The Audi A6 C7 offers a plethora of hidden features and customization options that can be unlocked using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System). This guide provides a comprehensive list of VCDS tweaks for the A6 C7, allowing you to personalize your driving experience. Disclaimer: Modifying your vehicle’s settings with VCDS can void your warranty and potentially cause damage if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Unlocking Hidden Potential: VCDS Modifications for Your Audi A6 C7
VCDS allows access to the control modules within your Audi A6 C7, enabling adjustments to various settings. From enabling hidden menus to customizing lighting behaviors, the possibilities are extensive. This guide outlines numerous tweaks, categorized for clarity.
Instrument Cluster Modifications
- Gauge Test/Needle Sweep: Activate a dramatic needle sweep upon engine start. Access Module 17 (Instruments), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 1, and enable “Gauge Test/Needle Sweep active.”
- Lap Timer: Enable the lap timer functionality within the instrument cluster. Module 17 (Instruments), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 1, activate “Lap Timer active.” (May require a firmware update from Audi.)
- Disabling Seatbelt Reminder Chimes: Silence the seatbelt warning chime. Module 17 (Instruments), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 0, Bit 4, enable “Seat Belt Warning inactive.”
Lighting Adjustments
- Kerb Lighting: Activate cornering lights for improved visibility at low speeds. Module 09 (Cent. Elect.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 4, enable Bit 0.
- Tail Lights with DRLs: Enable taillights to illuminate with daytime running lights. Module 09 (Cent. Elect.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 2, enable Bit 7.
- Disabling DRL Dim on Turn Signal: Prevent DRL dimming when using turn signals. Module 09 (Central Elec.), Security Access – 16 (Code: 20113), Adaptation – 10, Channel 3, set value between 5 and 100 (50 recommended).
- Tourist Mode for Headlights: Activate tourist mode for headlight adjustments when driving abroad. Module 09 (Cent. Elect.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 4, enable Bit 6.
- Enabling Daytime Running Lights On/Off Setting: Control DRLs through the MMI. Module 09 (Cent. Elect.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 3, enable Bit 0. (MMI setting location may vary.)
- Adjust LED Brightness: Fine-tune the brightness of your LEDs. Module 09 (Cent. Elect.), Security Access – 16 (Code: 20113), Adaptation – 10, Channel 3, adjust value between 5 and 100.
Convenience Features
- Beep on Lock: Enable an audible confirmation chirp when locking the car. Module 46 (Central Conv.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 1, Bit 2, enable “Anti-Theft-System: Horn Confirmation active.”
- Passenger Door Mirror Dip in Reverse: Automatically dip the passenger side mirror when reversing. Module 52 (Door Elect, Pass), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 4, enable Bit 2.
- Close Electric Boot Lid from Key: Enable remote closing of the electric trunk lid. Module 46 (Cent Conv), Coding – 07, Byte 2, Bit 2, enable “Comfort operation: Remote control active.” Also, Module 4D (Trunk Elec), Security Access – 16 (Code: 12345), Adaptation – 10, activate “Touch function for closing.”
- Double Disarm Chirp: Enable a double chirp confirmation upon disarming the alarm. Module 46 (Central Conv.), Adaptation – 10, Channel 63, add 4.
- Disabling Engine Stop When Opening Driver’s Door: Prevent engine shut-off when opening the driver’s door after moving the car. Module 46 (Central Conv.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, modify the red byte from 00000111 to 00001111.
- Enable Auto Handbrake When Shifting into Park: Automatically engage the parking brake when shifting into park. Module 53 (Parking Brake), Security Access – 16 (Code: 78713), Adaptation – 10, activate “Shift P to EPB.” (May result in errors on some vehicles.)
- Parking Brake Release Without Seatbelt: Allow parking brake release without the seatbelt fastened. Module 53 (Parking Brake), Security Access – 16 (Code will be displayed), Adaptation – 10, select and change the appropriate parameter.
MMI and Infotainment
- Hidden Green Menu Access: Unlock the hidden green engineering menu in the MMI. Module 5F (Information Electr.), Adaptation – 10, Channel 6, change value from 0 to 1. Reboot MMI by pressing and holding MENU, the central MMI knob, and the top right softkey simultaneously. Access the hidden menu by pressing and holding CAR and MENU buttons.
- Battery Meter in MMI: Display battery information in the MMI. Requires accessing the hidden green menu (see above). Navigate to Car > Carextdevicelist, check “Battery,” then Carmenuoperation, set “Battery” from 0 to 5. Reboot MMI.
- Video In Motion (VIM): Enable video playback while driving. Module 5F (Information Electr.), Advanced ID – 1A (note serial number), use a third-party VIM code generator with your serial number to obtain login codes. Security Access – 16 (enter generated code), Adaptation – 10, Channel 48, change value from 0 to 255. Reboot MMI. Use with extreme caution; illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Enabling Default Distance Setting for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Adjust the default following distance for ACC in the MMI. Module 13 (Auto Distance Regulation), Adaptation – 10, Channel 07, change value from 0 to 1. Reboot MMI. Access settings in Car > Driver Assistance > Adaptive Cruise.
- Modifying High Beam Assist Speed Threshold: Adjust the speed at which High Beam Assist activates. Module 20 (High Beam Assist), Adaptation – 10, select “High Beam Speed Threshold” and enter the desired speed in km/h. Reboot MMI.
- Enable Ripping from CD to MMI HDD: Enable CD ripping functionality within the MMI. Requires accessing the hidden green menu (see above). Navigate to Main > Diagnose > Settings > Import_Multimedia, check “Ripping.” Reboot MMI.
- Disable NAV & Phone Warning Messages: Disable warning messages for navigation and phone use while driving. Module 5F (Information Electr.), Adaptation – 10, set Channels 2 and 3 to 250.
- Adjust Bluetooth Microphone Sensitivity: Adjust the sensitivity of the Bluetooth microphone. Access hidden green menu (see above), navigate to Diagnose > Settings > Mic sensitivity, and choose -6db/0db/+6db.
Advanced Modifications
- Adaptive Brake Lights: Enable flashing brake lights during hard braking. Module 46 (Comfort System), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 8, Bit 0 and Bit 1 (set both to 1 for activation).
- Independent Fog Light Control with High Beams: Enable independent control of fog lights with high beams. Module 09 (Cent. Elect.), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 4, Bit 1 and Bit 2 (set both to 0).
- Enabling TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): Requires specific ABS module (1AT). Hidden menu, Car > Cardevicelist, enable “RDK.” Then, Car > Carmenuoperation, set “Tires Air Pressure Control” to 5. Module 03 (ABS Brakes), Security Access – 16 (Code: 61378), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 1, Bit 3 (set to 1). Module 17 (Instruments), Coding – 07, Long Coding Helper, Byte 4, Bit 0 (set to 1). Reset MMI.
- Set Audi Parking System – Switch Off Speed: Adjust the speed at which the parking system deactivates. Module 10 (Park/Steer Assist), Adaptation – 10, Channel 23, set to 20 (maximum value in km/h).
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for customizing your Audi A6 C7 with VCDS. Remember to proceed cautiously, research each modification thoroughly, and back up your original settings before making any changes. Enjoy unlocking the hidden potential of your Audi!