Another D2 S8 gets some TLC

[ThisWayUp]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

I like these usb-nachruesten.de for simple bluetooth and hands-free addons, although last I checked they weren't shipping to the UK any more. Simple and reliable if you can get hold of one though - that's what I put in Paul's FE.

There are of course the OEM-lookalike Android units that Marcel and I have too. They have Carplay for a higher level of integration, but are obviously more complex to fit and not really plug & play.

Weird faults like that in the TCU are usually a symptom of water ingress. Alas the TCUs are becoming pretty unreliable these days and so they are quite rare and expensive. I'd swap it out for a known-good unit to see what happens before chasing wiring issues. I may have one I can lend you for diagnosis - I'll have a look.

Thanks MJ - useful info indeed.

There are a couple scrap cars in the breakers that I might go and plunder, for the acceleration units. I think the Yaw sensor getting water ingress seems to have then fried the acceleration sensor, as it didn't look water damaged

I'll go and research the usb-nachruesten website. Maybe shipping to the UK is becoming more possible now that things have settled a little.

[ThisWayUp]

Originally Posted by strummagnet

I wonder if there is a way the sensors could be mounted off of the floor, say 10mm, to alleviate the dangers of water ingress. One of MJ's magical designs for a support mounting that could be made waterproof as well?



I spent ages looking for a working alternative head unit, but none are 'stock' and trying to keep the car as original as possible - at the moment.

Yes the Nachruesten works great. connects automatically when in the car. Currently using my mobile for music, calls (hey google), and google maps / waze. Only drawback is that I need a mobile with at least a 10" screen!

Thanks Paul. I think we are a bit doomed with the sensors, as the rear seat air duct runs over the top of them. Then again, a smart 3D printed case or clamshell might work with some o-rings to seal it where it mounts to the bosses on the floor. Wiring might be a bit tricky to waterproof though.

Maybe I'll go a bit 1980's and find a way of bagging them up

[MikkiJayne]

I have seriously considered the viability of a multi-point moisture detection early-warning system, since protecting things against water ingress just allows the water to stay there and damage something else. Conductive pads on the floorpan, in the boot, electronics box, and a little above the base of the raintray would let you know something is amiss and needs investigation, before anything bad happens.

[strummagnet]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

I have seriously considered the viability of a multi-point moisture detection early-warning system, since protecting things against water ingress just allows the water to stay there and damage something else. Conductive pads on the floorpan, in the boot, electronics box, and a little above the base of the raintray would let you know something is amiss and needs investigation, before anything bad happens.

Coupled with a multipoint water evacuation system? a concealed 'wet vac' nozzle adaptor in the 'at risk' locations? I recall on my old A8 (A8 CFJ) behind the front passenger seat the PO had cut a lovely access panel to suck the water ingress out

[ThisWayUp]

A bit of a road trip (test) today.
320 miles covered and 28.6mpg. Not too bad.

Yesterday I stripped the wiper rack and cleaned it up, to improve it's rather arthritic pace.

Might take a look at the CD changer to see if I can coax it into life again, even just as a temporary measure.

[Ronin]

one rally/race car technique for water ingress is to epoxy every single plug and module together, completely fill it up with goo, but good luck trying to work on those if they fail for non-water ingress related reasons

[Conan_the_Librarian]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

I have seriously considered the viability of a multi-point moisture detection early-warning system, since protecting things against water ingress just allows the water to stay there and damage something else. Conductive pads on the floorpan, in the boot, electronics box, and a little above the base of the raintray would let you know something is amiss and needs investigation, before anything bad happens.

Have you finished designing it and 3D printed it yet?

[donp38]

I wish I was so competent.
Great work.
Re the wiper rack clean up...can you advise more?
Mine is super slow also.
Taken it out and checked but couldn't see how to take apart to clean/lubricate.
??

[David's8]

Great work and to do it all outside is a monumental achievement.
Earlier in this thread i mentioned a meet up. Why not bring it along to the annual meet in Kelso!?

The wiper rack issue is an ongoing issue. Its either that the joints wear out so you get "wiper slap" or it just gets so full of corrosion that it slows up.

[ThisWayUp]

Originally Posted by donp38

I wish I was so competent.
Great work.
Re the wiper rack clean up...can you advise more?
Mine is super slow also.
Taken it out and checked but couldn't see how to take apart to clean/lubricate.
??

Cheers - Here's a useful thread. It's not too bad a job to get to all of this.

Originally Posted by David's8

Great work and to do it all outside is a monumental achievement.
Earlier in this thread i mentioned a meet up. Why not bring it along to the annual meet in Kelso!?

The wiper rack issue is an ongoing issue. Its either that the joints wear out so you get "wiper slap" or it just gets so full of corrosion that it slows up.

Thanks David - I've been a bit too slow to realise this, and it's geographically close too. We've got our youngest's very belated birthday party on the Saturday afternoon... That pretty much blows that out the water. Gutted, I didn't spot this earlier. Hopefully get a mini meet or something going?

Meanwhile the S8 did well last week, racking up a comfortable 700 miles. I gave it a well deserved rest this week, and used the Volvo instead, however, next week it's going to be pressed into service and do another big trip.

Fingers crossed.