VW T4 from 1996: extra gauges in the ashtray panel

Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW T4 without drilling?

In the ashtray low in the middle of the dashboard. A panel replaces only the front of the ashtray drawer, holds two 52 mm gauges flush and clips on with hooks like the original panel. It fits T4 Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan with the facelift dashboard (03/1996–2003), not the early dashboard up to 1995.

Green VW T4 Multivan TDI with the long front end, parked at the kerb
Photo: Lukas 3z, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org
Vehicle
VW T4 Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan with facelift dashboard, 03/1996–2003
How to tell
ashtray part number 7D0857331B
Does not fit
early T4 dashboard up to 1995
Gauges
2 × 52 mm, flush, held by crush ribs
Gauge depth
variants for 45, 50 and 55 mm
Fit
not tested in a car; dimensions taken from a freely published third-party model

The ashtray as a gauge location

On a T4 with the facelift dashboard the ashtray sits low in the middle. Its front panel unclips from the drawer, and that is the part we replace: the original drawer stays in the van, and the new panel clips onto its front with hooks like the original. Nothing is drilled, and you can go back any time.

Render of the T4 ashtray panel with two flush-mounted 52 mm gauges

Render: Magmacode

The two gauges sit flush in the face, held by crush ribs without screws. The cables leave the panel at the bottom rear into the slot.

Does it fit my T4?

  • Fits: T4 Transporter (panel van, Kombi, pickup/double cab), Caravelle and Multivan with the facelift dashboard, 03/1996–2003. To be sure, check the ashtray part number: 7D0857331B. We have not checked body by body that the dashboard is identical on every version.
  • Does not fit: the early T4 dashboard up to 1995.

What is tested and what isn’t

Our panel has not yet been tested in a T4. We read the clip collar and panel dimensions from a freely published panel (ERIK3DP, Printables 1386899, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) that was tested on a 1998 T4. Only these dimensions were taken over, not the design. If the hooks are too tight, file them down a little.

Limits and safety

  • The drawer is only about 30 mm tall, so the gauge block protrudes from the dashboard by the gauge depth. Pick the variant that matches your gauges (45, 50 or 55 mm deep).
  • The panel must not obstruct the gear lever, heater controls or glovebox. Before the first drive, go through all gears and turn every control once.
  • On the T4 the passenger airbag sits at the top on the passenger side (source: t4-wiki.de, t4forum.de; not confirmed from the ETKA parts catalogue). According to the ADAC car catalogue it is standard on the Multivan from 11/1996 and optional on the Transporter and Caravelle. The T4 has no curtain or knee airbags. The panel sits low in the middle and does not reach up to the centre vent. More in Gauge pods and airbags.

Printing

Down here in the shade PETG is enough; ASA or ABS also work. No PLA. The panel prints face-down on the bed, so the visible side comes out smooth and no supports are needed. The default variant weighs 120 g and takes about 11 hours.

Fitting the gauge panel in the T4 ashtray

  1. Print the tolerance test ring in the final material and test-fit a gauge.
  2. Print the panel in PETG or ASA (0.2 mm, 4 walls, 20 % infill, no supports).
  3. Pull out the ashtray drawer and unclip the original front panel.
  4. Press the gauges in from the front, route the cables out at the bottom rear with a loop.
  5. Press the panel onto the drawer front until the hooks click; slide the drawer back in.

FAQ

Does the panel fit my 1995 T4?

No. Up to 1995 the T4 had a different dashboard. The panel is for the facelift dashboard from 03/1996 with ashtray 7D0857331B.

Can I still open the drawer?

Yes. The panel sits on the front of the original drawer. Route the cables with a loop so the drawer still opens and closes.

Which gauges make sense on a TDI?

Boost and exhaust gas temperature are typical. Connect the EGT probe and boost line following the gauge maker's instructions; if in doubt, have a workshop do it.

Is there a version for T4s with and without a passenger airbag?

Not needed, it is the same panel. Facelift T4s exist with and without a passenger airbag (without one there is a tray at the top right). According to the ADAC car catalogue it was standard on the Multivan from 11/1996; on the Transporter and Caravelle it depends on the vehicle or trim. The airbag sits at the top on the passenger side, the ashtray low in the middle.

Why does the panel stick out from the dashboard?

The drawer is only about 30 mm tall, so a 52 mm gauge does not fit inside. The gauges sit in a block in front of the drawer that protrudes by the depth of the gauge.

Can I undo it?

Yes. Nothing is drilled; just clip the original front panel back on.

Updated: 31 October 2026

Matching files

All parts for