Many Audi enthusiasts with 2010 models are curious about enabling or modifying the Audi Drive Select (ADS) system using VCDS. This article details one user’s experience attempting to activate and adjust ADS on a 2010 Audi A4 with a 2.0T engine, 6-speed manual transmission, Premium Plus trim, and the Sport Package. This specific model had the Symphony radio and lacked navigation, signifying an MMI 2G Low system.
Modifying Adaptation Channels with VCDS
Initially, accessing adaptation channels 63-66 directly proved unsuccessful, returning a “not available” message. Following online guides, modifications were made to Bytes 7, 8, and 17 within the control module. Specifically, Byte 8 was adjusted to enable engine and steering adjustments. Subsequently, adaptation channels 63-66 became accessible, each displaying a default value of “2”. As expected with the MMI 2G Low system, no corresponding ADS menus appeared in the car’s interface.
Following recommendations found online, all four adaptation channels (63-66) were set to “3,” aiming for a “dynamic” driving mode. Upon test driving, the impact was primarily noticeable in the steering feel.
Steering Response Changes and Reverting Back
Instead of the desired dynamic feel, the steering became noticeably looser. This was particularly concerning given the vehicle’s Sport Package, which is known for its firmer steering compared to standard models. To rectify this, the adaptation values were changed from “3” to “1.” This successfully restored the original steering feel. The throttle response remained largely unaffected throughout these adjustments.
Further experimentation involved setting the adaptation values to “2.” This resulted in a negligible change, potentially a slight increase in throttle responsiveness, but hardly perceptible. This contrasted with the more pronounced differences experienced in Audi vehicles equipped with the 3.2-liter engine and factory ADS during an Audi driving experience event.
Data Logging and Conclusion
To quantify the changes, data logging was performed for channels 64, 88, 89, and 99 from the engine ECU. These channels represent throttle and accelerator positions and voltages. Logging was conducted with adaptation values set to both “2” and “3” while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal. Analysis of the logged data revealed no significant differences, corroborating the subjective driving experience.
In conclusion, for this particular non-navigation, non-factory ADS equipped Audi A4, the most noticeable impact of modifying adaptation channels 63-66 was on steering feel. The default setting of “2” proved to be the most satisfactory. Setting the values to “3” resulted in undesirably light steering. Values of “0” and “4” (individual mode) were not tested. The vehicle was ultimately returned to its pre-modification state. Expected error codes related to the absence of a “charisma module” (likely referring to the ADS module) and adjustable dampers were present in module 09.
