vag-com – an newbies introduction

Audi A5

Version 2.0

VAG-COM – An Newbies Introduction

AUDI (MMI3G) VAG-COM

2 | P a g e

1.0 VCDS – AN INTRODUCTION If you’re like me, keen to want to take advantage of the ‘optional extras’ that you can enable via

VAG-COM, but afraid that you might ‘screw things up’, here is an introduction and a simple task

that should help overcome your initial concerns.

Please note this is not an authorative document, purely a guide to help you get started. For some it

may appear overtly verbose, but is purely aimed at getting you through each step with to build your

initial knowledge and confidence.

So, before you start a few simple tips.

Having connected your cable to the car and using the VAG-COM software, the ignition

should be on. (The engine doesn’t need to be running). Normally a good idea to turn off

your lights – set switch to ‘0’.

Leave the MMI switched on as you will need to use the MMI screen to view the ‘hidden

menu’ and such like.

When running tests it is normal for the car to flash up warnings like ‘ESP Failure Warning’

on the DIS, accompanied by various clicks as the car runs through these checks.

1a). VCDS Home screen

Pressing on the ‘Select’ Control module button will

present you with a display of all the control

modules available – (see next screen)

1b). The modules are contained in a separate tab

format starting with ‘Common’ through to

‘Electronics 2’.

INFO: The ‘common’ tab changes name to

‘Installed’, when connected to your car reflecting

the modules installed on your car.

If ’09-Cent. Elect. is selected, you will be presented

with the controller info – (see next screen)


3 | P a g e

1c). Changes are typically completed by selecting

the ‘Coding – 07’ button, you will be presented

with the ‘re-code’ module – (see next screen)

1d). Modules and Slave Modules (Drop Down Menu). INFO: If the module shown is greyed out, there are no selectable slave modules. On the latest cars, many "slave" modules are codeable. The coding screens (both regular and "long") will present a drop-list of available modules which can be selected for coding. You have the option of writing the new coding in here; however for ease of use it is strongly recommended that the ‘Long Code Helper’ is used – (see next screen)

1e). For ease of understanding a separate explanation of each aspect of this screen is show below


4 | P a g e

1.1 LONG CODE HELPER Item 1) in the screen below shows the current ‘long code’

Item 3) are the Bytes and Bits

Item 4) shows current items installed. (Sometime these are accompanied with a check box)

1.2 BYTES AND BITS

Note: when you change a bit in any one of the bytes for example change bit 6 in byte 16 from 0 to 1 you

have to tab or arrow into the next byte otherwise simply changing 0 to 1 and then clicking ‘exit’ and ‘do it’

will not work.


5 | P a g e

A RECOMMENDATION FROM A SEASONED PRO –( NOT ME I MIGHT ADD!!!)

As you starting out don’t get over confident using VCDS and ALWAYS, ALWAYS keep an eye on everything

you do regardless of how many times you have used it until you have become semi pro.

It is very easy to change something and you may end up with a dead MMI or rock hard steering just by a

simple change of a ‘0’ or a ‘1’. Then it’s either off to the dealers (along with some currency in your hand), or

requesting codes for comaprisons from fellow members along with the resulting headache.

KEEPING TRACK OF CHANGES

Before changing any setting, have a blank ‘Word’ doc open and copy a screenshot before changing the

setting values. Therefore, if you have an error after changing the value you can always revert back to the

original setting.

(Ctrl + Alt + PrtSc) captures the uppermost open screen

(Ctrl + V) will paste it into the ‘Word Doc’.

Hold (Alt) button then press (tab) to swap between ‘Word’ and ‘VCDS’

Finally good luck and be careful!

Remember to make notes and "backups" of any settings you change so that you can try to

go back if something goes wrong.

Please be aware that VAG-COM is potentially a dangerous tool, you can mess your car up.


6 | P a g e

2.0 Adjustable Footwell lighting: Task Difficulty Rating:

Okay, so here is a simple task (1/5) that will get you accessing ‘bytes’, changing ‘bit’ values and

activating the ‘hidden menu’.

The mod enables you to adjust the footwell lighting on Audi A4 B8/A5 cars that do not have the

adjustment menu enabled as standard.

There are three stages to this, first is enabling the Ambiance lighting and second is activating the

hidden menu and lastly setting the lighting in the MMI to control the brightness.

2.1 (STEP 1) - ENABLE AMBIANCE LIGHTING MMI 3G

Go to 09 Cent. Elect

Select Coding 07

Select Long Coding Helper


7 | P a g e

Select Byte 16

Then change Bit 6 to 1

i.e. change from – ‘00001111’ to ‘

01001111’

Select Exit

Then select ‘Do It’

Then go back to Main Screen

Tip: when you change a bit 6 from 0

to 1 you have to tab or arrow

into the next byte otherwise

simply changing 0 to 1 and then

clicking ‘exit’ and ‘do it’ will not

work.

2.2 (STEP 2) - ENABLING THE MMI MENU You will need to access the Cars ‘Hidden Menu to complete this function. If you haven’t enabled this yet, follow the steps opposite:

Caution: Keep away from the "Bootloader" in

the hidden menu

Hidden Menu in MMI Navi Plus (3G):

(Only for Navigation Equipped Cars)

Module 5F - Information Electr.

Select [Adaptation – 10]

Using the up/down arrows, goto Channel 6

Change the value from 0 to 1

Go to cars ‘hidden menu’.

How: Press ‘Car’ and ‘Setup’ buttons simultaneously.

Note: sometimes this takes one or two goes to

activate the hidden menu.

Tip: It is sometime easier to press the radio button

first, and then press the above buttons to activate the

hidden menu.


8 | P a g e

Hidden Menu now ‘Active’

Once the menu comes up scroll to Car and select it by pushing down on the MMI scroll wheel.

Scroll to “carmenuoperation” and select with the scroll wheel.

Scroll to interior light and select it with the scroll

wheel.

It will be set to 0 you will change it to 1 or 5 then push

the scroll wheel to set it.

1 allows access while your not moving

5 allows access at all times.

Push the return button which will take you to the previous menu. Select “cardevicelist”.


9 | P a g e

Scroll to “Interior Light” and push to select. The box should go from empty to filled in.

Press return to go back.

Now reset the MMI.

How: Push down the ‘Setup’, ‘Scroll Wheel’ and ‘top right’ menu buttons at the same time.

Tip 1: make sure you have exited back to the first screen before doing this step, as it prevents inadvertant selection / deselection of options.

Tip 2: You do not need to hold down these buttons for an extended period. As soon as all three are pressed, release the buttons and the MMI will commence restart.

2.3 (STEP 3) – CONFIGURING THE SETTING IN THE MMI MENU Complete MMI Screen Shots

2G 3G

Once the MMI has reset, click on the ‘car’ button scroll down to “Ambiance Lighting” or "Background Lighting"

(Title dependant on MMI version)


10 | P a g e

FAQS FAQs The lights stay on all the time the car is on when headlight is set to off.

It has been confirmed the lights will go on and off with the light sensor if the headlight switch is set to Auto. This does work on both the front and rear foot lights. If you turn the lights all the way down the lights will go to full brightness when you open the door. Master light switch will not control these lights at all anymore. They will work separately through the MMI. Lights will not go to 100% in Ambiance mode but will when door is opened.

REFERENCES References and originator posts

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?346857-DIY-Ambiance-Lighting-%28Full-time-adjustable-foot-lighting%29

FOOTNOTE I cannot lay claim to being the first to put a guide together, as that accolade goes to others far

more experienced than I, who discovered and saw fit to share their find in the public domain –

many thanks to each of you.



vag-com – an newbies introduction

Documents