The Official VWW VCDS Tweak Library

[Ryan_R]

The purpose of this thread (as previously requested) is to gather all of the known tweaks and features available to the Mk6 Golf via the use of the VCDS (Previously known as VAG-Com Diagnostic System, renamed as it has no affiliation to Volkswagen-Audi Group).

This is primarily for the Mk6 Golf, but you may find a lot of similarities with other VW's of the same age (or newer since the Golf is the first model to be updated), and some compatibility remains with the Mk5 Golf. Polo's and Touareg's might be considerably different in areas for example.

For the benefit of everyone, please do not post questions/general discussion in this thread. You could search for another relevant thread or start a new one to ask a question, or even send a PM to someone. If someone's post needs extra info, send them a PM and let them edit their post. That way, this thread can remain as concise as possible, making it easier to find the info that's needed. Search or ask in this subforum.

Most of this information is available elsewhere, so needless to say, give credit where credit is due.
If this is your first VW car in a while then you should also read the vehicle manual. Helpful videos are also available at OwnerVehicle.com and YouTube.

Where to purchase VCDS
Ross-Tech is a company in the USA that makes and sells the dongle/adapter that connects your car to a PC (preferably a laptop or Windows 8 Pro tablet for obvious reasons).

With the strong Australian dollar, you can order the cable online from their website and expect delivery within a few busniess days. The software that goes with the cable is a free download. You do not need a serial/product key for the software as the cable itself holds this information.

There are Australian resellers of this cable, but to ensure that you get have access to the full support that Ross-Tech provides, ensure you purchase it either from Ross-Tech or an authorised distributor:

Here is a list of Authorised Australian Distributors:
Eurospeed
Harding Performance
Mount AutoEquip (although I can't find any details on their site!)

Here is a list of Australian Resellers (You should confirm that purchasing via these resellers entitles you to product support from Ross Tech).
DUB Addiction (Confirmed by Tim to come via Eurospeed, thus has official support).

Please PM a moderator if you'd like to add anyone to the above list of resellers.


Which version to buy
There are a few different cables to choose from. The first thing you need to do is work out which ones are compatible. This page explains that you can check the 7th and 8th digits of your VIN to determine the chassis type. For a Mk6 Golf, this should be 1K.

This assumption limits your choice of cables to the 'Micro-CAN' or 'HEX-xxx-CAN' interface.
The Micro-CAN interface only supports "Golf Mk5 based cars". The Mk6 Golf is a Mk5-based car.
The HEX-xxx-CAN interface supports most VW/Audi group cars. It is more expensive as it supports the widest range of cars and unlocks a couple of extra features in the VCDS software. This also comes in a various packages aimed at Mechanics and Professionals.

If you're still not sure if you should spend the extra money on the HEX-xxx-CAN version, you can check out the VCDS Compatibility Chart to determine whether the additional cost is worth it.

If you plan to only use VCDS with your Mk6 Golf (or any Mk5-based car), then the Micro-CAN interface cable is for you. The final decision to make is to choose the type of PC connection you want. Your options are COM (Serial) or USB (Universal Serial Bus). Unless your computer was built in the 20th century, USB will be the obvious choice.


Getting started
The first thing to do is to read through the manual. It may be long, but there's every chance you seriously screw something up with your car if you don't read it. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to download a PDF copy of the manual.

After you have read the manual and followed the instructions for installing the cable drivers and VCDS software, you're ready to begin tinkering. Turn on your PC and connect the cable to the PC first (at least for your first time using it on this PC). Then plug the other end of the cable into the car's diagnostic port, located near the bonnet-release handle. A green LED on the cable will light up when the cable is connected properly. You will also need to turn on the car ignition. You can now breathe a sigh of relief that you purchased the correct cable.


Figure 1: Connect the cable to the purple(ish) port shown above.


