I have a vRS and would like to retro-fit cruise control. It looks like the required parts (stalk and loom) can be bought for around £75 but how difficult is it to fit?

There are some instructions provided but the seller VW-Teesside on eBay but these look a bit complex (as instructions often do).

Has anyone actually done this job themselves and how tough was it?

Cheers,

iep

Kit from Skoda is around that price, not too difficult to fit as long you are ok removing the airbag and wiring to the ecu. Also require diagnostics to code it up.

Done plenty and charge £180 for the petrol Octavia.

Lummox, I'm seeing two types of cruise control stalk on ebay:

8L0 953 513 J

and a (newer) 1J0 stalk.

The 1J0 stalk ii more than twice the price but is claimed to be superior. Do you know the differences between them?

iep

Lummox, I'm seeing two types of cruise control stalk on ebay:

8L0 953 513 J

and a (newer) 1J0 stalk.

The 1J0 stalk ii more than twice the price but is claimed to be superior. Do you know the differences between them?

iep

Newer stalk has both decelerate/accelerate buttons on tip of stalk and a sliding switch on front of stalk to enable/disable. This is what I have on my car now (TDI Elegance).

Older stalk has only decelerate on the tip, with the accelerate function being part of the slide switch for enable/disable. I fitted this stalk to previous car (SEAT Toledo). This is more awkward to use than newer stalk, as you have to move switch with your thumb.

I fitted cruise control myself on both cars, by following the instructions VERY carefully. It is very fiddly to get the wiring into the undeneath of ECU, so expect some swearing and ripped knuckles. Be careful when removing scuttle panel (plastic trim at bottom of windscreen), as I snapped mine and had to buy new one (£30). Wipers can be stubbon to get off spindles, depending how old car is. Steering wheel/airbag removal is actually the easiest part of job. After completing wiring, you'll need a VAGCOM or similar to enable cruise control function, and RESET airbag light.

IMHO, it easily worth the prices quoted by other forum members to have them fit it for you.

With Awesome quoting £115 all in (with the newer stalk) I am definitely going to let them do it next time I am in Manchester.

Cheers for the advice,

iep