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Retrofitting Paddle Shifters to a Phaeton

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144K views 339 replies 55 participants last post by  valmesplus  
#1 · (Edited)
Paddle Shifter

I noticed a Phaeton that had the "Paddle Shifter" option installed. Personally, I don't think it adds much to the look of the car - the paddles are quite large - but anyway, here is a photo. Functionally, these two paddles do exactly the same thing as what happens when you move the transmission selector to the passenger side gate and use the Tiptronic method of shifting.
It is interesting to note that this particular vehicle has the 'extended leather' option - hence the leather dashboard and binnicle - and ****ar wood trim. It is a European production vehicle, and was ordered through Volkswagen Individual. Paddle shifters are listed as a € 830,- option in the German options catalog.
PanEuropean
Paddle Shifter
Image
 
#27 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons

If the Phaeton wiring is anything like the Touareg wiring, then only the wiring for installed modules and functions are in place. For example, keyless start isn't offered in North America, so the wiring harness to the button isn't in place in either model. Paddle shifters are not offered in North American Touaregs, so the wiring harness from the paddles to the transmission controlled wasn't installed.
So the installation, while not have would require adding the harness from the steering column to the transmission controller, where ever that is located in the Phaeton.
As for mistaking the paddles for the turn signal and wiper stalks, the paddles are placed above the normal position for the other stalks. They also are shaped very different than the stalks. The paddles also do not move up or down like the stalks either.
 
#30 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

I need some help from someone who owns a 2004 W12 Premiere Edition, North American Specification (Jack, perhaps?) - I am doing the research about parts needed to retrofit paddle shifters, and I need to know what colour the plastic trim surround on the steering column is, and what colour the stalks that control the turn signals and wipers are. I'm in Europe, and my Phaeton is in Canada.
By "plastic trim surround", I mean the cover from which the turn signal and wiper stalks emerge. As you can see in the picture at the top of the thread, the plastic trim surround for the two stalks needs to be replaced with a similar part that has a second hole (above the stalk hole) where the paddle shifter emerges.
Thanks, Michael
 
#32 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (fly4food)

Hi Philippe:
Good to know, but what I am trying to find out is what colour the part is on MY car, not yours!
Image
This so I can purchase the correct part. I have a complete list of all the part numbers that are needed - I just can't recall what the colour of the trim in that area of my car is. I know that Jack Orr has the same car that I do (a 2004 W12 Premiere Edition) - is there anyone else out there with a PE who can answer the question for me?
Michael
 
#34 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (vwguild)

Hi Peter:
Thanks for that info, that helps. I have a couple of pages from the European parts catalog, and they show that there are 5 different colours available for that plastic trim that surrounds the steering column, between where it emerges from the dashboard and the steering wheel itself.
I guess that is what is causing the confusion at my end.
Michael
 
#37 · (Edited)
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (fly4food)

I ordered some parts today to complete this modification (paddle shifter installation). It looks like it will be a very simple modification, about the same amount of work as the Warning Triangle in Trunk Lid Retrofit.
It appears that only three parts are needed - the paddle shifter arm assembly, which seems to be a single part, and two new trim bezels that have holes in them for the paddle shifter arms. These replace the existing trim bezels that the wiper stalk and turn signal stalk protrude through.
Ordering the paddle shifter arm was easy - it was just a matter of picking the correct colour. Even though my Phaeton has the Sun Beige interior, with brown trim across the top of the dash, I ordered an anthracite coloured paddle shifter arm, because the two stalks coming out of the steering wheel are anthracite (black). Also, the only colour of paddle shifter arm I have seen in the past on any car is black.
The part numbers for the trim bezels are a bit more confusing - not only are there different colours, there are different variations on this same part depending on when the Phaeton was manufactured. Hopefully I ordered the correct parts - we'll see when they arrive at my Swiss dealership.
Below are some illustrations from the parts catalog.
Michael
Page showing the Paddle Shifter arms
This is item 4, I believe it is the same part on a Touareg as well.
Image

Page showing the trim bezels
Image
 
#38 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

The retrofit is pretty simple and straightforward but don't count on the wiring being in place. I have yet to find wiring in place for an optional feature that wasn't originally on the Touareg. I doubt the Phaeton will be any different.
Do you know where the transmission controller is located? In the Touareg, it is under the front passenger seat.
 
