How to index???

Birchall

Birchall

Dick Chown Award 2016
How about a "How to" index that shows all of the links to the "how to" posts that are all over this great forum.

Perhaps we could start by asking for a list of the how to's that we should be looking for.

Then we could have a closed thread that is a series of links to the various how to threads.

People would be surprised just how much help and information is dotted around on this forum.

A post with the links to the actual threads means that we would not have to rewrite them or anything.

Closing the thread (except perhaps to a moderator) means that it would not be diluted with "thanks" posts or questions? The thanks and questions could be posted on the actual thread leaving the list as just a complete set of links? In the how to section (of course) perhaps a sticky too

Comments please?

The list would be quite long but so useful to all of us.

Such as

Noisy door strap
RNS E conversion
Brake pad warning fault (on constantly)
Earth straps
DIS retrofit
BOSE retrofit, etc etc.
Servicing the OSS
etc.
etc.

I will "put my money where my mouth is and have a go at building the list, but I would like some help on which how to's are the most important so we can get them up there first. It is going to be a long process (I am not as quick as Spike is at finding these things, but I am learning)


Under each item in the list will be one or more links to relevant how to's?

I am sure the effort will be worth it, but not everyone would agree, so before I start work on this I thought it best to ask for views.

Steve B
 
Not necessarily, I was just thinking of a sticky at the top that is a closed thread with links to the how to's?

As new how to's are added, remembering that often they don't start out as a "how to" and so they are all over the forum and the mods help by moving some to the correct section, but some of the best how to's might be the ones added a long time ago and so at the bottom of the section. I reckon that over 50% of how to's (especially the smaller ones) are not on the how to section. If they are all moved there (that would be quite a task) the volume of them would mean that they still would not be that easy to find.

So not a change to the section just a thread with the list of "How to's" and the links under each. The list could be kept short by using the text of the how to as the link
such as How to remove and fit heated wing mirror glass

If there is another way that you prefer or if you think it works ok as it is, then that is fine by me, I am just trying to fine a way I can help improve an already great site and I would gladly take on the task as a way of saying "thanks" for the help I have obtained for it.


Steve B
 
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I think this is a great idea and if you're willing to invest the work Steve that would be fantastic.

We're doing Spike out of a job though! ! He'll have to stick to mechanical wizardry rather than being the alchemist of the club archive! !
 
Great idea. If its to be a quick reference guide could I ask that its kept in alphabetical order to make ut easier to find the topic your searching for.

Ps could a suspension overhaul guide be added?
 
A2Steve said:
Ps could a suspension overhaul guide be added?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I recall that guide on the forum - or are you ordering one from the menu:p

I think grim reeper did a thread with photos when he did his fsd upgrade so hopefully spike or Steve will locate that. There's the list of parts required from timmus as well. So ultimately this idea should be really helpful to the hobby mechanic or direct the less confident to some of our specialists who can help
 
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Birchall said:
An example of what I would plan to do

How to remove and fit heated wing mirror glass
How to fit a brake light switch
VNT Turbo De-Coke
Changing G263 Evaporator outlet temperature sender without removing the dash
How to clean the 1.4 16v throttle body
Automatic light + Coming / Leaving home Automatic headlight kit
Anti-roll bar bushes replacement with Polo ones

etc.

Steve B
Click to expand...

Hi Steve

Anything which improves / encourages members ability to search for topics is a good thing so its worth trying something new. It will also highlight the info we already have on file and give members the chance to help fine tune the system.

Obviously I'm biased, having no problem looking guides up on the current system but from a personal point of view it seems to replace one list with another slightly shorter version.

Alphabetical lists are good in theory but there is always the problem on different mind-sets on what the key words should be.
eg. Intercoolers, aftercoolers, charge air coolers.

Something the mods have talked about in the past is a way of encouraging members to submit new 'how to's' This could be anything from helping with preparing the guide (layout, adding photos, script on photos etc) to offering a token gift.

Cheers Spike
 
The list will need to sorted and grouped

I would like to try something other than the "interior", "Exterior" and "Mechanical" categories if possible.

For example is a windscreen interior, or exterior.

Is a wiper exterior or mechanical?


The aim is to just put everything in one place, currently on many threads there are many helpful hints and tips on how to do certain things and so anyone wanting to know if there is a how to for that would never find it.

The current how to section works well enough, it is the how to's that are lost in amongst other threads that I would be trying to make more visible.

I have been "guilty" of this too, on the project thread for my car are a few "how to's" hidden in the content.

I propose also including links that help with specific issues even if they have not been written in a "how to format".

I am happy to put in some time and at least start this and we can see how helpful it is (or not)

I also think that while constructing it we may come across several tasks that have no how to at all and we can see if people can fill in those gaps with a quick how to?

If it works and is liked perhaps we can do something similar for a list of links that will help new owners find out some of the hidden features of the A2.
Perhaps even use it on the Parts for sale and cars for sale sections? A list of one line links to a sales advert.
Example being

SELLING MY VERY GOOD CONDITION TDI 75 SE ( 5 seater)
A2 SE 90 BHP Genuine Low mileage (61,000) Akoya silver 4 seats pampered car
Audi A2 1.4 TDi SE Open Sky (2005) for sale £3600
2005 Audi A2 1.4 TDI Special Edition....5 Seater

Entries in the list could be removed when sold.

At the moment there are several places to look for cars for sale on here, so the above might help.