Summary of warnings and reminders

• Only you are responsible for the changes you make to your car.
• Always copy the car's current coding and save it to a text file before you make changes. Make a note of what you changed, why you changed it, as well as the original and new coding values. Here's a quick example:
  
  10 Oct 2010
  09 - Cent Elec - Long Coding
  Was (0 - BCM) - 40180A3A982518C044080080140000E441510088536D8D6064 8000200000
  Was (2 - RLS) - 0330AD
  Change - Enable rain sensor for automatic window close
  New (0 - BCM) - 40180A3AF82518C044080080140000E441510088536D8D6064 8000200000
  New (2 - RLS) - 0730AD
  
  (The VCDS software also keeps a log file of changes made, but creating your own file will aid you in reversing changes if the need arises).
  
  
• Don't click the Basic Settings button in a control module in VCDS until you have read the section for it in the VCDS manual.

I would add... Before doing anything else with your new VCDS kit -

Do an Autoscan of your car and SAVE it.

This will generate a text file like this autoscan-result-A5-8035.txt in your your VCDS\Logs directory.
Amongst other things this records the primary coding af ALL modules in your car. So it is like taking a snap shot or a backup, before you go F with it.
It may well be invaluable down the track if you screw things up.

Also stumbled across this link which may be of use. VWVortex.com - DIY: VCDS (Vag-Com) for Beginners

[Ryan_R]

Convenience Features/Tweaks
1. Automatic closing of windows and sunroof when rain detected on the windscreen
Credit goes to My-GTI.com, VWVortex.com and no doubt others as well.

1. Navigate to 09 - Cent Elec - Long Coding
2. A drop-down list allows for 3 slave controllers to choose from. Keep the first one selected (0 - BCM) and click Long Coding Helper.
3. Select Byte 4 and enable Bits 5 & 6


4. Press Esc and click Do It.
5. Click Long Coding again, select (2 - RLS) and click Long Coding Helper.


6. Select Byte 0 and enable Bit 2


7. Press Esc and click Do It.

In the MFD/MFI you will see a new setting in the Convenience menu that is pre-enabled for this option, called 'Rain Closing'.
The car must be locked for this feature to work. The windows and/or sunroof will be closed when either (1) the rain-sensor detects water on the windscreen, or (2) 24 hours elapses since you locked the car. The windscreen wiper stalk must be in the intermittent/automatic position.

Here's a video of this feature in action: YouTube - VW EOS OWNERS CLUB GREECE Mods

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2. Automatically close windows when locking doors
Instead of holding the lock button on the remote down (default behaviour), enabling this setting will close the windows when you press the lock button once.

1. Navigate to 46 - Central Convenience - Long Coding
2. Select Byte 6 and enable Bit 6


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3. Changing the number of flashes when using 'Comfort Indicators'
Doesn't work for all models:
1. Navigate to 09 - Central Electronics - Adaption

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4. Remove seatbelt chime/reminder
1. Navigate to 17 - Instruments - Long Coding
2. Select Byte 1 and untick Bit 1.


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5. Drivers heated seat setting memory
1. Navigate to 08 - Auto HVAC - Adaption
2. "From the drop down list, choose Storage of seat heater level driver. Change to On and Save."

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6. Disable DRL's (Daytime Running Lights)
Halogen (normal) Lights:
1. Navigate to 09 - Central Electronics - Long Coding
2. Byte 15 - toggle Bit 6.


Xenon Lights: (thanks v0a)
1. Navigate to 09 - Central Electonrics - Long Coding
2. Byte 11 - Untick Bit 2 - This turns off Xenons light as DRL, all lights off when switch is set to 0 (off).


3. Byte 15 - tick Bit 6 - This turns off Xenons light as DRL, auto turns on lights when dark, switch set to AUTO


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7. Coming Home Lighting settings
Navigate to 09 - Central Electronics - Byte 12


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8. Use fog lights as DRL's - I don't have Fog lights or Xenon's, so can someone else do this?
i. For vehicles with halogen headlights (coming later)
ii. For vehicles with xenon headlights (coming later)
iii. Use fog and xenon lights as DRL's (coming later)


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9. Rear-wiper Settings
Navigate to 09 Central Electronics - Long Coding - Byte 21
Click here to see the image.

