Enhancing VCDS Audi Throttle Response with Audi Drive Select (ADS) Retrofit

Improving throttle response is a common desire among Audi owners. While direct VCDS coding for throttle response may not yield significant results on some models, retrofitting Audi Drive Select (ADS) can offer a noticeable improvement. This guide outlines the steps to enable ADS on a non-ADS equipped Audi using VCDS, focusing on a 2015 Audi Q5 as a case study.

Understanding the Potential of ADS for Throttle Response

Audi Drive Select (ADS) allows drivers to customize various vehicle parameters, including engine/transmission characteristics, steering feel, and suspension settings (if equipped with dynamic dampers). By enabling ADS and selecting the “Dynamic” mode, drivers can experience sharper throttle response, quicker gear shifts, and a more engaging driving experience. This guide focuses on enabling the “Individual” mode within ADS, allowing for customized settings.

Prerequisites for ADS Activation

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

• Ross-Tech HEX-V2 or HEX-NET Interface: This interface is necessary to communicate with the vehicle’s control modules using VCDS software.
• VCDS Software: This diagnostic software allows access to the vehicle’s coding and adaptation channels.
• Basic Understanding of VCDS: Familiarity with navigating VCDS menus and making coding changes is recommended.

Disclaimer: Modifying your vehicle’s coding can potentially lead to unintended consequences. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling ADS

This guide assumes a 3rd Generation MMI system. Consult the original Audizine thread (linked below) for 2nd Generation MMI instructions.

1. Activating the Green Menu:

• Enable Green Menu in VCDS:
  • [Select Control Module] -> [5F-Information Electr.] -> [Adaption - 10]
  • Change Channel 06 from 0 to 1 using [Read], [Test], and [Save] buttons.
• Access Green Menu in MMI:
  • With the ignition in accessory mode (engine off), press and hold the “Car” and “Menu” buttons simultaneously for 4+ seconds.

2. Enabling Charisma in the Green Menu:

• In the Green Menu, navigate to: Car -> cardevicelist and check Charisma.
• Then, go to: Car -> carmenuoperation, change Charisma from 0 to 1, and save the setting.
• Restart the MMI by pressing and holding the “Menu”, center rotary button, and the silver button to the top right of the rotary simultaneously.

3. Coding Changes in 09-Central Electric:

• Enable Software Features:
  • [Select Control Module] -> [09 – Cent. Elect.] -> [Coding - 07] -> [Long Coding Helper]
  • Modify the following Bytes and bits:
    • Byte 7, bit 5: 0 -> 1
    • Byte 8, bit 1: 0 -> 1 (Steering)
    • Byte 8, bit 4: 0 -> 1 (Steering – if bit 1 doesn’t work)
    • Byte 8, bit 2: 0 -> 1 (Engine/Transmission)
    • Byte 8, bit 0: 0 -> 1 (Engine/Transmission – if bit 2 doesn’t work)
    • Byte 8, bit 3: 0 -> 1 (Damper Control – for vehicles with dynamic dampers)
    • Byte 17, bit 7: 0 -> 1

4. Enabling ADS “Individual” UI Visibility:

• Security Access:
  • [09 – Cent. Elect.] -> [Security Access - 16]
• Adaptation Changes: (Note down original values before changing.)
  • [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 63: Change to 04 (Individual)
  • [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 64: Change to 04 (Individual)
  • [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 65: Change to 04 (Individual)
  • [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 66: Change to 04 (Individual)

Final Steps and Enjoying Enhanced Throttle Response

After completing these steps, close the controller, exit VCDS, and restart the MMI and the vehicle. Start the engine and access the new ADS options via the “Car” button. Experiment with the “Individual” mode to customize your driving experience and enjoy the improved Vcds Audi Throttle Response. For more detailed information and community support, refer to the original Audizine thread:

Original Audizine Thread