Changing the F125 - can it be easier?

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by steamship

When I measured them, I thought it might have been a case of 'lost in translation' when they were copying them, where someone measured to the end of the original cable, and the other person took that as meaning to the end of the connector.

I suspect something similar in that they measured the cable sleeve and then took that to include the connectors at both ends, i.e. from the F125 main body?
(Though according to MJ the short cables are because the Chinese only looked at the 5HP19 gearbox and the 5HP24 needs a longer cable)

Replacement bolts according to MJ are M4x20 socket button head screws, and M4 nyloc nuts, though as I've got some on hand I'm going to try some M4*16mm first which look to be just long enough - I'll report back.
It's easy enough to drill off the top end of the rivets, they're just aluminium and I did it with a hand drill for better control then pushed the rest through with an awl.

The "extension" cable is designed for use with headlights so usually sold in pairs; no idea why, but it must be a fairly common problem, maybe related to people upgrading to HID or LED?

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

the mechanic, as the manager put it, "got creative" and with some careful rerouting got the job done. Fitted and tested

I forgot to add, in line with the thread title, that I was charged 3 hours labour.
That included diagnostic scans before and after plus obviously a test drive as well as dealing with the short cable.
I'm not unhappy with that to be fair.

I supplied them (as before) with an annotated printout of the AudiPages guide, plus a print of MJ's additional tips. I also pointed out that the AudiPages document was on an older model and LHD so don't take everything as "gospel", just think of both documents as useful tips (especially MJ's).

[steamship]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

(Though according to MJ the short cables are because the Chinese only looked at the 5HP19 gearbox and the 5HP24 needs a longer cable)

Replacement bolts according to MJ are M4x20 socket button head screws, and M4 nyloc nuts, though as I've got some on hand I'm going to try some M4*16mm first which look to be just long enough - I'll report back.

The "extension" cable is designed for use with headlights so usually sold in pairs;

5HP19 - That would explain why I didn't have an issue with the length.

M4x16mm or 20mm - I await your response, and will give me something to do when it's raining outside.

Cable - A very handy 'other' use for it then, using it with the F125 switch.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

As I bought it on Amazon I've lobbed a complaint in, with photo evidence

They've offered me 20% discount which I've accepted. That will cover buying the extension cable.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by steamship

M4x16mm or 20mm - I await your response, and will give me something to do when it's raining outside.

16mm work fine as you can see in the photo.
You might even just get away with 14mm (next length down) though maybe with some very slight trimming of the plastic?
(PS The tatty rubber band on the sleeve next to the 10-pin plug is now a proper cable-tie!)
Bit of a PITA holding the nuts while tightening the bolts with an Allen key though, but that's irrespective of length.
You can only get a socket on one and I don't have a 6mm spanner anyway (and the two by the cable are very difficult) so lots of messing with small pliers!

[steamship]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

16mm work fine as you can see in the photo.
You might even just get away with 14mm (next length down) though maybe with some very slight trimming of the plastic?

16mm looks ideal. Will order some up and pull apart the old switch whilst I'm waiting for them.

EDIT: One of less expensive purchases for the car. £6.16 for 10 of each.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by steamship

One of less expensive purchases for the car. £6.16 for 10 of each.

Hmm, thought I'd already replied to this?
Where did you order from, I got mine for just £4.15 all-in from a UK supplier (who uses Royal mail as you probably need) called Kays Fasteners on eBay?

Incidentally my "extension cable" is currently about to wing its way (literally) from China. AliExpress, who I've used a fair few times over the years, are fast, efficient and have very good tracking.

[steamship]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Where did you order from, I got mine for just £4.15 all-in from a UK supplier (who uses Royal mail as you probably need) called Kays Fasteners on eBay?

The exact same seller, as I've bought stuff from them before.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Fitted and tested, just need to go and collect it now.

It's been driving perfectly since I picked it up so the garage did a good job and the Chinese F125 works as it should.

I've had a few local journeys before today and noticed the gearbox definitely seemed smoother, but not had a chance to stretch it.
I suspect the F125 had been "throwing a wobbly" for some time, maybe with those interim Z codes but not enough to trigger a full-on limp mode, and I just hadn't noticed the highlight gone from the DIS, just the somewhat erratic behaviour?

Today I had my first outing on relatively quiet country roads on my own. It's definitely back to how it should be.

[steamship]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

It's been driving perfectly since I picked it up so the garage did a good job and the Chinese F125 works as it should.

Today I had my first outing on relatively quiet country roads on my own. It's definitely back to how it should be.

Good stuff. My replacement one is coming up for three years with no issues.