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10. Enable/Disable Emergency Braking Hazard Lights
Navigate to 09 Central Electronics - Long Coding


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11. Enable/Disble use of Horn and/or Indicators When [Un]Locking Vehicle
1. Navigate to 09 - Central Electronics - Long Coding
2. Toggle the boxes shown. Using the horn doesn't work for all models (need factory fitted alarm option).


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12. Check Oil Level - (thanks RW1)
1. Navigate to 01 - ECU - Measuring blocks
2. Select 009, first field window on left side 009, Field 1.

009,0,General (Oil Level && Fuel Consumption)
009,1,Oil Level (G266)
009,2,Oil Level (G266),Warning Threshold
009,3,Fuel Consumption,Signal
009,4,Fuel Consumption,Equivalent

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Credit for some of this info goes to VWVortex

[Ryan_R]

Sport Features
1. Needles dance on ignition (Build Week 45 (Nov 2009) and newer)
Just a link for now

2. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Credit goes to Logger

3. Static Cornering Fog Lights (GTI/GTD)
Just a link for now
Enable static cornering light when indicating

4. Hill Start Assist Strength, Brake Pedal Sensitivity (aka Brake Assist), XDS (ESP) + Torque Steer reduction strength (GTI, etc), and so on
1. Navigate to 03 - ABS - Adaption
2. Select documented channels and hover over value field to view description balloon.
Click here for more info...

5. Reset DSG Adaptation
DSG6 Procedure
DSG7 Procedure

[Ryan_R]

Installation Guides
1. RNS-510
View Installation Guide Here
Navigate to 19 - CAN Gateway - Byte 4 - Enable Bit 6


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2. Bluetooth w/ voice-control
View Installation Guide Here | View Wiring Harness
Navigate to 19 - CAN Gateway - Long Coding - Byte 5 - Enable Bit 2


Then go to 77 - Telephone - Coding - and enter in a code that matches your vehicle:




Select if you have the 3 phone buttons in the roof or not (Navigate to 77 - Telephone - Byte 7)



Microphone Button on Steering Wheel
Navigate to 16 - Steering Wheel - Coding | Note that the following also shows the code to change to retrofit a Tiptronic Steering Wheel
Use the yellow Help tool-tip to work out the right code for you:




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3. MDI
Go to 19 - CAN Gateway - click on the Installed button, and tick the one called '2E Media player'

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4. LED Tail-lights
Credit goes to Adam

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5. Automatic Hatch Opening
Requires stronger struts + springs. Pressing the middle button on your key remote opens the rear-hatch. A disaster waiting to happen if you ask me

http://www.my-gti.com/2799/volkswagen-golf-automatic-hatch-opening-updated

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108927

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6. OEM Reversing Camera (badge popup)
View Installation Guide Here
Navigate to 37 - Navigation - Long Coding
Byte 3, Bit 6 (ticked).
Restart RNS510 after applying settings.

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[AdamD]

Static Cornering Lights with Fog Lights and Indicator Variant

Coding for LED Tail lights

[AdamD]

Thanks Adam

Are you happy for me to have those links in the first post?

Go for it Ryan.

And of course no VCDS coding post would be complete without this great link (not sure if it's been posted already):

VWVortex.com - VCDS MKVI / MK6 Platform, Handy Coding tweaks

[logger]

Summary of warnings and reminders

• Only you are responsible for the changes you make to your car.
• Always copy the car's current coding and save it to a text file before you make changes. Make a note of what you changed, why your changed it...

I would add... Before doing anything else with your new VCDS kit -

Do an Autoscan of your car and SAVE it.

This will generate a text file like this autoscan-result-A5-8035.txt in your your VCDS\Logs directory.
Amongst other things this records the primary coding af ALL modules in your car. So it is like taking a snap shot or a backup, before you go F with it.
It may well be invaluable down the track if you screw things up.