C
#40 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

When you find out where it is (inside the transmission housing), you'll wish it were next to the KESSY unit. It's called Mechatronics and is actually contained inside the transmission itself. There's a harness that plugs into a connector on the side of the trans -- the rest is self-contained.
 
#41 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (chrisj428)

Quote, originally posted by chrisj428 »
When you find out where it is (inside the transmission housing), you'll wish it were next to the KESSY unit. It's called Mechatronics and is actually contained inside the transmission itself. There's a harness that plugs into a connector on the side of the trans -- the rest is self-contained.

You really know how to rain on the parade!
Image
I will have to see if I can find it in ETKA or ETOS.
Damn glad the TCM for the Touareg is within easy reach. I just installed another keyless start and paddle shift kit in a Touareg today. I surely wouldn't want to have to find the module in the transmission.
 
#42 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (spockcat)

Quote, originally posted by spockcat »
You really know how to rain on the parade!
Image
I will have to see if I can find it in ETKA or ETOS.

ETKA page 927-45 shows the controller but doesn't indicate location. 927-60 and 927-65 seem to show the controller box being near the tramsimssion. Frankly, I doubt it is inside the transmission but in a box next to the transmission. This is probably going to be a harder job than keyless start on the Phaeton.
 
C
#43 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (spockcat)

Mechatronics
Control of the six-speed automatic transmission is effected by Mechatronics. This is a combination of an electronic Transmission Control Module J217 and a hydraulic control valve assembly switching device.
Using Mechatronics, gear changes can be controlled more precisely than before. This provides drivers with an optimized shifting quality and an increased level of driving comfort. Using the incoming sensor
signals, the Transmission Control Module J217 recognizes the current operating state of the transmission and driver input, reacting to these with adjusted shift points.
Driver input ranging from an extremely sporty to a very economical driving style are recognized and taken into consideration.
Mechatronics components are located on the control valve assembly in the transmission. emphasis mine
The five speed transmission on the W12 does not possess this unit -- it shouldbe in a more conventional location outside of the transmission housing.
 
#44 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (chrisj428)

Quote, originally posted by chrisj428 »
The five speed transmission on the W12 does not possess this unit -- it should be in a more conventional location outside of the transmission housing.

Ahhhhhh... I'm now going to run down to the church in the village, and light a candle as thanks.
Image

I am allergic to working on any automotive parts that have oil or grease in them, on them, or near them. I'm just a diagnostic, electrical, and trim dude.
Michael
 
#45 · (Edited)
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

I just had a look at the Phaeton Repair Manual, page 37-2. (Worth noting that this is almost an admission of defeat, to actually have to read the manual). Anyway, here is the good news:
J217 Transmission Control Module, 5 speed (W12 Engine)
The Control module is located in the right plenum chamber, in front of Engine Control Module (ECM).
Image

To remove (gain access) to this module, the instructions are as follows:
1) Switch off ignition, open engine compartment cover.
2) Disconnect both batteries.
3) Remove plenum chamber cover.
4) Remove wiper motor for passenger side.
5) Unclip harness connectors from control module ...
That's as far as I think I will need to go, because it appears I will just need to run two repair wires from the J453 Steering Wheel Electronic Controller - located more or less forward of the steering wheel - to the J217 Automatic Transmission Controller.
Chris, you are correct about the Automatic Transmission Controller on the Phaetons with the 6 speed transmission (the V8 Phaeton) being buried in the middle of the transmission. Details for access to this controller are on page 38-3 of the Phaeton Repair Manual. This means that anyone who plans to put paddle shifters into a V8 Phaeton will have to team up with the Phaeton technician at their dealership, and have the technician help with the wiring at the transmission end of things - that work will be well beyond the competence of even the most skilled owner.
Michael
 
