A4 to MN12 electrical conversion
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,833
Likes: 223
From: Hillsboro OR
A4 to MN12 electrical conversion resolved
I have decided to go forward with a conversion from an A4 to an MN12. We all know there are a bunch of mechanical parts that need to be swapped, add a clutch pedal (and switches), and change the main wiring transmission/driveline harness. My search for a complete document on the electrical conversion has been fruitless. So I decided to make use of my EE degree and create one. 
On the main harness that needs to be swapped there is one connector that provides specific transmission functions to the PCM. According to the Service Manual (2003), the manual transimssion connector is labeled C142 (C144 for the A4). All of the signals on these connectors (MN6 or A4) go directly into the PCM.
After I remove the auto trans harness from my vehicle, the male side of the auto trans connector (C144) remains in the car. This connector needs to be pinned out differently (at the PCM) to reflect the new manual transmission connector (C142) functions.
I have created an excel sheet that shows the re-mapping of that connector.
I also included the two clutch switches that need to be added (and where they need to connect).
I hope this helps someone looking to do the swap.
On the main harness that needs to be swapped there is one connector that provides specific transmission functions to the PCM. According to the Service Manual (2003), the manual transimssion connector is labeled C142 (C144 for the A4). All of the signals on these connectors (MN6 or A4) go directly into the PCM.
After I remove the auto trans harness from my vehicle, the male side of the auto trans connector (C144) remains in the car. This connector needs to be pinned out differently (at the PCM) to reflect the new manual transmission connector (C142) functions.
I have created an excel sheet that shows the re-mapping of that connector.
I also included the two clutch switches that need to be added (and where they need to connect).
I hope this helps someone looking to do the swap.
Last edited by Bluefire; Nov 5, 2013 at 04:33 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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Nice work. 
Btw, the wires connecting to the clutch pedal start switch makes a convenient place to tap into for a hidden kill switch. A well hidden SPST switch wired in series with either wire (yellow or purple) does a nice job, and for cheap.
Btw, the wires connecting to the clutch pedal start switch makes a convenient place to tap into for a hidden kill switch. A well hidden SPST switch wired in series with either wire (yellow or purple) does a nice job, and for cheap.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,833
Likes: 223
From: Hillsboro OR
It would be a great kill switch.