Please remember that this is not a criticism of the current site, most of you know that I am a huge fan of the way that the club and forum are run!
This would be an additional feature. People can still post their how tos, cars for sale, parts for sale etc. etc. I would just help maintain the links to make them easier to find.

I am a little worried that this might be seen as me interfering, so I am more than happy to leave it as it is if people want that.
I just think that the forum / club is building nicely and new members seem to be joining in significant numbers lately, so perhaps a little tweak here and there might help keep it fresh?

Steve B
 
Hi Steve

I did not see your proposals as criticism or interfering and having thought more about it, I'd be happy to help in any way I can, especially with pulling together info on new or existing how to guides.

Cheers Spike
 
spike said:
Hi Steve

I did not see your proposals as criticism or interfering and having thought more about it, I'd be happy to help in any way I can, especially with pulling together info on new or existing how to guides.

Cheers Spike
Click to expand...

Thanks I so glad that it wasn't seen as criticism.

Thanks for the offer of help.

I have been out all day and I will start a draft now.

As I said I think it needs to be closed as soon as it is compiled to keep it clean and only opened to make changes.

Any comments or additions can be posted on this thread and the other can just have the link list.

Steve B
 
Could I ask a favour please.

Could one of the moderators start another section in the "How To" area, called something like "How to Index" perhaps?

At the moment I can only post to one of the three sections that are in there and it doesn't quite suit any of them.

Steve B
 
This is the start of the draft list, (It will be sorted and split to help find threads, but I just want the list first.

I am sure that you may find something in the list that you might not have known (with the exception of one or two of the Gurus on here)

I will now trawl the rest of the site over the next few days and build the list, the tidy it up.

The list below is not just "How To's" it also contains some other threads that have some useful information.

It will all be tidied up over the next few days, but for now at least you can see if this is going to be useful or not.

I will add more to the lists here and then when it is ready it can be moved to a Link List thread in the "How To" section perhaps.

How to get your existing key to work again
How to fit heated wing mirror glass
How to fit a brake light switch
VNT Turbo De-Coke
Changing G263 Evaporator outlet temperature sender without removing the dash
How to clean the 1.4 16v throttle body
Automatic light + Coming / Leaving home
Automatic headlight kit
Anti-roll bar bushes replacement with Polo ones
LED bulbs - not necessarily a simple (or cheap) swap
LEDs - My findings and personal recommendations
Stripping the Instrument cluster (to fit white dials for example)
How I replaced the glovebox
Turning the dash/needle lights on and off via VCDS
Chrome indicator bulbs
Seat belt "Buttons" - Very useful
RNS E user manual
How to increase the size of images you post on here
How to get into the RNS E Engineering mode
How to get the headlamp wiring connector off (also applies to other similar plugs on the A2)
Replacing worn out Key Fob buttons
Repacing the worn Air con buttons without dismantling the dash

Next few
Removing head restraint fitment tubes.
Koni FSD fitting guide
Owners Manual
Fitting Audi front stowage console
Fitting Audi new style front grill
Audi TT seats - Guide!
Handbrake adjustment guide?
Aero wiper upgrade for less than a tenner!
How do you remove the open sky blinds?
Brake Pad Wear Sensor Repair Guide
Fitting Audi rear drinks holder
Handbrake cable AKA Guide tube replacements part number 8Z0 711 951 C change
fuel filter how to change
The Definitive Suspension Parts List
Single-to double-DIN dash with Mk2 RNS-E conversion
Rear passenger door micro-switch
The definitive tyre / wheel size thread
Drivers door checkstrap
Dismantle the backrest on a Sport seat
Squealing Starter Motor
Reset 'SERVICE' warning.

Next few
Audi In Car Entertainment guide
A Guide to the A2's Boot and Rear Seats
Intercooler Change
Gearchange cable adjust / reset
EGR "mooing" bracket mount mod
Fitting Audi 6 disk CD changer
Nox Sensor replacement instructions 1.6FSI
Aero parts; definitive list
Genuine VAG Seat Heating Retro Fit
A2 1.2 TDi - Pressure accumulator replacing with pics and Fluid question
Buyers Guide
New Style Washer Jets Modification
Changing gear knob
Fitting Audi 2003 floppy wiper conversion
Electrical - A2 earth points
OEM looking Sat-Nav in you’re A2 using your Smartphone and a Dock.
RNS E GALA wire
Pollen Filter on the A2
Fitting Universal H7 HID's
How to change ( reverse ) LED bulb polarity

More to follow (LOTS MORE) (tired and my brain hurts, in fact BOTH brain cells hurt)

New ones just in
Climate control button replacement - A4 sticking buttons
HID projector Headlights / DRL and Fogs
Possible Door Lock Microswitch Fault Repair
LHD Car: Replacing evaporator vent temp sensor. A.k.a G263 sensor. Error code 00818.
The Ultimate 'My Rear Seats Don't Work' Thread
Faulty Rear Interior Light Repair

Steve B
 
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Birchall said:
Could I ask a favour please.

Could one of the moderators start another section in the "How To" area, called something like "How to Index" perhaps?

At the moment I can only post to one of the three sections that are in there and it doesn't quite suit any of them.

Steve B
Click to expand...

Mods can't add new sections Steve. You need forum admin rights for that. I've got these but my knowledge of the software isn't good enough to make the amendment so I will ask Ben or Jeff to do the honours. Nice work though. Hats off to you
 
More links added.

These will be moved to a locked thread in a separate section of the "How To" subsection and tidied up.

Steve B
 
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