If you’re looking to adjust the brightness of your parking lights on a MK7 Volkswagen using VCDS, you might have encountered some confusion regarding Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and how they interact with parking light dimming. This guide clarifies the process and explains how to achieve the desired brightness levels.
Decoding DRL and Parking Light Functionality
On MQB platform vehicles like the MK7, the front lights perform dual roles: DRLs when low beams are off and parking lights when low beams are on. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper VCDS adjustments.
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Activated when low beams are off, DRLs enhance visibility during daylight hours. In the VCDS coding, this function is associated with Lichtfunktion A and its brightness is controlled by Dimmwert AB.
Parking Lights (PLs): Activated when low beams are on, PLs serve as position markers. This function corresponds to Lichtfunktion C in VCDS and its brightness is governed by Dimmwert CD. Single-side parking light functionality (e.g., for parking on the side of the road) is controlled by Lichtfunktion D and also uses the Dimmwert CD value.
Adjusting Brightness with VCDS
DRL Brightness: Factory settings for LED DRLs on UK-spec MK7 Golf R models often utilize Dimmwert AB set to 100, representing maximum illumination. Contrary to some beliefs, using higher values (like 127) won’t increase brightness further because the Lasttyp setting determines whether analogue or digital control is used for the LED’s Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Adjusting Dimmwert AB lower will decrease DRL brightness.
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Parking Light Brightness: The factory default for Dimmwert CD is usually 26. Increasing this value will brighten the parking lights when the low beams are on. However, if you’ve increased this value and the parking lights remain bright even with the headlights on, you haven’t misunderstood the functionality of Leuchte-sets on the MQB platform. Changing Dimmwert CD only affects the brightness of the parking lights (Lichtfunktion C and D) and will not impact the DRL brightness when low beams are off.
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Key Takeaway: Dimmwert AB vs. Dimmwert CD
Remember: Dimmwert AB controls DRL brightness (low beams off), while Dimmwert CD controls parking light brightness (low beams on). Adjusting one will not affect the other. Use these specific VCDS channels to achieve your desired lighting configuration. If you’re aiming for brighter parking lights while maintaining a dimmer setting when headlights are on, ensure you’re modifying Dimmwert CD within the correct Lichtfunktion (C for both sides, D for single side). Always consult your vehicle’s specific documentation and proceed cautiously when making any coding changes with VCDS.
