How to Remove and Install Paddle Shifters on Audi S3

Рет қаралды 62,511

Күн бұрын

Welcome to another The Audi S3 Fanantic video and DIY! There has been a ton of buzz lately regarding the topic of paddle shifter extenders for the S3 8V platform. A company called TAW Chicago recently designed carbon fiber paddles shifters which I installed on my S3.
Link to TAW Chicago: / tawchicago
Today’s video will cover the remove and installation process of their CF paddle shifter, as well as a full review. Overall, the task is not difficult, but you do have to take your time and be cautious. The process should take you roughly an hour to an hour and a half.
As usual, please post up if you have a comment or need additional information.
Please share and hit that SUBSCRIBE button if you Like my video and want to see more.

Пікірлер: 122

@larskienle3771 4 жыл бұрын

my goodness. the first professional good, well made video I saw on yt on how to remove and work with this steering wheel properly. THANK YOU SIR. instant subscribed

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

Lars, thanks for the kind words and your sub!

@coreykeida5845 3 жыл бұрын

This tutorial was amazing I was scared to remove the air bag you did this with ease good video man !!

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped and thanks for watching!

@MrAndrewAu 4 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I accidentally damaged one of my paddles and needed to replace it since 2 years ago, but could never find a guide on how to remove the bracket after removing the airbag. This video will help me a lot this weekend.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

Glad my video will be use to you. Post up if you run into any issues.

@meandmy66 3 жыл бұрын

I know it's been a while since you posted this video but "Thank"! Purchased the paddle shifters for my 2018 Audi S5 and I "Love Them"! Cheers!

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding! Glad you were able to use this video for some reference. Cheers and well done!

@jayrains9538 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the thorough turtorial! Just installed mine on my b8.5 SQ5!

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Jay, I am glad you found this video useful! Congrats and mod on!

@HVACRTECH-83 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the info,I have an s5 6mt but needed info on airbag and trim removal for a tawchicago wheel,this is what I needed

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Bryan, glad you were able to extract some information to help you install your TAW wheel.

@diogogomes7864 6 жыл бұрын

You are spetacular. You explain with a lot of detail. I have an a3 8v to, best regards from Portugal

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the nice comment Diogo. I'm glad my video was helpful to you.

@aem7054 5 жыл бұрын

Thx, I now know how to remove the black glossy trim. Very good diy video

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video was informative enough to help you!

@luiscampos7952 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the DIY buddy!

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 6 жыл бұрын

Lewis Rockwell, you're welcome! I'll have more projects coming up.

@mrblackbond Жыл бұрын

Thanks dude for this video! I’m looking to upgrade/swap my ‘17 a3 steering wheel for an S3 wheel with paddle shifters. Though you didn’t take off the wheel, it at least gives me an idea on how to take the airbag out. 👌🤝

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

Chris, removal of the wheel itself is very easy once you're able to remove the shifters and connectors.

@mrblackbond Жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic thanks dude

@gusteevte5665 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video....excellent explanation !!

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and the kind feedback.

@auralxtc 4 жыл бұрын

Love those shifters. I was thinking about replacing the whole steering wheel - do you have any idea what size bit you need to take the wheel off the hub?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

@Ryan. Off the top of my head, I do not recall exactly which triple square you need, but it's either a 8 or a 10. An allan wrench will work as well but you'll need to be careful because of the reduced contact points.

@xdbox6092 5 жыл бұрын

Great work on your videos. My 2016 A3 Quattro came with DSG/S-Tronic but didn't come with paddle shifter on my steering wheel. In your comment below, you stated that I will need VagCom to activate the feature. But my question to you is, would I need to purchase a different steering wheel? Or would I be able to install the cardon fiber paddle shifter directly to my existing steering wheel? Thank you.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Kryptronicx, Yes, you need to purchase a steering wheel w/paddle shifters which is compatible with your A3. If you can find a used S3 steering wheel, it's virtually a plug and play. If your wheel did not come with paddles, you can't use that wheel.

@xdbox6092 5 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic thanks for the feedback. Im currently shopping for a steering wheel with paddle shifter. Saw a few on ebay but they're all from EU. Let me know if you find anyone that is selling one. I need to find one that'll fit with my current airbag.

@diogogomes7864 6 жыл бұрын

Hello again friend great job. I have a question. In my a3 like your, i have the manual a/c with heated seats, and i want to install the digital switch of A/c Like yours...i dont want the climatronic function, just the digital controle install. Do you think its possible. Best regards from Portugal

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry diogo, I don't know the answer to your question. I have never swapped the switch out so I can't even comment on if the plugs in the back are the same.

