Integrated garage remote switch modification

[ChristianH]

G’day,

I’ve got a VW Polo 6C1 and I’m hoping some people in here would be able to give me some tips on a little modification I want to do.

Essentially, I want to add a button switch next to the hazard lights switch (pictured below), that will be able to open the garage door to my apartment complex. I have seen it done on here YouTube and here YouTube. I know it is a bit of overkill (as I can just have the remote attached to the sun visor), however, I thought it will be a fun little project and look way better.



Step one is finding somewhere to buy a switch. Ideally, I would like a switch with the garage door icon (pictured below) on it but I scoured the net and the only switch I could find that fits my model is this one 6RD927122 Car Radar switch Parking Sensor Switch OPS Button for VW POLO 6R 6C 2014 2015 2016 2017 -in Car Switches & Relays from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group



Step two will be removing the blank switch cover. If anyone knows how to remove the blank switch covers, please let me know.

Step three will be to research how to wire up the switch to the remote. I’m not sure whether I will try to hook the remote up to the car’s power, or just use the inbuilt battery cell in the remote. Below is a picture of my current remote.


Step four will be to install the switch.

I’m hoping that someone in this forum has done this and/or knows how to do this. If so feel free to chime in. Or any other tips and help is greatly appreciated!

Cheers, Christian

[The_Hawk]

I've done this a few times now in different cars. As you have discovered, finding buttons with the right artwork on them is near impossible unless you have a Golf. I'm planning on doing this again in my Wifes Multivan and like you I'll be stuck with whatever button I can find rather than a garage door one.

Here is where I did it last time around, essentially you are just wiring across the button of your stock remote to your new switch, you should be able to simply solder to the two contacts on either side of the button.

The hints I would suggest are to wire in bullet connectors or similar in line so you can remove it should you need to. Also make sure you locate the remote somewhere that's easily accessible for when you need to replace the battery (yes, just use the battery in the remote, it's cheap and easy to replace and while you could hardwire it, just keep it simple).

Adding an additional button to your MK6 (The Button Mk2) Remote Garage Door Open

[ChristianH]

Awesome, thanks for that! Very helpful. Has anyone had a crack at removing the blank switch covers to get access to the wiring? I’m not to keen on trying to pry off the blank switch covers without knowing how it’s supposed to be done first

[The_Hawk]

At a guess you have to remove the surround of the radio first and those buttons are probably screwed in place.


I also grabbed out my remote and took a few photos for you

Full Remote:


Open:
Note you can't see any of the contacts on the back of this one:


Inside:
You want to carefully remove the board and flip it over. On this side you can see the contacts on either side of the switches (arrows on switch one).
You will want to solder your wires to either side of this switch and connect it to the new button. Essentially you end up with a second switch wired in parallel. It also means you can extract it and remove the wires quickly and easily and still have a working remote one day if you need to.


If I get my act together and but the switch I need for the van I'll put up some more photos of me doing it all again.

[The_Hawk]

So I got my act together quicker than I thought, albeit with a generic Jaycar button:
Garage Door Button into Multivan

[ChristianH]

Awesome @The_Hawk! Appreciate the tips. I’m still waiting for my switch to arrive from China.