The following procedure is to install CAR-A-DOCK in the ashtray compartment of the Audi TT mk2. If you'd like information on how to install an aftermarket head unit compatible with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, see the FAQ.
Before installing CAR-A-DOCK into the compartment, first remove the old ashtray and put it away somewhere. We won't need it again.
Then, cut the little piece of plastic about 1.5×0.55" (4×1.4 cm) located under the ashtray. Follow the two lines highlighted in red in the following picture.
This tinkering on your TT may seem impressive at first. But don't worry, as removing that plastic shim will be completely invisible and above all, it will NOT compromise the ashtray mechanism, which will remain sturdy enough, so you'll still be able to push the eject button to remove the dock and put the classic ashtray back if, for whatever reason, you'd want to revert to the old setup.
It is quite easy to cut this plastic piece as it is very thin. The best solution is to use a hacksaw made to cut metal with thin teeth, that kind (just use the blade in your hand without a frame around):
You may notice that the lower cut in the first picture above slightly passes under the teeter-totter arm, without actually cutting it. To be able do so, press and maintain the eject button to rise the arm while cutting with the blade at an angle.
A couple of minutes later, the piece of plastic will be removed and it'll look like in the next picture.
You can alternatively cut the whole bottom part and remove the teeter-totter pop-up mechanism entirely. But we suggest to keep it because it will still work if you decide to put the ashtray back in the future. This pop-up mechanism also works with CAR-A-DOCK which has been designed to be fully compatible with it (meaning you can remove the dock by pushing the eject button once it has been installed).
Trim any remaining plastic that may prevent CAR-A-DOCK from sliding into that space. Especially sand with a file any bulge that may remain in the yellow dotted area in the picture above. You want the wall there to run completely straight down vertically, so there is no curved lip at its lower end anymore. As otherwise, that bottom lip would prevent the dock from being inserted.
With the head unit removed from the dashboard, route the USB cable through the ashtray compartment, through the tunnel of the center console and up to the center of the dashboard into the head unit cage.
The easiest way to do this is to first slide another cable, metal wire or, better still, nylon electrical fish tape in the opposite direction: from the hollow cage behind the head unit down to the ashtray compartment, through the tunnel of the center console. Grab the wire with flat-nose pliers when it appears through the hole of the ashtray compartment, and pull it. The wire should come gently. Attach the tip of the USB-A connector of the CAR-A-DOCK cable to the wire with the supplied hook-&-loop 'velcro' fastener and pull them together back up from the space behind the head unit, according to this path:
Now, you just have to slide CAR-A-DOCK with its attached cable into the ashtray compartment. Push gently on the top surface of the dock while at the same time pulling the USB-A-connector on the other side out of the head unit cage, so that the USB cord glides into the tunnel. CAR-A-DOCK should go down properly through the previously cut hole without straining, until it's flush and well integrated into the center console. Watch the video opposite.
Now, you just have to slide CAR-A-DOCK with its attached cable into the ashtray compartment. Push gently on the top surface of the dock while at the same time pulling the USB-A-connector on the other side out of the head unit cage, so that the USB cord glides into the tunnel. CAR-A-DOCK should go down properly through the previously cut hole without straining, until it's flush and well integrated into the center console. Watch the video below.
Pay attention not to press excessively on CAR-A-DOCK especially latterally with your thumb. The material (carbon fiber-reinforced nylon) is sturdy, but the walls are quite thin due to the very limited space available in the ashtray compartment of the Audi TT. The hull of CAR-A-DOCK accepts more stress in the Z (vertical) direction than in the XY (lateral) one. Once installed, it will undergo almost no lateral strain. The trickiest part is therefore only during the installation itself.
Detach and throw out the metal wire or nylon fish tape, and connect the USB-A connector of the CAR-A-DOCK cable to the USB port on the back of the head unit. Put the head unit back in place, taking care not to pinch the various cables. It's done!
One last thing. The clips on either side of the ashtray compartment have different tolerances depending on the TT. Usually, CAR-A-DOCK is easy to engage and stays secure from the outset. However, if you don't hear a "click" and feel that the dock is too easy to pry out, you may need to peel off the protective red cover of the double-sided adhesive. Do it only in such a case, as in the next video.
If you're having trouble installing CAR-A-DOCK or sliding your phone into place, first check the FAQ to see if the issue and its solution are mentioned there. If the problem persists, please contact us by email at