@diogogomes7864 6 жыл бұрын

The Audi S3 Fanatic thank you my friend

@markcameroon6613 2 жыл бұрын

excellent quality and vid thanks man i wanted to remove them on my 2017 honda accord i find them useless on a cvt and they getting in the way of my steering is it ok to remove? them ?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Mark, thanks for watching and the comment. In all honesty, I cant say much about the Accord as I have never worked on the paddle shifters before. Personally, I think it's possible because not all Accords came with paddle shifters. You would need a new steering wheel as simply removing the paddles will leave holes.

@chiquicat1 Жыл бұрын

Thank you - how do you actually swap the paddles themselves? Yours were already assembled and this was not mentioned. Is is a pin or screw holding them perhaps?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great question. If you take a close look, there is a small torque bit screw next to the paddle wires. If you remove this, you'll be able to remove the actual paddles.

@Punchy9093 7 ай бұрын

Great video!! I was wondering, my car has a loose (+) paddle shift when i bought it. I was wondering if i can fix it, because it's really annoying. Do you reckon I need to take of the airbag and follow your steps, or is there an "easier" solution for it?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 7 ай бұрын

It's worth investigating yourself. The problem could simply be a loose shifter. Give it a shot!

@weSteh 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, great video ! Does this also work with FL RS3 models? I have purchased the same paddles and on my RS3 FL it seems like the air bag centre cover has different clips on the back ?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

The process is pretty much the same. You have to locate the two lips which hold the airbag on, and disengage them.

@weSteh 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic the access hole to the clip seems a lot smaller than the one in your video, have you taken one off on a FL or know someone who has ?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

@@weSteh I have not personally seen anyone do this on the FL 8V. Is there a way you can take a photo and show us? ***EDIT*** @ westeh, I had a chance to take a look at a FL wheel and I do see what you're talking about. The PFL has a larger cutout, where the FL has a smaller hole. I also examined the back of both airbags and obviously, the PFL has a larger metal connection bar while the FL looks as though it has a small clip. I process should be very similar as the airbags are "locked in" by clips. Again, take your cell phone or a camera which can do a close up. I could help you if I could see what you see.

@NoName-gv8ed 4 жыл бұрын

Have a question. I actually had to remove paddle shifters since i drive manual car. Now i’m interested if there is anyway to fulfill the hole in the back any plastic or anything...

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

No Name, I have not seen a plug, but am sure you could make something to fit. The other option is, buy a wheel without shifters, then sell yours for a small profit?

@cakmak911 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! I have a question and wondering wether you know the answer as the internet says both yes and no. Currently my s3 8v steering wheel has no paddles, are the necessary cables and everything already in the car? Or do I need to do a major change in order to install a new steering wheel with paddles?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 2 жыл бұрын

LCK, your S3 does not have paddles? I thought all S3s came with them. Anyhow, yes, all you need is a new FBSW with paddles and it's a plug and play setup. Nothing else is needed.

@travis3790 4 жыл бұрын

I’d like to replace the chrome trim (gloss black on yours) due to wear causing a small section to peel, on my Audi s3 8p. Is this possible and any hints tips or where to purchase a new one would be helpful. Excellent videos thanks again.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Travis, I believe on the 8P wheel, it's a trim piece that we be removed. The best place to look for a replaceable would be eBay or AliExpress.

@travis3790 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your assistance...once again excellent videos, the detail helps a lot

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

@@travis3790 Thank you for the support!

@TheCodezito Жыл бұрын

Hi dear! Nice video, but i can't understand how do you unmount paddleshift OEM ?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

The paddles are held in with 1 small torq screw. Remove this, then slide the OEM paddles out.

@effa114 3 жыл бұрын

Hey any chance you could provide a long-term update on these? Did they hold up? Any change in paddle crispness? Thank you! These seem to be the only good option for replacement paddles on the S3/B8.5 S4.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

WotWombats, thanks for the great suggestion. I will provide you the following update: I used these paddles for 13 months before the S3 was parted out and traded in. From the beginning to the end, the paddles shifted fairly similar with no loss of integrity. As expected, the further away from the middle, shifting became more difficult. That's just the nature of long, non-OEM extenders. However, I have experience other paddle extenders and these are truly the best option. Hope this helps you!

@effa114 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic fantastic, thank you so much for following up! Sounds like these are the pick.

