Overview

The PPD unit allows you to fully interface your gauge solution into the DIS of your existing cluster. Moreover, it also allows for you to do logging automatically. It's extremely useful and a great addition to your Audi.

Disclaimer

No warranties expressed or implied. This information is for educational purposes only. I am not liable or responsible for anything you do. By reading this article, you are in agreement with the aforementioned terms.

Application

This article is specifically written for the facelift style (99.5 to 01.5) Audi A4 1.8T Quattro with a manual transmission. All photos are from a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro with a manual transmission. Granted these instructions can be used for other models as well because the idea is very similar but keep in mind that it is directed specifically at the A4.

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Installation Time

1 Hour (with taking photos)

Cost

Supplies Needed







Tools Needed


Information Source(s)


Steps

Step 1 - Download & install PPD Connect software

The PPD Connect software is available after purchase of PPD unit.

  1. Extract the attached zip file to a folder on your computer
  2. Connect the provided USB cable to PPD
  3. The driver file for PPD is located in the Driver folder that you just extracted
  4. Direct the windows driver installation to the location of this folder and complete the driver installation
  5. Launch PPD Connect -> connect to the new COM PORT.
  6. Select your cluster type (my 01 A4 is a D12). If you don't know the cluster type, no big deal. Using a VAG-COM or alike you will be able to see that during the adaptation step.

Step 2 - Run adaptation on the cluster

This will set up your cluster to be able to interface with the PPD

  1. Connect VAG-COM cable to diagnostic port
  2. Click Select under Select Control Module
  3. Click 17-Instruments under the Common tab
  4. Click Adaptation
  5. Read channel 062
  6. Enter "15" into the value (for A4/S4/RS4/A6/RS6) or "7" (for the TT)
  7. Click Test
  8. Click Save

Step 3 - Disconnect battery or remove instrument fuse

This will avoid any damage to either the PPD unit or your cluster during installation.

Battery cover:
Battery location (disconnecting the battery is only necessary if you are not removing the fuse for the instrument panel):
Fuse panel cover (the fuse is in position 10 in my A4):

Step 4 - Remove cluster

There isn't much room between the cluster & the dash once you start to pull it out so you will need to disconnect the wires by reaching around it.

  1. Remove cover on top of steering console
  2. Pull back flexable plastic to expose two Torx bolts under the cluster
  3. Remove two torx bolts
  4. Place rag or alike on the top of the steering column to protect it
  5. Pull cluster forward and reach behind to unclip the 3 harnesses (you need to flip the latch on them to pull them apart)
Top plastic cover trim:
Flexable plastic trim:
Flexable plastic trim with Podi gauge pod removed (in my installation I removed the top of the steering column however that is not necessary unless you have a Podi gauge pod.):
Dash with gauge cluster removed:
Back of gauge cluster:

Step 5 - Remove lower bolster

  1. Remove plastic covers that hide 2 bolts
  2. Unbolt 4 bolts holding the lower bolster up (one is on the left behind the fuse panel cover & another is below the bolster on the right side)
  3. Lower the bolster enough to see the OBDII & interior light connectors
  4. Disconnect OBDII connector
  5. Disconnect lower bolster lamp connector
Left plastic cover:
Right plastic cover:
Fuse panel cover covering left bolt:
OBDII connector:
Lamp connector:

Step 6 - Run boost line for MAP sensor

In my car I already had the boost line run for my Podi gauge so what you will want to do is to run the line through either your ECU box or use one of the existing areas to put a hose through. A4Mods.com has a nice write up on it, here.

Vacuum line:

Step 7 - Hook wires to back of cluster

Hooking the new PPD wires up to the back cluster makes it easier to connect the PPD unit once inside the dash.

Blue connector:
Green & "Gray" connectors:
Put connectors into position:

Step 8 - Position PPD under dash

Hook up any additional inputs (ie. wideband O2, etc.). For the purposes of this installation, I hooked the output of my Zeitronix wideband (white wire) to the WB input of the PPD. I'd recommend you solder it because you will need a solid connection or you will get poor sensor readings. Also ensure that your wideband provides 0-5v or you will damage your PPD.

Solder up any connections:
Hook up the connectors on the top of the PPD:
Position PPD under dash:
Plus in connectors to PPD from car & to cluster (In = from the car & Out = to the instrument cluster):
Finish up with the connectors:

Step 9 - Test & put it back together

Make sure your connections are all solid and then you can put the fuse back in for the cluster to test. If all is well, put everything back together.

Check the display metrics:

Step 10 - Enjoy!

You can use the stalk on the right side to control which display you want to use. It's also how you switch boost profiles if you have the boost controller option.

Another neat feature of the PPD:

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at ppdInstall@plainbored.com

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Good luck!


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