Does the rear license plate light DIM? There are plenty constant 12V connections under the kickpanel, but so far have not found ONE dimmable one.

And I certainly don't want the boost gauge on full 'red glare' all the time when the headlights are turned on.

 

I emailed Podi yesterday evening, and received the following input back (later that night):
"We suggest using the dimmer wire on the headlight switch harness, dimmer switch or the one going to the cluster to power the gauge. The wire is grey with a blue stripe."


Headlight Switch Harness: steering column lever. The wires I COULD check have non dimm power
Dimmer Switch: the poti for the dimmer is IN the gauge cluster. Would have to remove the entire cluster?
The One Going to the Cluster: Where is this one coming from? I will check if I find a grey with blue stripe.



"I do not have B5 installation experience so I am going by the information that I have on hand to assist you with your installation.


You can also tap into the vent light wires as well as they dim with the instrument cluster dimmer and would be easier for you to access."

Vent light wires: my vents are not lighted as far as I know

More tips anyone?

 

Running the vacuum/boost line was no issue at all.
I chose
- the short (2") rear vac line (from the manifold to the fuel rail)
- went used the rubber grommet where the solid tube to the brake booster is going through (had one nipple) to get into the 'wiper blade trough'.
- went to the driver side and took the cover off the ECU module
- use one of the nipples where the wires go through
- fed the tube through the large opening (plenty of space) to get under the dashboard to the steering column)

This is all on a 1998 A4 1.8T quattro (B5)

 

I found an easy enough one:

using the Podi input ("grey wire with blue stripe"), I found those wires going into all the dashboard push buttons (seat warmer, fog light, etc.).
It is also going to the cigarette lighter, and this one is easy enough to remove to get access to the back connector/wire.

I opened the ashtray a bit and removed the ashtray insert itself.

In the bottom, slightly back are two metal spring clips. Push them down (slide the tray in a bit) with 2 long blade screwdrivers at the same time, and the entire unit with the lighter comes out.

Splice into the grey-blue line wire for your dimmable power.

Voila!

 

Now I feel kind of dumb; I never thought to check the ECU module cover area.
Never would have thought about tapping into the ashtray either. Sounds like I've found myself a Saturday project. Sweet deal.

 

Is it too bright when on?

 

What I was talking about was for a B5 as well. Under the dash there are a few posts with ring terminals on them. I want to say the 45x post is correct, but dont take my word for it. These are the headlight posts for our cars. A quick trip to the hardware store (my parts were included with the VDO package) should do it for ya, you're looking for ring terminals. Then just take off the nut, put on the ring and reassemble the nut. Same with the ground, there's a few ground posts by the dead pedal or you can just ground to the fuse box metal as I did. Boost gauge works great with the interior, totally matches!

 

Yes and no (in bright daylight not, but in the dark yes). That's why the instrument panel brightness is adjustable.

And now (after finding an adjustable power source behind the ashtray), mine is, too.