@branislavkomatina666 3 жыл бұрын

In my audi a3 with interior of s3 , i dont have shifters on steering wheel . Can i install in addition this shifters. Thanks in advance.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Yes you can. You need to use a compatible steering wheel, then code your ECU to enable the paddles.

@mynde_cool Жыл бұрын

As you said, while removing the bracket i have damaged the cables and connectors of paddle shifters. Could you please explain, add picture of the pinout scheme? There are theee cables and one of them is red. Which direction they should sit into connector?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

Sorry that you ran into that issue. If you look at 10:59, it shows that the RED is on the OUTSIDE with the locking side facing the LEFT.

@mynde_cool Жыл бұрын

This is about "+" side for shifting up, its clear. What about "-" side for shifting down? Is it symmetrical wiring or red goes opposite place?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

@@mynde_cool I believe so. When I accidentally pulled mine out, I used the other side as reference and it worked fine.

@TheSquizxX 5 ай бұрын

Hey nice vid! can you share with me the references of the screws used to attach the paddles please?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 ай бұрын

Nico, the screws you use, will be the OEM ones.

@jakesteinhafel3066 3 жыл бұрын

How do prevent the steering wheel from locking so you can rotate it to get the airbag clips?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

You need to disconnect the battery.

@vahlokprime3175 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tutorial! I was just wondering, because I will do this soon to change my steering wheel on my a3 and I'm kinda lost I can't find this info anywhere: My steering wheel is always locked up (can't turn it) unless the engine is running. So how would I be able to turn the wheel 90 degrees to open both airbag clips then? It's a push to start system, and I tried everything to unlock the steering wheel, it only unlocks when engine is on and running...

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

The wheel is locked in electronically. If you disconnect the battery, no power is sent to the "locking" mechanism so you'll be able to turn the wheel in any direction.

@mrblackbond Жыл бұрын

Can you confirm if you were able to get the wheel rotated Vahlok Prime?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic Жыл бұрын

@@mrblackbond you can rotate the wheel. I have performed this install multiple times on the 8V PFL & FL cars.

@mrblackbond Жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic thank you sir! 🤝🫡

@vahlokprime3175 Жыл бұрын

@@mrblackbond it doesn't work. If battery is disconnected, the lock stays engaged. It can't be turned. The mechanism to lock or unlock the wheel is electronic yes, but the lock itself is mechanical. At least on my car (2013 audi a3 8V Prefacelift, manual)

@A8OC 3 жыл бұрын

OK, so this is clearly one of the best installation videos. However, did you swap the paddles/buttons yourself? If you did, how did you get the paddle off the electronics on the back of the wheel?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Tony D-C and thanks for watching the video. If you're asking how I removed the paddles from the wheel, it's quite easy. The paddles are held in place by one screw. You simply loosen the screw and twist the paddle off the steering wheel.

@A8OC 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic I've got that bit sorted. But then removing the paddles from the electronics seems to be my challenge right now. There's a single pin that I can't grip with pliers nor find any other way to release it 🤷🏻‍♂️

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

@@A8OC I understand. Unfortunately, I didn't go that route because the new paddles I installed, had the OEM mounting hardware.

@mehavfigetwehmineed 3 жыл бұрын

What happens if you disconnect the wires from the plug on the paddle shifters when you pull the buttons out.... can you put them back or do you need to buy new ones... ,(asking for a friend) 😭

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

if you accidentally pull the wires out from the shifter pads, you will need to insert them back in. Don't worry, I did the same thing and was able to re-plug the wires.

@BKP5274 3 жыл бұрын

What year s3 are you working on? I need to do this for my ‘17. The shop wants $300. Or $150 per/hr.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Madden Fan, this was performed on a PFL 2015 S3. Yours is a FL but it's not much more difficult. $300 sounds about right for a shop so I would suggest you try finding a local Audi Enthusiast who has performed the swap and have them do the work. Save yourself some money!

@RichieRich-ot9ks 4 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the carbon ones you had on first ?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

Richie Rich, my old ones were not carbon, the were billet aluminum. I purchased them from China.

@lumpy1952 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Fellow S3 Fanatic....I just installed TAW paddles. Everything went smooth until I started car. Now horn beeps every time I start it....what did I screw up?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

Paul, your airbag isn't seated correctly. Remove the airbag again and make sure everything lines up before you push it back in.

@lumpy1952 4 жыл бұрын

That did it...thanks Peter

@danieljadorie829 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial, these paddles will work with a '19 S3 correct?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 2 жыл бұрын

Daniel, I do not believe these will work on your '19. You have a FL so they have a different steering wheel with different paddles.