#46 · (Edited)
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

Just a follow up post here, to clarify some confusions that arise when ordering the bezels (trim parts) that have the two holes in them, one hole for the wiper or turn signal stalk, and the other hole for the TipTronic paddle arm:
There is an error in the 543 update of ETKA, where the first line on the page that shows the right hand bezels (item number 58, which ends with the three numbers '340') is identified as part number 57. It is actually 58. In the two illustrations posted below, all the right hand parts are on one page, and all the left hand parts are on the other page. All the right hand parts end with 340, and all the left hand parts end with 339.
Note that there are two different possibilities for which part to order, depending on when your Phaeton was built. The parts with the A suffix are for Phaetons without paddle shifters. Parts with a B suffix are for Phaetons with paddle shifters built between May 02 and November 03. Parts with the C suffix are for Phaetons with paddle shifters built since December 03. If you have your VIN with you when you order the parts, that will allow the parts specialist to confirm the build date of your Phaeton. I don't know exactly what the difference is between the B and C parts - I can only assume it has to do with how these parts physically fit into the main plastic cover surrounding the steering column.
Also, note that in the lists of trim codes (remarks, or bemerkung, in German), the trim code TE, which is sun beige, is not shown as such. The North American Phaetons that have a sun beige interior use the brown coloured part.
Finally, when ordering the paddle shifter arms themselves, if you strictly follow the protocol of the parts catalog, it suggests that if your Phaeton was built before February of 2004, you should choose from one of the 4 colours listed for the part number 3D0 953 543 A - either brown, navy blue, anthracite, or petrol. You are free to do this, but you are also free to order the later version of the part, which has the B suffix. This part is satin black. Beginning in February of 2004, all Phaetons, regardless of interior trim colour, are equipped with satin black paddle shifter arms. This makes a fair amount of sense, because all the wiper arms and turn signal stalks are also satin black - for all dates of production.
Michael
Detailed Parts Listing for Steering Column Bezels
(see illustration above)
note part number suffix changes, according to date of production (arrows on left edge)
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: (added later, after attending the 'School of Hard Knocks'): Order the B suffix bezels - they have a larger hole for the paddle shifter arm than the original (no suffix) or A suffix ones!
Image


Image
 
#47 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

Quote, originally posted by PanEuropean »

To remove (gain access) to this module, the instructions are as follows:
1) Switch off ignition, open engine compartment cover.
2) Disconnect both batteries.
3) Remove plenum chamber cover.
4) Remove wiper motor for passenger side.
5) Unclip harness connectors from control module ...
That's as far as I think I will need to go, because it appears I will just need to run two repair wires from the J453 Steering Wheel Electronic Controller - located more or less forward of the steering wheel - to the J217 Automatic Transmission Controller.

I have to admit, I don't disconnect the battery for either keyless start or paddle shift mod. Never had any issue not doing it. I just unplug the module and add the two wires to the connector and plug it back in.
I can also offer a 7' cable with the proper plug on one end and contacts on the other end.
 
#48 · (Edited)
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (spockcat)

Quote, originally posted by spockcat »
I have to admit, I don't disconnect the battery for either keyless start or paddle shift mod.

I am sure that is possible. We just try to be 'mil spec' here with the documentation and description of how to make modifications, so as to run into the fewest possible problems. The Phaeton repair manual states that the two batteries should be disconnected first, so, that's how I have documented it. I don't think there is much to be gained by not following the spec (other than perhaps a few seconds saved), but there is the risk of considerable problems. Evidently you have not encountered any problems, yet.
For the benefit of those who have not seen a paddle shifter installation, here are two pictures that illustrate the difference between the 3D0 858 339 and 340 steering column trim bezels, for vehicles without TipTronic, and the A and B suffix versions of the same part, with the additional hole for the paddle shifter arms.
The first photo, showing the part without a paddle shifter installed, is obviously a photo of a Phaeton. The second photo is a photo of a Touareg, however, the design of the two steering columns is very similar.
Michael
Steering Column without Paddle Shifter Installation
Image

Steering Column with Paddle Shifter Installation
(note second hole in bezel for paddle shifter arm)
Image
 
#51 ·
Re: Paddle Shifter Retrofit for North American Phaetons (PanEuropean)

Quote, originally posted by PanEuropean »
Uh - you don't know me well enough.
Image

You're right. I should have known better. You seem to have much more time on your hands than even I do.
Image
 
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