Upgrading your 2010 Audi Q5 Headlights? This comprehensive guide walks you through creating custom wiring harness extensions, ensuring a seamless installation process. While the project is labor-intensive, this DIY approach can save you significant money and provide a perfect fit for your new headlights.
Gathering the Necessary Components for Your 2010 Audi Q5
Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary parts. Here’s a complete list of components required for crafting your wiring harness extensions:
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Sockets:
- 1J0 973 737 (socket) – 2 pieces
- 1J0 973 837 (socket) – 2 pieces (Note: Ensure you receive the black sockets, not the gray 5Q0 973 837, which require modification.)
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Wiring with Pins:
- 000 979 225 E (thick wire with pin) – 5 pieces
- 000 979 226 E (thick wire with pin) – 5 pieces
- 000 979 131 E (thin wire with pin) – 6 pieces
- 000 979 132 E (thin wire with pin) – 6 pieces
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Grommets and Caps:
- 357 972 740 D (thin grommet) – 24 pieces
- 1J0 972 741 A (thick grommet) – 20 pieces
- 3C0 972 841 (thin cap) – 8 pieces
- 357 972 841 (thick cap) – 4 pieces
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Tools:
- Soldering iron
- Heat gun
- Heat shrink tubing
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
Step-by-Step Wiring Harness Extension for 2010 Audi Q5 Headlights
This detailed guide breaks down the process into manageable steps:
1. Sealing Unused Socket Holes
Begin by sealing the unused holes in the sockets. Out of 14 holes (6 large and 8 small), only 11 are used. Cap the remaining 3 holes with the appropriate sized caps (thin or thick) to prevent water damage.
2. Preparing the Wires
The wires come with pre-installed pins, but they need to be cut and soldered into male-female pairs. Cut each wire into three roughly equal sections, shortening the overall length.
3. Applying Grommets
Slide the appropriate grommets onto the cut wires. This ensures a snug fit within the socket and provides additional protection.
4. Soldering and Heat Shrinking
Before soldering, cut and position 3-inch heat shrink tubing over each wire pair. Solder the male and female ends together, then slide the heat shrink tubing over the soldered connection and shrink it using a heat gun.
5. Connecting to Sockets
Insert the pins into the corresponding numbered holes in the sockets. Ensure the grommets are positioned flush against the socket for a secure connection.
Completing Your 2010 Audi Q5 Headlight Harness Extensions
After connecting all 22 pairs, you’ll have successfully created your custom wiring harness extensions.
