Are you a proud owner of a MK5 GTI and love the sporty feel of its steering wheel, but wish the buttons were illuminated like in newer models? You’re not alone. Many MK5 GTI enthusiasts have noticed this lack of illumination and sought a solution. While factory options for illuminated buttons often involve upgrading to cruise control versions, which might not be desired by everyone, there’s a clever DIY method to bring light to your standard Gti Mk5 Steering Wheel buttons without unnecessary additions. This guide will walk you through how to illuminate your existing steering wheel buttons, enhancing both the look and usability of your MK5 GTI’s interior.
Understanding the MK5 GTI Steering Wheel Button Illumination Challenge
The standard buttons on the MK5 GTI steering wheel, specifically the 1K8 959 442 type, come without factory illumination. For those wanting illuminated buttons, the typical route suggested involves switching to button sets designed for cruise control, such as the 6C0 959 442 C (standard cruise) or 6C0 959 442 D (adaptive cruise). These cruise control buttons are designed to light up, but they also introduce extra buttons that some owners might not need or want. Furthermore, simply installing these cruise control buttons in a MK5 GTI might not automatically activate the illumination without the correct control module and wiring configuration.
However, for those who prefer to keep the clean, standard button layout and avoid the complexity of cruise control integration, a direct wiring modification offers a practical alternative. This DIY approach focuses on directly powering the LED circuit within the existing buttons, leveraging the MK5’s ignition-fed power supply to enable illumination whenever the ignition is on.
DIY Solution: Direct Power to Illuminate Standard Buttons
This method is perfect if you want illuminated buttons without adding cruise control functionality to your MK5 GTI. It involves a bit of careful wiring but is achievable for DIY enthusiasts with basic soldering skills.
Step-by-Step Guide: Illuminating Your MK5 GTI Steering Wheel Buttons
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Torx screwdrivers (T8 and 5-point safety Torx – you can often use a T8 carefully for the safety Torx)
- Small gauge wire
- Soldering iron and solder
- Multimeter (optional, but helpful for testing)
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
Step 1: Accessing the Steering Wheel Buttons
Carefully remove the steering wheel airbag module. Safety First: Disconnect the car battery and wait for at least 10 minutes before starting any work on the airbag system to prevent accidental deployment. Consult your MK5 GTI repair manual for the correct procedure to remove the airbag module.
Once the airbag is safely removed, you will have access to the steering wheel buttons. Typically, these are held in place by Torx screws on the back of the steering wheel trim. Remove these screws to detach the button modules.
Step 2: Opening the Button Module and Identifying the Illumination Circuit
After removing the button module from the steering wheel, you’ll need to access the circuit board inside. On the back of the button module, you’ll find screws, often 5-point safety Torx. As mentioned, a T8 Torx screwdriver can sometimes be carefully used to remove these if you don’t have the exact safety Torx bit.
Carefully open the back cover of the switch module where the black connector plug goes in. Inside, locate the circuit board. The key is to find the common positive terminal that powers the LEDs.
This image shows the terminal identified as the common positive for the LED illumination circuit on the MK5 GTI steering wheel button module.
Step 3: Wiring for Illumination
Identify the terminal on the circuit board as shown in the image above. This is the positive (+) connection for the LED illumination. Prepare a small gauge wire by stripping both ends. Solder one end of this wire to the identified positive terminal on the circuit board.
Next, route this wire to a +12V ignition-switched power source. A convenient and easily accessible point is Terminal 2 on the button connector.
This image highlights Terminal 2 on the connector as the +12V ignition-switched power source for the button illumination.
Carefully solder the other end of your wire to Terminal 2. Ensure the solder joints are clean and secure. Be extremely careful when routing the wire and reassembling the switch module to avoid damaging the delicate circuit board or copper tracks, especially where the wire exits the module.
Step 4: Testing and Reassembly
Before fully reassembling everything, reconnect the car battery and turn the ignition to the ‘ON’ position (without starting the engine). Check if the steering wheel buttons are now illuminated.
This image demonstrates the illuminated steering wheel buttons after the DIY modification, showing a clean and functional lighting upgrade.
If the buttons light up, disconnect the battery again to proceed with reassembly. Carefully put the back cover back on the switch module, ensuring the wire is routed safely and doesn’t get pinched. Reinstall the button modules back into the steering wheel trim, reattach the airbag module, and reconnect the car battery.
Important Considerations and Alternatives
- Accuracy: Double-check the terminal identification on your specific button module as slight variations might exist.
- Soldering Skills: This DIY requires basic soldering skills and care when working with delicate electronics. If you’re not comfortable with soldering, seek assistance from someone experienced.
- Wire Routing: Ensure the wire is routed safely and doesn’t interfere with the steering mechanism or airbag operation.
- Cruise Control Buttons as an Alternative: If you are open to adding cruise control functionality, purchasing and installing the 6C0 959 442 C or D button sets is a more straightforward, albeit potentially more costly, way to achieve illuminated buttons. However, ensure compatibility with your MK5 GTI’s control module for full functionality, including cruise control itself.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully illuminate the standard buttons on your MK5 GTI steering wheel, enhancing the interior aesthetics and usability without the need for cruise control button upgrades. This DIY modification offers a cost-effective and satisfying way to personalize your MK5 GTI and bring a touch of modern illumination to a classic hot hatch. Enjoy your newly illuminated steering wheel buttons!
