Ross-Tech VCDS Tweaks: Unlocking Hidden Features in Your Audi/Volkswagen

Ross-Tech’s VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) is a powerful tool that allows you to access and modify hidden settings in your Audi or Volkswagen vehicle. These “tweaks” can enable features, customize behaviors, and personalize your driving experience. This guide compiles a comprehensive list of popular VCDS tweaks, providing step-by-step instructions for each modification. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. vcdstool.com is not responsible for any damage caused by improper use of VCDS.

Popular Ross-Tech VCDS Tweaks

Instrument Cluster Modifications

Gauge Test/Needle Sweep: Activate a dramatic needle sweep upon engine start. Navigate to [17 – Instruments], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 1, and enable “Gauge Test/Needle Sweep active.”
Lap Timer: Enable the lap timer function in your instrument cluster. Access [17 – Instruments], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 1, and enable “Lap Timer active.” (May require instrument firmware update).
Disable Seatbelt Chime: Silence the seatbelt warning chime. In [17 – Instruments], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 0, enable “Seat Belt Warning inactive.”

Lighting Adjustments

Cornering Lights (Kerb Lighting): Activate the fog lights to illuminate the road when turning at low speeds. Go to [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 4, and enable Bit 0.
Tail Lights with DRLs: Enable tail lights to illuminate with daytime running lights (DRLs). Access [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 2, and enable Bit 7.
Disable DRL Dim on Turn Signal: Prevent DRLs from dimming when the turn signal is activated. Navigate to [09 – Central Elec.], [Security Access – 16] (Code: 20113), [Adaptation – 10], Channel 3, and set a value between 5 and 100 (50 recommended).
Tourist Mode for Headlights: Enable a setting in the MMI for adjusting headlights for driving in countries with opposite traffic rules. Go to [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 4, and enable Bit 6.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) On/Off Setting: Add an option in the MMI to control DRLs. In [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 3, enable Bit 0.

Convenience Features

Alarm Chirp on Lock: Enable a confirmation chirp from the alarm when locking the car. Go to [46 – Central Conv.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 1, and enable “Anti-Theft-System: Horn Confirmation active.”
Hidden Green Menu: Access the hidden green engineering menu in the MMI. Navigate to [5F – Information Electr.], [Adaptation – 10], Channel 6, change the value from 0 to 1, and reboot the MMI.
Remote Trunk/Boot Closing: Enable closing the electric trunk/boot lid using the key fob. In [46 – Cent Conv.], [Coding – 07], Byte 2, Bit 2, enable “Comfort operation: Remote control active.” Then in [4D-Trunk Elec.], [Security Access-16] (code 12345), [Adaptation-10], activate “Touch Function for closing.”
Double Disarm Chirp: Enable a double chirp confirmation when disarming the alarm. In [46 – Central Conv.], [Adaptation – 10], Channel 63, add 4.
Auto Handbrake in Park: Automatically engage the electronic parking brake when shifting into Park. Navigate to [53 – Parking Brake], [Security Access – 16] (Code: 78713), [Adaptation – 10], and activate “Shift P to EPB.”
Parking Brake Release without Seatbelt: Allow releasing the parking brake without the seatbelt fastened. Go to [53 – Parking Brake], [Security Access – 16] (Code displayed by program), [Adaptation – 10], and select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
Disable Engine Stop on Door Open: Prevent the engine from turning off when opening the driver’s door after moving the car a short distance. In [46 – Central Conv.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], change the red byte from 00000111 to 00001111.

Advanced Tweaks

Video in Motion (VIM): Enable video playback on the MMI screen while the car is in motion. This requires generating a code based on your MMI serial number, accessing [5F – Information Electr.], [Security Access – 16], and [Adaptation – 10], Channel 48. Use caution; this modification may be illegal in some regions.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Default Distance: Add an option to the MMI for adjusting the default following distance for ACC. Go to [13 – Auto Distance Regulation], [Adaptation – 10], Channel 07, and change the value from 0 to 1.
High Beam Assist Speed Threshold: Adjust the speed at which High Beam Assist activates. In [20 – High Beam Assist], [Adaptation – 10], select “High Beam Speed Threshold” and enter the desired speed in km/h.
Passenger Mirror Dip in Reverse: Enable the passenger side mirror to dip when reversing. In [52 – Door Elect, Pass], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 4, set Bit 2 to “on.”
Disable NAV/Phone Warnings While Driving: Prevent distracting warning messages while entering navigation or phone data at speed. In [5F – Information Electr.], [Adaptation – 10], set Channels 2 and 3 to 250.
Independent Fog Light Control with High Beams: Allow independent control of fog lights even with high beams activated. In [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], Byte 4, set Bit 1 (front) and Bit 2 (rear) to 0.
Enable TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): Enable TPMS functionality. This requires specific hardware (1AT ABS unit) and involves modifications in the hidden menu, [03 – ABS Brakes], and [17-Instruments].
Set Audi Parking System Switch-Off Speed: Adjust the speed at which the parking system automatically deactivates. In [10- Park/Steer Assist], [Adaptation-10], Channel 23, set the desired speed in km/h (maximum 20).

These are just a few of the many tweaks possible with Ross-Tech VCDS. Remember to thoroughly research each modification before implementing it and always back up your original coding. Enjoy customizing your Audi or Volkswagen!