Retrofitting PDC (Park Distance Control) + PLA (Park Lane Assist)

[Deleted member 143032]

Also, forgot to order two brackets for the sensors in the grille. Did order them at the dealership today and they come in on Monday. Need to talk to @Troubs12 to make sure I get all the pinouts for the PLA sensor correctly and hope somewhere next week I will be installing this incredible mod...

Took a week off to get some rest after the thesis period so plenty of time on my end

 

[Troubs12]

Hey bud PLA sensors are wired:

Pin 1 live
Pin 2 signal
Pin 3 earth

Left pin 2 at sensor goes to pin 9 on the 12 pin connector at the ecu and the right goes to pin 10




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[Troubs12]

I’m also off all next week so I’ll be about to help where I can


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[Deleted member 143032]

And brought the PLA sensor + bracket to the painter too yesterday, hope it doesn't come out too expensive.
So, now I got all the parts I can give you guys a summary of it all and include the prices I have paid for them (prices may vary ofcourse because of fluctuation).

• [4x] PDC Front Sensors - 1S0919275A – €15,- LINK
• [4x] Rubber seals for front PDC sensors - V1T0919133C 9B9 – Audi Dealership – €0,33 ea.
• [4x] Bracket for PDC sensors front - V5K0919491B – Audi Dealership - €8,64 ea.
• [2x] PLA Front Sensors - 1T0919297A – €4,50 ea. - LINK
• [2x] Rubber seals for front PLA sensors - V1T0919133B 9B9 – Audi Dealership – €0,33 ea.
• [1x] Bracket for PLA sensors left - 1T0919487 GRU – Audi Dealership - €8,64 ea.
• [1x] Bracket for PLA sensor right - 1T0919488 GRU – Audi Dealership - €8,64 ea.
• [1x] Front buzzer speaker - 8E0919279 – €2,- - LINK
• [1x] Centre trim with PDC + PLA Buttons – Can’t find part no (see pic) – Scrapyard - €40,-
• [1x]* 8-Channel PDC + PLA Module – 8P919475J – Scrapyard - €50,-
• [1x] Kufatec Wiring bundle PDC A3 8P – 34540 & 38317-1 - €70,-
• o Kufatec PDC sensor harness – 34540 - €39,- - LINK
• o Kufatec PDC module wiring harness - 38317-1 - €39,- - LINK
• [1x] A lot of 0,5mm / 1mm cable to feed from enginebay to the trunk PDC module.
• [1x] Connectors for the PLA sensors - 4H0973703A - Audi Dealership - €8,50 ea.
• [1x] Terminals for the PLA sensor connectors, terminals for the PDC module to connect the PLA signal feed - No part no. - ~ €10,-
• Optional: Painting the sensors and brackets. I bought 2 more PDC sensors for the front bumper in color, they did cost me only €15,- from the local scrapyard. The local scrapyard I buy my A3 stuff from is from: https://www.bm-parts.nl I think they also ship to the UK aswell!

* @George Kost told me the PDC module ending 'E' and 'J' only support PLA1.0 (parralel parking) where 'K' and 'P' support PLA1.5. For now 1.0 is enough for me since the 1.5 also need adjusting ABS sensors etc. Maybe for a later retrofit. The difference can be found here: https://www.a3-club.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10525

So when you look at the list above and make the sum it was a total of €273,32 and that roughly translates in 247,38 pound. I didn't count in the painting job for now but I guess that will be around 30/40 euro. So fitting an entire PDC and PLA option did cost me around €300,-. You can do this way cheaper ofcourse but I wanted to get it done the neat way by doing it myself (using Audi brackets, connectors and terminals). You can use AliExpress brackets too ofcourse but I couldn't wait for that long hehe.

Feel free to ask me any questions! I will continue the retrofit when I get my PLA sensors and brackets back from the painter later this week.

Think I put my retrofit ideas aside for a moment when done later these weeks since I got word I can move into a new appartment with the misses. So maybe I got some moving to do the upcoming weeks

 

[George Kost]

https://www.bm-parts.nl I think they also ship to the UK aswell!

They post for sure to Greece as well.
Module, module bracket, one of dash buttons, I bought from bm-parts. The package is in transit right now.