Also stumbled across this link which may be of use. VWVortex.com - DIY: VCDS (Vag-Com) for Beginners

[logger]

Remove DSG7 "Depress Clutch! Pedal Warning

If you have a 118 TSI DSG7 check this out.
Try to start the car with is in D, R or S. Anything other than P or N. If as I do, you get a rather novel "Depress Clutch!" Pedal warning on the MFD, then it is not coded properly in my opinion.
To fix. Contol module > 09 Central Elec > Coding > Long Coding Helper > Uncheck byte 20 bit 4.
VW have probably fixed the factory coding by now, to remove the phantom pedal instruction. Mine is a May 2009 build.

[logger]

Be interesting to see if newer cars like yours are the same as mine or if they have corrected the coding. I came across it last year when I was nutting out the logic of the selector interlock mechanism.

[logger]

Which VCDS interface?

For anyone deciding between Micro-CAN and more expensive HEX-USB+CAN. Have just switched from former to latter so I can hook up an older Audi.

HEX-USB+CAN benefits
Undoubtedly the added vehicle connectivity can justify the extra (~$100) cost of the HEX-USB+CAN. Not so obvious is it also allows you to bulk erase fault codes instead of having to do them individually by visiting each control module in Micro-CAN. Post ECU reflash or battery disconnect will be when this can come in handy. Otherwise no big deal for most. "Turbo mode" significantly increases the sample rate when logging stuff. More or less doubles it from what I can see. Useful to me, but not for most people.
Frosted activity light is too dim to notice unless you view it directly

Micro+CAN benefits
Cheaper. MUCH brighter clear lens activity light on the diagnostic port plug. When plugged in near down near your feet you can clearly see the reflected light from the activity to confirm a good connection
More BLING with Silvery finish on the cable

[logger]

I am a bit dissappointed they did not put the decent bright activity light on the more expensive unit. Perhaps to do with production runs. The Micro-CAN being newer and all.

dave- I am envious of you packing a vcds to netbook combo. I am using a 15" laptop. Shame VCDS does not output to WinCE. Imagine if you could feed it into those knock off 7" navunits. Virtual gauges and all sorts of eye candy to be had.
Anyone know of a very small inexpensive tablet PC with around 4", 5" or 6" screen? Would have to run XP, Vista or Win7.

Digressing back onto the thread topic.
Anyone got 09 Cent Elec > Coding.. byte 16 bit 2, "Emerg brake Warning active" working? I have had it set for about 6 months and never noticed if come on when I have trigged the ABS.

[Corey_R]

Hey all. I did a bit of a clean up of the discussion in this thread and left just the posts which contained VCDS tweak info. Much of the relevant discussion had been incorporated into the first posts.

But there is still a long way to go.

Everyone is welcome to help out. Whilst Ryan_R started this thread, any member can look through his post, find a topic not listed, or one with a temporary header and "To be added" and post a guide for it. I will then place it in the first posts and put your name there as credit.

Please help out and share your findings!
Cheers.

[prise]

Anyone got 09 Cent Elec > Coding.. byte 16 bit 2, "Emerg brake Warning active" working? I have had it set for about 6 months and never noticed if come on when I have trigged the ABS.

I verified the hazard flashers can be triggered by the ABS activation when the other option is selected but I havent found anyone that wants to drive behind me and verify that the brake lights flash when I trigger the ABS ....

[rs73]

if no one wants to drive behind you (he/she might end up kissing your car with that abrupt braking test) , set a video camera on a tripod on a quiet street (you don't want a crowded street where u might crash or have your camera nicked)

[Ryan_R]

November was extremely busy at work (we moved offices, and being IT Support, well I'm sure you can work that one out). I've also been transitioning to a new work laptop with Win7 (been using Win7 at home since the Beta started) - anyway - I'll try to get around to taking screenshots for other stuff, butas Corey said, you're all welcome to beat me to it