazing)
Full standard Audi Bluetooth phone installation (which includes speech recognition for the phone operation)
SDS, which is the remainder of the speech control for the other functions satnav, radio etc.
The lumbar loom
.

The colour DIS is not a cheap installation but that is due to the parts prices and the cost of converting the instrument cluster, but to a gadget freak like me it is pure “gadget porn” as well as having LOTS of useful functions and totally configurable. It even contains diagnostics and the ability to reset warning lights. It even lowers the passenger mirror when you select reverse (if you want it to)
The list is endless. I love it.

Some pictures.
View attachment 67794
View attachment 67795
View attachment 67796
View attachment 67797
View attachment 67798
What are the 2 oil levels?
 
Hi

Yesterday I drove to Tom (Timmus) for a planned upgrade session.

That is a FOUR HOUR drive either way!!!

That shows the respect I have for him and his work.

View attachment 67791 If you zoom in on the above picture you can see the “fly kill” and that was just from the journey back.

I have to compliment the A2 as well, four hours of motorway driving without stopping and at “motorway speeds”? do not economical driving in any way and it returned 55 MPG (if I drive just reasonably economically that would have been close to 70 MPG.
My cars has a remap on it and it is PERFECT and as you can see it does not harm the MPG (unless you thrash it too much).

AS for the work that Tom did, it was as follows

Q7 multi function Steering wheel,
Colour DIS (which is truly amazing)
Full standard Audi Bluetooth phone installation (which includes speech recognition for the phone operation)
SDS, which is the remainder of the speech control for the other functions satnav, radio etc.
The lumbar loom
.

The colour DIS is not a cheap installation but that is due to the parts prices and the cost of converting the instrument cluster, but to a gadget freak like me it is pure “gadget porn” as well as having LOTS of useful functions and totally configurable. It even contains diagnostics and the ability to reset warning lights. It even lowers the passenger mirror when you select reverse (if you want it to)
The list is endless. I love it.

Some pictures.
View attachment 67794
View attachment 67795
View attachment 67796
View attachment 67797
View attachment 67798

Looks like a need a version update to my Colour DIS :D Looking good!
 
Today I had the pleasure of Tom laying his magic hands on my A2. It was a revelation he quickly efficiently waved his magic wand and in no time at all I had Cruise Control, Comfort Blinker, Anti Hi jack, Beep on locking, my AC flaps massaged.... EML light extinguished (and not returned Tom) and found and replaced missing fittings, all this with warm and friendly chat and knowledge passed on to me. Well worth the 500 mile round trip. Thanks again Tom it was great to meet you and watch out I may be back for that Coloured DIS loving the look of @Birchall's. Oh I forgot the door check strap as well:)
John
 
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Has anyone fitted a good HID headlight kit or like xenon bulbs, not the projector type.
I test drove an old Citroen once which was Notorious for having bad beam but they’d had that converted and they were so much better than halogen.
Phil
 
What are the 2 oil levels?
The one on the left is the current reading, the one on the right is representing a full level (for comparison.
Steve B
Steve and I were a bit rushed towards the end of the day, so I didn't explain all the Colour DIS features as well as I perhaps could have done.

On the 'digital dipstick', the left-hand scale displays the current instantaneous oil level in the engine's sump. The minimum permissible level is
displayed as a yellow line.
The right-hand scale shows an average calculated oil level as if seen on the dipstick's indicator, with 'max' and 'min' representing the top and bottom of the dipstick's indicator. Each time the service flap is opened, this value is reset and must be recalculated. This process looks at the average oil level over approximately 30 miles.

Cheers,

Tom
 
Hi

Yesterday I drove to Tom (Timmus) for a planned upgrade session.

That is a FOUR HOUR drive either way!!!

That shows the respect I have for him and his work.

View attachment 67791 If you zoom in on the above picture you can see the “fly kill” and that was just from the journey back.

I have to compliment the A2 as well, four hours of motorway driving without stopping and at “motorway speeds”? not economically driving in any way and it returned 55 MPG (if I drive just reasonably economically that would have been close to 70 MPG.
My cars has a remap on it and it is PERFECT and as you can see it does not harm the MPG (unless you thrash it too much).

AS for the work that Tom did, it was as follows

Q7 multi function Steering wheel,
Colour DIS (which is truly amazing)
Full standard Audi Bluetooth phone installation (which includes speech recognition for the phone operation)
SDS, which is the remainder of the speech control for the other functions satnav, radio etc.
The lumbar loom
.

The colour DIS is not a cheap installation but that is due to the parts prices and the cost of converting the instrument cluster, but to a gadget freak like me it is pure “gadget porn” as well as having LOTS of useful functions and totally configurable. It even contains diagnostics and the ability to reset warning lights. It even lowers the passenger mirror when you select reverse (if you want it to)
The list is endless. I love it.

Some pictures.
View attachment 67794
View attachment 67795
View attachment 67796
View attachment 67797
View attachment 67798
Today I had the pleasure of Tom laying his magic hands on my A2. It was a revelation he quickly efficiently waved his magic wand and in no time at all I had Cruise Control, Comfort Blinker, Anti Hi jack, Beep on locking, my AC flaps massaged.... EML light extinguished (and not returned Tom) and found and replaced missing fittings, all this with warm and friendly chat and knowledge passed on to me. Well worth the 500 mile round trip. Thanks again Tom it was great to meet you and watch out I may be back for that Coloured DIS loving the look of @Birchall's. Oh I forgot the door check strap as well:)
John
Steve and John, I thank you both kindly for your positive feedback. Always nice to see new and known faces. :)

Kind regards,

Tom
 
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