I am in the slow process of collecting parts.
I will buy the sensors and brackets from ali express as well.
Since I still haven't bought all parts yet, I suppose I will finish this retrofit on September probably.

@George Kost told me the PDC module ending 'E' and 'J' only support PLA1.0 (parralel parking) where 'K' and 'P' support PLA1.5. For now 1.0 is enough for me since the 1.5 also need adjusting ABS sensors etc. Maybe for a later retrofit. The difference can be found here: https://www.a3-club.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10525

I bought the "K" version of the module which is GEN 1.5.
I hope there won't be anything needed to do to the ABS sensors. I thought only GEN 2.0 needs different ABS sensors or something like that.

 

[Troubs12]

They post for sure to Greece as well.
Module, module bracket, one of dash buttons, I bought from bm-parts. The package is in transit right now.

I am in the slow process of collecting parts.
I will buy the sensors and brackets from ali express as well.
Since I still haven't bought all parts yet, I suppose I will finish this retrofit on September probably.


I bought the "K" version of the module which is GEN 1.5.
I hope there won't be anything needed to do to the ABS sensors. I thought only GEN 2.0 needs different ABS sensors or something like that.

Hiya mate you’ll be fine they didn’t fit 2.0 to the A3 so your abs sensors will be fine. I changed mine but I used a Touran park assist 2 ecu to see if it worked.


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[George Kost]

Hiya mate you’ll be fine they didn’t fit 2.0 to the A3 so your abs sensors will be fine. I changed mine but I used a Touran park assist 2 ecu to see if it worked.

Then good news for me!
So the difference between GEN 1.0 and 1.5 is only the reduced meters needed form 1.4m to 1.1m and the multi-stage parking.

 

[Deleted member 143032]

Instead of making the PLA connectors yourself you can also order these badboys @George Kost

#Aliexpress € 7,26 | 3 Pin 3 Way Connector 117186441 = 4F0973703 + 25cm LED Kabel 000979034E Voor PDC VW AUDI BMW
https://a.aliexpress.com/_dWCba2A

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[George Kost]

Thanks, that is what I was planning to do!
I have ordered these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000378873701.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2bec4c4dbN5g3S
10 pcs.
I am going to make all the looms myself.

 

[Deleted member 143032]

Thanks, that is what I was planning to do!
I have ordered these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000378873701.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2bec4c4dbN5g3S
10 pcs.
I am going to make all the looms myself.

Fun but harsh job, couldnt bother to make them all myself haha.

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[MT-V6]

Thanks, that is what I was planning to do!
I have ordered these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000378873701.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2bec4c4dbN5g3S
10 pcs.
I am going to make all the looms myself.

I think the 2 PLA sensors have slightly different connectors to the PDC ones

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[Deleted member 143032]

I think the 2 PLA sensors have slightly different connectors to the PDC ones

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Nah, just a 3 pin just as the PDC. I got the connectors already but didnt want to get the hussle in pinning them haha

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[MT-V6]

Strange, ETKA lists them as part number 4H0 973 703 for PDC and 4H0 973 703 A for PLA

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[Deleted member 143032]

Well scary moments. Took my drill and drilled the holes, they go perfect!! 18MM.

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[Deleted member 143032]

Strange, ETKA lists them as part number 4H0 973 703 for PDC and 4H0 973 703 A for PLA

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Im not using Audi PLA sensors though. Ordered some PDC sensors to do their job .

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[MT-V6]

Oh that explains that then! I wonder what the difference with the PLA ones is. I was under the impression they had a longer range so they could detect spaces without having to drive closely to parked cars

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[Deleted member 143032]

Aaand fitting the pdc brackets

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[Deleted member 143032]

Luckily my aftermarket grille had drill postitioning on them. Unfortunatly the brackets didnt fit so I had to adjust them a bit. Tight but good fit! I will let them dry for a day and come back tomorrow.

Hopefully my PLA is painted by this week so I can put everything back on.

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[Deleted member 143032]

Got the PLA brackets and sensors back from the painter! Lets get them all in the bumper today and wire them up later.

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[Deleted member 143032]

Aaaand they are in, 30MM holes!

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[Deleted member 143032]

Only thing to do left is wiring the PLA and then it should all work .
I've ordered some terminals and new connectors so waiting untill those come in to finish up the fit and see my steeringwheel do it's own job.

