In this episode we put our 3-step retrofit framework to work on real-world VW/Skoda/Audi upgrades—so you can tell at a glance what’s truly plug-and-play and what needs wiring or coding.
We are also showing how we used the process to complete 6 different mods to our VW ID.4s. This framework can be used with other VW cars or different brands. Some modifications we discuss would be possible in other VW cars, that share same/similar components – such as Golf and Tiguan. These are not validated.
👍What we cover
- The 3-step Mod Framework: Mechanical fit → Electrical feasibility → Software/coding
- Matrix Headlights: how the 11-LED “eyeball” array masks traffic and lights the right shoulder
• VW ID.4 Matrix Headlights Unlocked — Hidde… - Euro Tail Lights (amber + animations): what’s required, where wiring gets tricky (liftgate runs), and why the result is worth it • How to Retrofit Volkswagen Components: 3D …
- Physical Button Cluster (from Enyaq): ditch the haptics for satisfying, usable buttons (Assist, Camera, Lock, Drive Mode, etc.) • VW ID.4’s Big Problem SOLVED – Real Steeri… • Battle of the Buttons on VW ID.4 – The Fin…
- Speaker Upgrade: true plug-and-play fitment, rivnuts vs. rivets, and when adapters are needed
Check out the VWIDTalk Podcast on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts ( Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overdrive and more).
A transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
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Transcript:
Welcome back to the VW ID Talk Podcast.
We’re your hosts, Wes and Jan. Thanks so much for subscribing — it genuinely means a lot to us. We’re volunteers, and we do this because we enjoy it. Your support makes it worthwhile.
You can find us on OverDrive, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and of course here on YouTube if you want the visual experience.
Today, we’re taking a retrospective look at our framework for vehicle modifications. This is a process Jan came up with that helps answer a simple but important question: Is this mod actually going to work? It may sound obvious, but it’s not always clear at first.
The framework breaks modifications down into three areas: mechanical feasibility, electrical feasibility, and software or coding requirements.
First, mechanical feasibility. Does the part physically fit in the car, or are you cutting dash pieces, modifying trim, or fabricating custom mounts? Ideally, we want modifications that look factory-installed.
Second is electrical feasibility. Can you unplug the original component and plug the new one in? Does it have the necessary power and communication wiring? Sometimes you need different connectors or signaling.
Finally, software and coding. Some mods work immediately with no changes. Others require adaptations or deeper investigative work, which is where Jan has spent a lot of time digging.
With that in mind, let’s walk through some real-world examples.
Matrix Headlights
Our first example is enabling matrix headlights. This is both the easiest and the hardest mod we’ve tackled.
For vehicles with the “eyeball” headlights, the hardware is already there. Inside the housing are 11 LED segments that allow the car to selectively dim portions of the high beams. When there’s oncoming traffic, the system turns off only the segments that would blind other drivers, while keeping the rest illuminated.
The benefit is better nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers. You still get light on the right side of the road, which is particularly useful in rural or forested areas where wildlife is a concern.
Mechanically and electrically, there’s nothing to add — the hardware is already installed. The challenge is software. You have to tell the vehicle’s computers to enable this functionality.
On software version 3, this can be done with diagnostic tools, or through companies that offer it as a service. On version 4 and newer, it’s much more complicated. It requires VW authorization or expensive tools, making a simple change much harder.
This mod required extensive investigation, including comparing configurations with European vehicles, but we do have a full video showing how it works.
Speaker Upgrade
Next is Wes’s favorite mod: speakers.
This upgrade is about as close to plug-and-play as it gets. Focal offers a speaker kit designed specifically for Volkswagen vehicles. The mounting holes line up, the connectors match, and they even include the rivets.
Mechanically, you remove the old speakers and install the new ones. Electrically, nothing changes — the factory wiring is reused. There’s no software coding required.
The only real catch is access. You need to remove the door panels, which always carries some risk of breaking clips. You’ll also need to drill out the factory rivets. While you’re there, it’s a good opportunity to add sound deadening to the door, which noticeably improves bass response.
Overall, this mod scores green across the board: easy, effective, and worth doing.
Tactile Climate and Light Buttons
This mod replaces touch-sensitive buttons beneath the display with physical buttons from the Skoda Enyaq or Elroq.
Electrically, this is plug-and-play and requires no software changes. The problem is mechanical fitment. The Skoda dashboard layout is different, so custom interface pieces had to be designed and 3D printed to make everything fit cleanly.
Some dash trimming was required, but it’s hidden behind the screen and reversible. The benefit is real tactile feedback and reduced distraction while driving.
At this time, compatibility with software version 4 vehicles is unclear due to potential connector differences.
The models and instructions are available, and there’s a full video walkthrough linked for anyone interested.
Steering Wheel Physical Buttons
This is one of the most impactful mods we’ve done. It replaces capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel with physical buttons sourced from other VW models like the Atlas and Tiguan.
The motivation is simple: no accidental inputs while turning the wheel, no unintended cruise control activation, and the ability to use buttons by feel without looking.
Mechanically, the buttons fit perfectly with the correct trim. Electrically, the existing wiring is reused. No coding changes were required beyond basic configuration to prevent error messages.
The main caveat is that you must remove the airbag to install this mod, which requires care and proper procedure. Additionally, the CAN bus pins had to be removed to prevent constant horn activation.
Despite these challenges, this has become one of the most enjoyable day-to-day improvements due to improved usability and safety.
Four-Window Switch Panel
This mod replaces the touch-based rear window selector with a proper four-switch layout.
The original setup made it difficult to operate multiple windows without looking and frequently caused accidental activation of the child lock. The new setup allows intuitive control and better airflow management.
Mechanically, this required designing a custom part to mount Audi window switches and mirror controls. Electrically, a new wiring harness was needed, but the existing door module supports the configuration with a simple software adaptation.
The biggest challenge here is fabrication, not electronics or coding. Designing and printing the custom mount is the key step.
European Tail Lights
This mod replaces US-spec tail lights with European versions featuring amber turn signals.
Beyond aesthetics, amber signals improve clarity and safety by clearly indicating turning versus braking. US models combine brake and turn signals internally, which complicates retrofitting.
Mechanically, the lights bolt right in. Electrically, it’s much more complex. New connectors are required, along with running three additional wires from the front to the rear of the vehicle on both sides, including through the liftgate.
Software adaptation is supported by existing modules, but the wiring work makes this one of the most difficult mods we’ve done. It required depinning and repinning connectors and carefully routing new wiring.
Closing
Thanks for joining us for this episode on how our retrofitting framework works in practice. We hope it helps you evaluate mods more confidently.
We’ve got more content coming soon, including a deeper look at designing custom parts. We really appreciate you being here. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time.