@danieljadorie829 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic Alright thanks for the reply. I'll keep searching. If you know of anyone that makes these for the FL please let me know.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 2 жыл бұрын

@@danieljadorie829 if you have IG, look up TAW Customs, LLC.

@henrysilva988 3 жыл бұрын

Hola podrían publicar como se desmonta los paddle shitf de los R8

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Henry, I'm sorry my friend, I cannot read Spanish.

@Rallie_86 5 жыл бұрын

Is it possible to install paddles to a car that don´t have them? Im about to get a a3 -17 with s-tronic but it does not have the paddles.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, it is possible. You'll need to use VagCom to "activate" or enable the feature.

@xdbox6092 5 жыл бұрын

Did you already install the paddles? I'm in the same boat as you, except mine is a a3 - 16 with s-tronic. I'm trying to find out if I need to purchase a different steering wheel first before getting these carbon fiber paddles.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Kryptronicx, I re-read my response to rallie_86 and see how it is a bit confusing. If your A3 did not come with paddle shifters, you need to purchase a steering wheel with paddles, such as a used S3 steering wheel. You simply cannot "add" paddles to a non-paddled steering wheel because it does not have the provisions (cutouts) for it.

@neefjes10001 5 жыл бұрын

The Audi S3 Fanatic what if you purchase the weel and mount it on to your car, is it all good to go or do you have to do any extra’s

@xdbox6092 5 жыл бұрын

@@neefjes10001 its plug and play. I already did it. I bought a flat bottom wheel and the carbon fiber extended paddle for my pre face lift.

@feiliu4856 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing vedio, can I ask where I can order a pair for my car?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

Fei Liu, check out TAW Chicago

@feiliu4856 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic Thank you very much

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

@@feiliu4856, you bet!

@kazmis1398 2 жыл бұрын

I don't understand how the buttons and airbag get electricity from i see the cables but i don't see any cable connected to the car.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 2 жыл бұрын

The cables connect directly into the center of the steer wheel hub.

@ZackNasty 3 жыл бұрын

I'm wondering how universal this is for other steering wheels. Im about to change the paddles on my genesis coupe and there isn't a single video of how to do that. Probably gonna vlog it and ill be the first to document it lol

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

ZackNasty, if I had a Genesis, I'd put one together. You should definitely do that though!

@anthonyhalwagy6498 5 жыл бұрын

What is the brand of them paddle shifters don’t want to buy the double sided tape one want to replace them with actual electronic paddle shifters

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Anthony, if you're interested in the ones I upgraded to, contact TAW Chicago. I personally would not want the double-sided ones either as the shifting is compromised the higher you go up the paddles.

@russolifts 4 жыл бұрын

The Audi S3 Fanatic I couldn’t find them on the website, do I need to call them ?

@jordanbailey8022 3 жыл бұрын

I can't get my wheel to turn after I disconnect the negative on my battery. It's a push to start btw. What am I missing?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Jordan, my S3 was a push start as well. First off, make sure your wheel was not locked to begin with. If it was not locked, it should turn.

@jordanbailey8022 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic thanks!

@Naqsipsaq 3 жыл бұрын

would this be the same as an 2010 Audi A5?

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

It depends on your steering wheel Richard. You may have the square airbag which is completely different.

@raildude270 3 жыл бұрын

Your buttons come out so much easier than mine 😭

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 3 жыл бұрын

Kyle, they actually did not. What you don't see, is the clenching look on my face as I pull them off.

@raildude270 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic Oh haha

@ihci 5 жыл бұрын

Can u explain a more simple way to get the buttons side of the clips off I can't seem to get it off for my life.

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Ichi, are you referring to pulling out the buttons which are attached to the steering wheel (on each side )? If no, please tell me what you're having difficulty with and I'll help you.

@ihci 5 жыл бұрын

yes the whole trim i ended breaking the mushroom tab smh @@TheAutomotiveFanatic

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 5 жыл бұрын

The trim should have space behind it where you can wedge a flat head screwdriver in. Then gently turn the screwdriver to pop up the trim. Just be very careful and take your time.

@allen254 4 жыл бұрын

I accidentally pulled the wire on my left sifter have to order another one :( be very careful guy when pulling out that trim it can be stubborn

@TheAutomotiveFanatic 4 жыл бұрын

If you're careful enough, you can rewire it. Mine came out as well but I was able to put it back in.

@allen254 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheAutomotiveFanatic yeah i thought about and tried but looks like you really have to get them in there and gave up. i found one on ebay for cheap. so now i can only up shift till the new one gets here lol. thanks for the reply !!