 

[Deleted member 143032]

Two high-res pics of the end result. Very happy .

@George Kost keep in mind, the PDC won't stick through your bumper entirely. You get a little edge instead of getting it a 100% neat. But I'm very happy with the result!

PDC = 18mm holes
PLA = 30mm holes

 

[George Kost]

@George Kost keep in mind, the PDC won't stick through your bumper entirely. You get a little edge instead of getting it a 100% neat. But I'm very happy with the result

What do you mean?
The bumper width is just a bit larger than the pdc that goes in the hole?
One question. The sensors have a specific orientation or it doesn’t matter?

 

[Troubs12]

Pdc no but the pla they have to go in thin end at the front and big end at the back so the sensor is at 90 degrees from the centre line of the vehicle


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[Deleted member 143032]

What do you mean?
The bumper width is just a bit larger than the pdc that goes in the hole?
One question. The sensors have a specific orientation or it doesn’t matter?

The sensor wont stick through 100%, this is a top view:

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[George Kost]

The sensor wont stick through 100%, this is a top view

Maybe we can sand the bumper from the inside a bit.

 

[Deleted member 143032]

Maybe we can sand the bumper from the inside a bit.

Good luck haha, I'm quite happy with how it turned out tho

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[Deleted member 143032]

Seems like life is treating me well lately. Maybe not the right place to post but had a job interview today and they hired me, permanent contract .

Starting the 1st of August so hoping the connectors will be in time so I can finish it before having to wait for the weekends

 

[George Kost]

Congratulations!
You will find out that even the evenings after work can be creative!

 

[Andreashadji]

Well done mate!job security is crucial nowadays!


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[Deleted member 143032]

Small update today, fed the signal cables for the PLA sensors from the trunk (PDC module) to the front connector that connects the internal loom to the PDC loom.

I didn't had loose terminals for the PDC module so I took an old doorpanel cable since they have the same terminals on them. I stripped the cable down and attached it to my own loom.

On the PDC module are a few connectors
- 16 PINS = CAN, Live, Ground
- 12 PINS = Front signal PDC and PLA
- 12 PINS = Rear signal PDC

On the 12pins front connector I need to PIN number 9 and 10 for the PLA. 9 = left PLA and 10 = right PLA sensor.

After that feed the cable through the car, I fed through the left side of the car behind the glovebox through the firewall into the enginecomparment (RHD). Then I looked at the connector and realized I had some spare terminals left to attach it the neat way. Popped the rubbers out the connector and poked a hole in them. Fed the cable through and created my own "waterproof" terminal

I used corresponding holes in the connector (PIN 9 and 10 again). I can tell you, it's a pain in the *** to make the loom yourself and get the rubber to fit the connector with cable. Sweared alot but kept on going and am very happy with the endresult.

Unfortunatly I still need to pin the other side so got some swearing left in the upcoming week gehehe..

But now it's time for some beers and enjoy the sun... Planning in finishing the fit next week, got everything in now .

 

[George Kost]

After that feed the cable through the car, I fed through the left side of the car behind the glovebox through the firewall into the enginecomparment (RHD).

I have some questions:
1. The firewall is behind and under the steering wheel right? And the cables go just behind the battery?
2. Where did the connector for the front loom end? Somewhere next to the front left headlight?
3. Yours is Left hand drive if I am not mistaken. Did you feed the cables on the left or right side of the car?

 

[Troubs12]

Hey buddy I might be able to help when I did this on my rhd I fed the wiring from the ecu in the right hand side on the boot all the way down the right hand side of the car and up through the cover under the wiper motor. Then across past the engine ecu and down the left hand side down to the behind the left head light.


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[Deleted member 143032]

I have some questions:
1. The firewall is behind and under the steering wheel right? And the cables go just behind the battery?
2. Where did the connector for the front loom end? Somewhere next to the front left headlight?
3. Yours is Left hand drive if I am not mistaken. Did you feed the cables on the left or right side of the car?

Sorry, when reading my last post online I see I created some confusion. I drive in a LHD but typed a RHD because on UK cars you can feed cables through the firewall behind the glovebox.

