Enabling the automatic rain closing feature on a Volkswagen MK7 GTI using VCDS can sometimes be frustrating. This guide will walk through the common settings and diagnostic steps to help troubleshoot why your rain closing function might not be working.
While the process seems straightforward, several factors can prevent successful activation. Let’s examine the typical setup procedure and then delve into potential issues.
Standard VCDS Rain Closing Setup for MK7 GTI
Here’s the generally accepted procedure for activating rain closing with VCDS:
1. Adaptation Channels in Module 09 (Central Electronics):
- Channel 15 (Access Control 2 – Regenschliessen_ein aus): Set to “Active” to enable rain closing.
- Channel 16 (Access Control 2 – Regenschliessen_art): Set to “Permanent” for continuous rain closing. Other options might include timed closure.
- Channel 28 (Access Control 2 – Menuesteuerung Regenschliessen): Set to “Active” to enable control through the car’s menu.
2. Coding in Module 09 (Central Electronics):
- Rain and Light Sensor (Byte 0):
- Bit 2 (Rain Closing Active): Must be enabled.
- Bit 1 (Rain Light Active): Should already be enabled for automatic headlights. Verify this is active. The original coding “00A8DD” changed to “06A8DD” suggests Bit 2 was correctly enabled.
3. Car Setup Menu:
- Ensure the “Rain Closing” option is checked within the vehicle’s infotainment system settings.
4. Testing:
- Lock the doors.
- Ensure the key fob is a sufficient distance away (approximately 20 feet).
- Activate the intermittent wiper function. Sometimes continuous wiping is required. Alternatively, simulate rain on the sensor.
- Observe for window closure. The sunroof should also close if equipped and enabled.
Troubleshooting Rain Closing Issues
If the windows still don’t close, consider these diagnostic steps:
1. Verify VCDS Coding: Double-check all adaptation channels and coding changes for accuracy. Incorrect values will prevent the feature from working.
2. Rain/Light Sensor (RLS) Compatibility: The diagnostic scan indicates a part number of “5Q0 955 559 A” for the RLS. Research online forums and resources to confirm compatibility with the rain closing feature on a 2015 MK7 GTI. While less likely, incompatibility can be an issue. Look for any reported issues with specific RLS hardware or software versions.
3. RLS Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): The provided scan doesn’t show any faults within the RLS module. However, a more comprehensive scan of all modules might reveal hidden issues affecting rain closing. Focus on modules related to the convenience system or central electronics.
4. Wiring and Connections: Inspect the wiring harness and connections to the RLS for any damage or corrosion. A faulty connection can disrupt communication and prevent the signal from reaching the necessary modules.
5. Long Coding Helper: When modifying coding with VCDS, utilize the “Long Coding Helper” functionality. This feature provides descriptions for each bit and can help avoid unintentional changes. It also offers a way to compare the original and modified coding byte-by-byte.
Conclusion
Enabling automatic rain closing on a MK7 GTI with VCDS should be a straightforward process. However, when encountering difficulties, meticulous verification of settings, compatibility checks, and thorough diagnostic scans are essential. If the problem persists after exhausting these steps, consulting with a knowledgeable VW technician or an experienced VCDS user in online forums might be necessary. Providing the complete Auto-Scan from VCDS in online forums will help others diagnose your issue.
