The MK6 generation of Volkswagen vehicles offers a wealth of hidden potential waiting to be unlocked. With a VCDS (Vagon Coding Diagnostic System) interface and the right know-how, you can customize your car’s features and performance to suit your individual needs. This comprehensive guide provides a curated list of popular Mk6 Vcds tweaks, empowering you to take control of your vehicle like never before.
Essential MK6 VCDS Tweaks: Lighting, Convenience, and Performance
Windows:
- Roll Up/Down with Key: Enable remote window control via your key fob. This convenient feature allows you to roll down windows for ventilation on hot days or roll them up for security. Further customization options include enabling this feature with the ignition on and using the door lock switch for window control without the key.
Locking System:
- Lock/Unlock Confirmations: Customize the visual and auditory feedback when locking and unlocking your MK6. Options include disabling the turn signal confirmation, silencing the horn honk on locking, and enabling a horn honk on unlocking.
- KESSY Lock While Running: For vehicles equipped with Keyless Entry and Start (KESSY), this tweak allows you to lock your car with the remote even when the engine is running.
Lighting:
- Fogs as DRLs: Utilize your fog lights as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) instead of the standard low beams. This modification offers a unique visual signature and improved visibility. Separate coding instructions are provided for Xenon and Halogen equipped vehicles. Note that depending on your existing coding, this might illuminate all parking lights.
- Fogs with High Beams: Decouple your fog lights from the high beams, allowing them to remain on even when high beams are activated, enhancing visibility in challenging conditions.
- Fogs as Cornering Lights: At low speeds with headlights activated, this tweak illuminates the fog light on the side you are turning, improving visibility around corners.
- Auto On/Off Headlights without Auto Switch: Enable automatic headlight activation and deactivation with the ignition, even without the auto headlight switch.
- Enable DRL On/Off in MFI (2011+): For 2011 and later models, this tweak adds a DRL on/off toggle to the Multi-Function Instrument (MFI) menu, allowing convenient control over your DRLs.
- Disable DRL with Turn Signal (2012 Only): Deactivate the LED DRL on the side corresponding to the active turn signal for enhanced signal visibility.
- Emergency Brake Flashing: Enhance safety by automatically flashing your brake lights and/or turn signals during hard braking, alerting drivers behind you to a potential emergency.
- Comfort Turn Signal Count: Customize the number of times your turn signals flash with a single tap, adjusting the default three blinks to a value between one and five.
- Coming Home Lights: Activate your headlights for a predetermined duration after shutting off the engine, illuminating your path as you exit the vehicle. Activation requires briefly pulling the high beam stalk after turning off the ignition. The “Leaving Home” function requires an auto switch and light sensor.
Example of fog lights as cornering lights on a MK6 GTI.
Wipers:
- Enable Tear Drop Wiping: Add an extra wipe after a pause when using the front or rear wiper squirter, ensuring a clearer view.
- Disable Rear Wiper with Reverse Gear: Prevent the rear wiper from automatically activating when shifting into reverse while the front wipers are on.
- Disable Rear Wiper: Completely disable the rear wiper functionality.
Other Convenience and Performance Tweaks:
- Steering Wheel Push-To-Talk as Mute: Repurpose the push-to-talk button on your steering wheel as a mute button for the audio system.
- Disable Seatbelt Warning: Disable the seatbelt warning chime and light.
- Gauge Cluster Staging: Enable a dramatic “sweep” of the gauges upon ignition. (Note: Incompatible with “G” clusters).
- Mirror Adjust Menu in MFA (2011+): Add a mirror adjustment menu to the MFA for convenient control.
Mirror Adjustment option in the MFA.
- Extend Mirror and Rear Window Heater Time: Increase the default 10-minute runtime of the mirror and rear window defrosters.
- Driver/Passenger Seat Heater Memory: Enable memory functionality for the driver and passenger seat heaters (Passenger seat memory is for 2012 models only), allowing them to resume their previous settings upon ignition.
- Disable TPMS: Disable the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for use with winter wheels or aftermarket wheels without sensors.
- Adjust Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) Strength: Fine-tune the aggressiveness of the XDS system, which applies braking to the inside wheel during cornering to reduce understeer.
- Adjust Brake Assist: Modify the sensitivity of the brake assist system.
- Adjust Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR): Adjust the sensitivity of the Driver Steering Recommendation system, which provides steering input suggestions during skids.
- Adjust Torque Steer Compensation (TSC): Mitigate torque steer in tuned vehicles by adjusting the Torque Steer Compensation.
- Disable ESP (Not Recommended): Disable the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This is not recommended as it compromises safety.
- Adjust Hill Hold Control: Modify the behavior of the Hill Hold Control system, which prevents rollback on inclines. You can also disable it completely.
- Adjust Service Intervals: Customize the service interval reminders to align with your maintenance schedule.
This guide provides a starting point for exploring the extensive customization options available for your MK6 using VCDS. Remember to always proceed with caution and consult reputable sources before making any modifications to your vehicle. Enjoy the newfound control and personalized driving experience that VCDS unlocks!