1. The firewall is behind and under the steering wheel right? And the cables go just behind the battery?
The firewall goes from left to right obviously. On a LHD however the best way to poke cables through is under the steeringcolumn. On LHD models the steeringcolumn is directly behind te battery. Search for a thick tubber containing all live cables coming from the battery/ fusebox in the enginecompartment that goes inside the cabin.

If you get the panel out under the steer (3 x 8mm nuts) you will find the BCM. Directly next to that you'll find the rubber I'm talking about. In the photo underneath you'll see I poked a wire through.

On the other side is the battery. So get that completely out and demontage the "batterybox" Hold in place by a few clips. When it's out of the way you have much more clearence and can feed cables through easily.

2. Where did the connector for the front loom end? Somewhere next to the front left headlight?
Well the previouse photo already answered it. You start by connecting the PDC module and feed the loom up to the front. It's long enough to reach the engingecompartment obviously. I poked the connector between the fusebox and battery in the enginecompartment because I know thats a dry spot and I want to avoid water at any times on these connectors.

So start in the back and work up to get the cable in the engine compartment. The PDC front Buzzer is located under the steeringcolumn, I doubletaped it on a free spot somewhere because the original place is hard to reach with bolts etc.

3. Yours is Left hand drive if I am not mistaken. Did you feed the cables on the left or right side of the car?
I drive a LHD and I fed the cables through as described above! RHD can feed cables the same way, but the thick rubber is behind their glovebox instead of steeringwheel.

 

[Andreashadji]

Ok good read so far,just one question on my part:
I already have front and back factory fitted parking sensors.
For the two pla sensors(left and right front)do I just connect them on the existing loom from the front parking sensors?
And of course replace the module in the boot with the one supporting park assist?


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[Deleted member 143032]

Ok good read so far,just one question on my part:
I already have front and back factory fitted parking sensors.
For the two pla sensors(left and right front)do I just connect them on the existing loom from the front parking sensors?
And of course replace the module in the boot with the one supporting park assist?


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You can get the power and ground for the PLA from the existing loom yes. You need to pull two additional wires from the PDC/PLA module in the trunk to the PLA sensors in the bumper (signal wires).

And ofcourse change the module itself to an 8K PDC/PLA module yes!

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[Troubs12]

Also add the park assist button and wire it then change the coding in the dash panel and the adaption channel in the steering rack




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[Andreashadji]

Also add the park assist button and wire it then change the coding in the dash panel and the adaption channel in the steering rack




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Where does the park assist button wire to?bcm module?


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[Deleted member 143032]

Where does the park assist button wire to?bcm module?


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To the PDC/PLA module in the trunk.

On the PDC module are a few connectors
- 16 PINS = CAN, Live, Ground
- 12 PINS = Front signal PDC and PLA (on this connector PIN 9 is signal left PLA sensor, PIN 10 is signal right PLA)
- 12 PINS = Rear signal PDC

Edit: Sorry, thought u ment the two additional wires for PLA. The button on the trim inside the centreconsole was already pinned in the Kufatec loom. I didn't PIN anything to the BCM module so I guess it goes to the 16PIN on the module since I needed to PIN 2 terminals (prob the PDC and PLA button) from the Kufatec loom into the 16 PINS connector on the PDC module.

T16/13 and T16/4 are laid to the 16-pin connector on the PDC control module. They are pinned in as follows:

T16/13 in pin 13
T16/4 in pin 4

 

[Troubs12]

To the PDC/PLA module in the trunk.

On the PDC module are a few connectors
- 16 PINS = CAN, Live, Ground
- 12 PINS = Front signal PDC and PLA (on this connector PIN 9 is signal left PLA sensor, PIN 10 is signal right PLA)
- 12 PINS = Rear signal PDC

No connection to bcm not directly anyway it’s on drivetrain CAN so it’ll get the signal to turn on when reverse is selected from the bcm via gateway from the bcm as far as I can recall that’s the only “kinda” connection as the buttons are wired direct to the pdc/pla control unit directly. I can post up the wiring diagram if you like? I is was doing some digging and found a diagram I made to convert the old school parking sensors to work with this unit. If it’s of any use let me know I’ll chuck it on here. Just means that if you’ve got a 8p1 or 8p2 then you can fit this after changing a lot of things like steering rack and abs unit etc. But it is possible


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